The 48th annual THSADA State Conference and Tradeshow concluded this past Wednesday with 603 attendees and 200 Exhibit Booths highlighting the 3rd year that this has been held at the Waco Convention Center. Committee meetings were on tap for Sunday as the business of the THSADA is facilitated by the work of all committee members and Chairs. Also scheduled for Sunday were meetings with Officers and Region Directors. For the 2nd year in a row, Jim Walsh has opened the TAAC sessions of the Conference with another highly attended presentation. The Sunday EnviroTurf Kickoff Reception was held for the first time indoors at the McLennan Hall and drew the largest Sunday crowd to date. Food and Drink was plentiful as EnviroTurf has always opened the Conference with an outstanding event.
Monday morning started off with dual presentations by both UIL and TAPPS staff. Both presentations drew a large crowd for their back-to-back sessions. The lobby area was particularly active in interviews with Athletic Directors being conducted by both THSADA and TSRN Radio. An information booth was a new feature and was very active along with the typical break area, Nevco countdown clock, Daktronics video board and a “Rocket Man” book signing that was presented by Dr. Charles Breithaupt. Keynote speaker for the State Conference was provided by Kevin DeShazo who was very interesting and delivered a powerful message to everyone. Monday TAAC sessions filled the afternoon schedule highlighted by an Athletic Administrators/Head Coach panel for 5A-6A in one room and 4A and below to private schools in another room. The Monday night Daktronics Tradeshow Festival was a huge success as there was maximum attendance in the Tradeshow during the evening.
Tuesday morning started with the Hellas Construction-Benny Carter Memorial Golf Tournament held for the 3rd year in a row at Cottonwood Creek Golf Course. A large turnout as always for the tournament provided everyone with a great time and fellowship. Tuesday at the Convention Center was fully scheduled with TAAC classes and then culminated with the Hellas Construction Golf Awards. The PBK Sports Tuesday night Tradeshow Festival was held with another excellent turnout.
Wednesday morning started off with the THSADA acknowledging all the NIAAA/NFHS and THSADA award recipients that will be receiving their awards at the annual THSCA Summer Convention. The THSADA also recognized their 8 Region Athletic Administrators of the Year.
Congratulations 2018-2019 THSADA Region Athletic Administrators of the Year
Region 1 – Brian Heaton-Dumas ISD
Region 2 – Mark Baker-San Angelo ISD
Region 3 – Shawn Pratt-McKinney ISD
Region 4 – David Cervantes-El Paso ISD
Region 5 – Vivian Dancy-Galena Park ISD
Region 6 – Jonathan Lamb-Leander ISD
Region 7 – Paula Gonzalez-McAllen ISD
Region 8 – Melanie Hinson-Southwest ISD
NIAAA DSA-Annette Scogin-Dallas ISD
Frank Kovaleski-Sandra Mader-Aldine ISD
KR State Award of Merit-Dr. Lisa Langston-Fort Worth ISD
Hall of Honor-Kelly Reeves-Round Rock ISD
NFHS Citation-Dr. Charles Breithaupt-UIL
Whataburger representative Krystal Sanchez introduced the two Whataburger Scholar-Athlete Award winners – Garrett Madison-Katy HS and Anna Thomas-Timber Creek HS
Also introduced were the six candidates for Vice President of the THSADA
Congratulations 2019-20 THSADA Vice President Nominees
Region 5-Debbie Fuchs-Clear Creek ISD
Region 8-Bobby Cruz-United ISD
Region 7-Oscar Riojas-Weslaco ISD
Region 1-Brad Thiessen-Amarillo ISD
Region 6-Dwayne Weirich-Round Rock ISD
Region 4-Carlos Puertas-El Paso Cathedral
The UIL addressed the attendees with an open mic session and allowed athletic administrators to comment on issues, concerns, etc. Along with the UIL requesting straw poll votes on those challenges that UIL wanted attendee input on.
There was a special recognition of Kathy Mathis who is retiring from the THSADA. The Conference concluded with the annual Mega Drawings. THSADA Board of Directors ended the Conference with a 45minute review of the Conference and some Committee reports.
The THSADA will hold its 49th annual State Conference one more year in Waco before we head to the Kalahari Resort in Round Rock for the 50th anniversary of THSADA.
