STEVENS POINT, Wis. – Paul Pedersen, president of Regis High School, presided over the first meeting of the 2023-24 Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association Board of Control on Aug. 11.
The Board conducted its 2023-24 officer elections. Cory Hinkel, superintendent in the Luck School District, will serve as the president-elect; and Jill Stobber, athletics and activities administrator at Waterford High School, was elected to the role of treasurer. In addition, Greg Doverspike, district administrator of the Durand-Arkansaw School District, was introduced as a new member of the Board.
Two action items approved by the Board impact the Tournament Series in two sports. The State Boys Golf Championships will be held for the third straight year on the Meadow Valley Course at Blackwolf Run in Kohler next spring. In addition, schools hosting WIAA regional and sectional track & field meets will begin receiving a $1000 allowance for expenses incurred with securing automated timing systems for results.
Other Board action items approved were appointments to the 2023-24 Coaches Advisory Committee, the 2023-24 Media Policies Reference Guide, the annual renewal of the WIAA’s membership in the National Federation of State High School Associations and various general financial reports.
Among the reports presented by the executive staff to the Board were the introduction of Mark Gutknecht as the information technology coordinator, the calendar for the 2023 Area Meetings in September, development of the 2023-24 operational budget, a review of the New AD Workshop, an update on the ongoing efforts to recruit and retain officials and consideration for gaining compliance in the NFHS basketball rules regarding the playing of halves versus quarters.
In addition, members of the executive staff beginning new appointments on NFHS committees were identified. Stephanie Hauser will serve the Education Committee; Mel Dow will join the Summer Meeting Planning Committee; LeVar Ridgeway begins his term on the Ice Hockey Rules Committee, and Melissa Gehring will serve on the Track & Field Rules Committee.
The Board also received liaison reports from Paul Manriquez of the Department of Public Instruction, Dan Rossmiller of the Wisconsin Association of School Boards and Eric Plitzuweit of the Wisconsin Athletic Directors Association.
The WIAA, as defined by its Constitution, is a voluntary, unincorporated, and nonprofit organization. The membership oversees interscholastic athletic programs for 514 senior high schools and 43 junior high/middle level schools in its membership.
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