FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Spanish Fork High School's Doug Snell to be Honored as Southwest District Athletic Director of the Year

RESTON, VA, March 16, 2009 – Spanish Fork resident Doug Snell will be honored as the Southwest 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 Southwest District represents six states from New Mexico to Hawaii.

         At the convention Snell, who has served as director of athletics for Spanish Fork High School for 14 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, Doug Snell 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."

         Spanish Fork High School Principal Dave McKee, said "I have never seen, heard of, or associated with an athletic director with more passion for athletics, the desire to do his job right, and motivated to improve everything he associates with. He fully understands the role that extra-curricular activities should play for all student/athletes. His passion motivates and inspires our students to reach for the important things, and teaches them correct life principles. Students and teachers respect him for the excellence he portrays in his job and everyday life."

         Among his many accomplishments, Snell has created a successful Reading and Recess program at his high school. The program consists of athletes from Spanish Fork High School going to local elementary schools to spread the word about how athletics and academics go hand in hand by the athletes reading their favorite book to a class and then playing with them at recess.

         Among his most recent professional awards, he received the Utah Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (UIAAA) Athletic Director of the Year Award, the Citizen Service Award from the Utah County Sheriff's Department and is a Certified Athletic Administrator (CAA) and Certified Master Athletic Administrator (CMAA).

         His professional affiliations and activities include the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA), the Athletic Directors Advisory Council (UIAAA), and a committee member of the Spanish Fork Park & Recreation. Snell received his undergraduate degree from Southern Utah University and graduate degree from Brigham Young University.

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Contact:
Paula 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.