Published, 3/24/16

I have just returned from Saratoga Springs where I had the opportunity and pleasure of attending the annual New York State Athletic Administrators Association Conference.

This year’s conference was especially gratifying and enjoyable due to the involvement of the athletic directors from Section XI. Dr. Jim Wright, Walt Whitman High School Director of Athletics, spent the past year serving the Association as its President providing the leadership needed to drive the goals, objectives and professional development of its members. The culmination of his year is the overseeing of the annual conference. This year Jim’s theme was “Produce great men and women…the rest follows- Walt Whitman”.

Once again Section XI athletic directors rose to the occasion and worked with Jim to put together a conference that I think really reflected the theme chosen. Special kudos go out to Tim Mullins, Georgia McCarthy, Joe Mercado, Deb Ferry, Lou Howard and Todd Gulluscio for their leadership and so many other athletic directors who served as presenters, presiders and volunteers. Their efforts provided a positive and enjoyable educational conference for the 500-plus athletic directors from around New York State. Their commitment and dedication to the student-athletes and athletic programs of our great state never ceases to amaze me.

Special congratulations go to Amy Agnesini, Rocky Point Director of Athletics for receiving the Chapter 11 Athletic Administrator Award and to Deb Ferry, Half Hollow Hills Director of Athletics, for being awarded the NYSAAA Apple Award. Both well deserved.

Once again congratulations and many thanks to the athletic directors of Section XI for stepping up to the plate and hitting a home run. It is my pleasure and an honor to have the opportunity to work with you all on a daily basis. You are the ones that make Section XI so great.

Don Webster
Executive Director
Section XI