IHSA Announcement

March 18, 2006

NFHS Honors 27 Illinois Coaches

The Illinois High School Association announced today that 27 coaches at member schools were recognized as National Federation of State High School Association (NFHS) 2005 Coach of the Year sectional or state awards winners. In being named a sectional or state winner, these coaches are among a select group of individuals who have served as leaders and role models in their schools and communities. This year’s winners include:

John Gross, Peoria (Richwoods) – Sectional Award for Girls Basketball
Jim Hall, Lockport (H.S.) – Sectional Award for Baseball

Frank Boothe, Moline – State Award for Boys Swimming
Andrew Brunner, Belleville (West) – State Award for Boys Tennis
John Carle, Des Plaines (Maine West) – State Award for Girls Swimming and Diving
Chad Downie, Wheaton (North) – State Award for Boys Gymnastics
Jim Guest, Palatine (Fremd) – State Award for Girls Gymnastics
James Gumz, Rolling Meadows – State Award for Girls Tennis
Dennis Erlich, Edwardsville (H.S.) – State Award for Boys Bowling
Mike Johnson, Rockford (Christian Life) – State Award for Boys Golf
Gene Jones, Metamora – State Award for Girls Cross Country
Mel Kolbusz, Oak Park (O.P.-River Forest) – State Award for Softball
Jeanine Konkolewski, Arlington Hts. (Hersey) – State Award for Girls Badminton
Sharon Krack, East Moline (United) – State Award for Girls Bowling
Mary Lauwerens, Carlinville – State Award for Girls Track and Field
Jay Lipe, Chatham (Glenwood) – State Award for Girls Soccer
Fred Miller, Palatine (H.S.) – State Award for Boys Cross Country
Mike Polz, Orland Park (Sandburg) – State Award for Wrestling
Joann Pyritz, LaGrange (Lyons) – State Award for Boys Volleyball
Bill Salentine, Naperville (Central) – State Award for Boys Water Polo
Dan Sharp, Joliet (Catholic Academy) – State Award for Football
Jennifer Slaght, Freeport (Sr.) – State Award for Girls Golf
John Wagner, Oak Park (Fenwick) – State Award for Girls Water Polo
Jon Stapleton, Downers Grove (North) – State Award for Boys Soccer
Dave Weber, Northbrook (Glenbrook North) – State Award for Boys Basketball
Roscoe Whitfield, East St. Louis (Sr.) – State Award for Boys Track & Field
Kathy Wuller, Belleville (Althoff) – State Award for Girls Volleyball

“Our member schools are truly fortunate to have such tremendous individuals working with student-athletes in their communities,” said IHSA Executive Director Dr. Marty Hickman. “These coaches exemplify all that is good in interscholastic competition. Their impact on students, other coaches, and their communities will be a greater legacy than any victory their teams have attained on playing fields.”

Other Action

The Board approved a recommendation from the Executive Director to name Stone Creek and Hickory Ridge as the sites for the 2006-07, 2007-08, and 2008-09 IHSA Girls Golf State Finals. Both courses are located in the Carbondale area. Stone Creek has been the site for the girls state finals the last three years.
The Board approved a recommendation from the Executive Director to increase officials dues from $35 to $40 effective with the start of the 2006-07 school term. The increase comes as a response to increased postage and publishing costs for officials materials.
The Board approved a recommendation from the Executive Director to establish classification percentages for the 2006-07 school term at 5/9 (55.56%) of member schools in Class A and 4/9 (44.44%) in Class AA. Based on current membership and reported enrollment figures, this results in a tentative Class A cutoff of 744 for the 2006-07 school term. The cutoff may need to be adjusted after final enrollment figures are confirmed from the Illinois State Board of Education.
The Board approved a recommendation from the Executive Director and the Board Treasurer to establish an expense allowance for Board and staff members attending the annual National Federation meeting this summer.

Discussion Items

At each meeting of the Board of Directors, there are certain agenda items that the Board discusses, but upon which it takes no action. Following is a report of those on the March 18, agenda:

Central Illinois Regional Museum: The Board heard a report from Jim Richerson, president of Lakeview Museum, concerning the museum campus being developed on the Peoria riverfront. The campus will house the Illinois High School Hall of Fame and is scheduled for completion in 2009.

Classification: The Executive Director led a discussion with the Board regarding allowing member schools to play up in classification in all multiple class activities.

Contact Period for NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Coaches: The Executive Director led a discussion with the Board regarding the April contact period for NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Coaches. During the April period, Men’s Division I Coaches could only have contact with prospective student-athletes at approved events. The Board affirmed its position not to approve any such events in Illinois.

Legislative Issues: The Board heard a report from the Executive Director concerning the status of current legislative issues involving the association.

Hearings

No hearings were brought before the Board.