FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

National Association For Sport and Physical Education to Induct Marquis Ross Into Presidential Hall of Fame

RESTON, VA, March 30, 2009 – Marquis Ross, district administrator of athletics and activities emeritus, Nampa (Idaho) School District, and  25 years in the Meridian School District with 13 years as Athletic Director at Centennial High School, will receive the Athletic Director Presidential Hall of Fame Award from the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) during the national convention of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD). Ross will be recognized at the NASPE Athletic Director of the Year dinner on Wednesday, April 1 in Tampa, Florida. Other honorees that evening include the District Athletic Director of the Year Awards.

         A national honor, the Athletic Director Presidential Hall of Fame Award is given to an outstanding individual for their contribution in enhancing the professional status of secondary school athletic directors and state athletic directors association. The recipient must have 25 years of service to secondary school athletics and 10 successful years as an Athletic Director. The award is given by the National Council of Secondary School Athletic Directors.

         According to Tim Graham, colleague of Ross and athletic director of Tumwater High School (Washington), "Marcus is a quality athletic director on all accounts.  I especially appreciate how he will go out of his way to mentor a new or experienced athletic director.  His knowledge and expertise is so welcomed and I believe has helped reduce the turnover in our profession due to burn out and other job related pressures."              

         Among Ross' many accomplishments, he has been the executive director of the Idaho Athletic Administrators Association, he was the first athletic director in the nation to complete the National Masters Level Certification, and he was elected to the NIAAA Board of Directors for a three-year term. Ross also has won a copious amount of awards including the NIAAA Distinguished Service Award, Western Regional Athletic Director of the Year, and a multiple winner of the Southern Idaho Conference AD of the Year.            

         A leader in his field, he has served on numerous national committees, attended and presented at conferences for over 20 years, and taught training classes at the state and section levels. In addition, he served as the state tournament director for 20 years, a state girls and boys basketball tournament director, and a state football championship tournament director. Ross has a Bachelors degree in Physical Education, a Masters in Physical Education and a Masters in Athletic Administration.

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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.