2017 THSADA State Conference Slideshow

Jeff Power Covers the 2017 THSADA State Conference

THSADA State Conference and Professional Development Program 2017 Conference Wrap-up

The 46th annual THSADA State Conference and Professional Development Program, concluded a successful four-day Conference at the Waco Convention Center. This was the first time the THSADA State Conference was held in Waco and it proved to be a great location.

The THSADA State Conference saw over 420 attendees during the four-day Conference which included, Athletic Administrators, Head Football Coaches and Athletic Staff. The Tradeshow was also the largest the THSADA has ever had with 161 Exhibit Booths lining the Chisholm Hall at the Waco Convention Center. The THSADA Tradeshow has grown significantly over the past several years and averages an increase of 20 Exhibitors per year.

Quotes from some of our first-time Exhibitors:

“First Class conference, we want in again next year”.

“The time, energy, and money was well worth it. The interaction with the AD’s and other vendors was fantastic. I have highly suggested to both of my systems distributors that this is a “MUST” for the future”.

“We had a great time, and had some fantastic discussions. I’ve spent the week following up in person and via email with the coaches and ADs”.

“Thank you once again for putting on such a great show and conference. The conference was great”.

“It was GREAT being a part of the THSADA Annual Conference! This was our first, but can promise it will not be our last, wonderful people, wonderful experience”.

“Thank you for all of the work you and your team put in to make the convention such a success”.

“We enjoyed the conference and plan to attend next year as well”.

THSADA membership growth is reflective of the interest and involvement of Athletic Administrators throughout the State of Texas. THSADA membership is at 850 and has increased significantly each year. The goal for this upcoming membership drive year is to be well over 1,000 THSADA members.

The State Conference opened on Sunday with a meeting of all THSADA Committee Chairs followed by a meeting with all eight of the THSADA Committee’s.

Committee Chairs
Publications: Bernie Mulvaney-Director of Athletics-Goose Creek ISD
Professional Development: Debbie Fuchs-Clear Creek ISD
Awards: Randy Cretors-Harlingen CISD
Membership: Jennifer Roland-Alamo Heights ISD ISD
Special Events: Vince Sebo-Tomball ISD
Football Advisory: Cliff Odenwald-Garland ISD
Basketball Advisory: Philip O’Neal-Mansfield ISD
Officials Advisory: Johnny Tusa-Waco ISD

The two Sunday sessions featured Mr. Chris Gilbert-Partner-Thompson & Horton, LLC. Mr. Gilbert gave an excellent two-hour presentation on those legal issues critical and conducive to Athletic Administrators. Mr. Gilbert’s presentation was followed by the annual Enviro-Turf/Hal Mumme Football Poolside Kick-off Reception. Attendance at this event was outstanding as this was held at the Hilton Pool area and was attended by both attendees and exhibitors. This event has become an excellent way for Exhibitors to socialize with the Conference attendees before the Conference begins.

Monday morning featured the annual address by both the UIL and TAPPS. Each Executive Director and staff addressed their respective attendees as the sessions were split between UIL schools and TAPPS schools. A special feature during the UIL session was an address by SEC Chair-Mike Motheral. Dean Linke-Hellas Construction delivered a presentation on “Championship Prep” that was well received by the attendees. Afternoon sessions featured panel discussions highlighted by an Industry Panel where representatives from specific industries sat on the panel to discuss questions sent in by the attendees. Companies represented on this Industry Panel were: Hellas Construction/Daktronics/Musco Lighting/PBK Sports. Varsity Brands and SuperFanU also delivered corporate presentations and both sessions were well attended as was a session on Booster Club management.

The Monday keynote speaker for the State Conference was Baylor University Head Football Coach Matt Rhule. Coach Rhule delivered an incredible presentation on Leadership, Attitude and Commitment. Coach Rhule also took advantage of the opportunity to mix socially with the AD’s after his session.

The Daktronics Tradeshow Festival took place late afternoon and early evening and attendance was at an all-time high. There was good attendance and participation by all attendees while many of the Exhibitors were very complimentary of the format and attendance.

Tuesday morning saw the Tee-Off of the annual Hellas Construction-Benny Carter Memorial Golf Tournament held at Cottonwood Creek Golf Course. This annual event is a highlight of the Conference and raises funds, along with a contribution from Whataburger for the THSADA-Whataburger Scholarship. It was another great event put on by Hellas Construction and a good time was had by all!

Opposite the Golf Tournament we held our annual Athletic Administrators Academy for those individuals not playing golf. The Academy is a series of short, impactful deliveries by either a speaker or panel on specific subjects and topics significant to Athletic Administrators. This year there were split sessions for both UIL and TAPPS schools. The highlight presentation of the Athletic Administrators Academy was a presentation sponsored by Field Turf and Dr. Michael C. Meyers on the latest in football injuries as it relates to artificial turf.

After the conclusion of the Athletic Administrators Academy, Hellas Construction handed out all the awards won at the Golf Tournament. Everyone then adjourned to the Hellas Construction Tradeshow Festival.

On Wednesday, the last half day of the Conference, a very special feature was held that was also taped by Jeff Power and played on Fox Sports. This session featured Charles Breithaupt-Executive Director-UIL, Bryan Bunselmeyer-Executive Director-TAPPS and moderator Craig Way addressing the topic of “The State of High School Athletics in Texas”. This was a tremendous exchange and sharing of information and many important issues and positions were delivered. This session lasted about an hour and a half and was one of the highlights features of the State Conference.

After the UIL-TAPPS session the THSADA had a General Session where sponsors were invited to speak and an update of the Texas Athletic Administrators Certificate program was shared with the attendees. The THSADA hopes to rollout the TAAC at the July THSCA Coaching School.

The last session featured Jeff Altman from Whataburger announcing the 2017 THSADA Hall of Honor inductees along with the Vice President candidates and the Whataburger Scholarship Award winners. The final session concluded with the annual Mega Drawings.

We would like to thank all those THSADA members and non-members that made the effort to attend the Conference, network with fellow athletic administrators and attend the professional development sessions. Involvement with the THSADA, whether it be as a Board member, Committee Chair or Committee member is significant in the development and profile of the Association. The THSADA is only as strong and influential as is the involvement and commitment of its members.

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