FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Norris High School's Randy Bates to be Honored as Central District Athletic Director of the Year

RESTON, VA, March 12, 2009 – Lincoln resident Randy Bates will be honored as the Central District Athletic Director of the Year by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) during its national convention in Tampa, Florida, March 30 - April 4. The Central District represents nine states: Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming.

       At the convention Bates, who has served as assistant principal and activities director for Norris High School for over nine years, will vie with five other district winners from around the country for the "National Athletic Director of the Year Award." Begun over 34 years ago, the purpose of the program is to give recognition to athletic administrators around the country who exemplify the highest standards of their profession. The award plaques are provided by Herff-Jones.

       The National Athletic Director of the Year Award recipient will be announced on Friday, April 3, at the NASPE Hall of Fame Banquet. Olympic softball gold medalist Dot Richardson, M.D. will be inducted that evening into the NASPE Hall of Fame.

         According to NASPE President Fran Cleland of West Chester University of Pennsylvania, "By making a significant impact on the lives of the students, Randy Bates has made an outstanding contribution to his school and community. He is also recognized as an administrator of an exemplary athletic program and educator who keeps athletics an integral part of the total education program."

        Director of Athletics/Student Activities for Lincoln Public Schools, Karen Hand, CAA, said "Randy Bates works hard with coaches and students to be sure they are accountable and have the resources they need to be successful. A team player, he also works with his school administration to provide a positive environment in the school day and in athletic competition. "

        Bates, a champion for sportsmanship on the local and state level, has been instrumental involving his school administration in statewide presentations for the annual sportsmanship summit. Among his many accomplishments, he has created a family environment within the athletic department amongst the coaches to support all of the athletes. He has established criteria and initiated high school Hall of Fame and recognition programs in three high schools in three states. In addition, he has initiated several student recognition programs based upon academic standing of student-athletes, as well as established and revised eligibility standards for student-athletes to ensure completion of graduation requirements.

        Among his most recent professional awards, he received the NSIAAA District 1 Athletic Administrator of the Year; the NIAAA Distinguished Service Award and the NIAAA State Award of Merit.

        His professional affiliations and activities include the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) where he is a member of the National Publication Committee, the National Association for Sport and Physical Education/American Alliance of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (NASPE/AAHPERD), the National Association of Secondary School Principals and the Nebraska Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association, just to name a few. Bates received his undergraduate degree from Wayne State College and graduate degree from Truman State University.

###

Contact:
Paula Keyes Kun
pkun@aahperd.org
703-476-3461

The preeminent national authority on physical education and a recognized leader in sport and physical activity, the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) is a non-profit professional membership association that sets the standard for practice in physical education and sport. NASPE’s 15,000 members include: K-12 physical education teachers, coaches, administrators, researchers, and college/university faculty who prepare professionals in these areas. NASPE seeks to enhance knowledge, improve professional practice, and increase support for high-quality physical education, sport and physical activity programs. It is the largest of the five national associations that make up the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance (AAHPERD). For more information, visit www.naspeinfo.org.

AAHPERD, an alliance of five national associations, six district associations, and a Research Consortium, provides its members with a comprehensive and coordinated array of resources, support, and programs to help practitioners improve their skills to further the health and well-being of the American public. It is the largest organization of professionals involved in physical education, recreation, fitness, dance, health promotion and all specialties related to achieving an active, healthy lifestyle. AAHPERD serves 20,000 members and has its headquarters in Reston, Virginia, 25 miles west of Washington DC. To learn more, visit www.aahperd.org.