STEVENS POINT, Wis. – LeVar Ridgeway, assistant director of the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association, was honored by the MKE Fellows and the Midwest Minority Officials Association during a reception at the Associated Bank Center for Professional Development in Milwaukee Monday.
As part of a special Black History Month salute, Ridgeway was recognized for joining the WIAA executive staff last June, becoming the first person of color on the staff. Richard Badger, head golf coach at Alverno College, was also honored at the event in conjuntion with the proclamation of “Butch Lee Day” in Milwaukee. Lee was the NCAA Basketball Player of the Year in 1977 and 1978 while playing at Marquette University.
Since joining the WIAA executive staff, Ridgeway’s responsibilities have included the administration, coordination of duties and tournament planning for the sports of cross country, hockey, soccer and softball, as well as the administrative duties of middle level regulations, coach conduct, and oversight of the Sports Advisory Committee.
Prior to his role with the WIAA, Ridgeway served as the athletics and activities director in the Shorewood School District since 2013. In that position, he coordinated and managed the athletic programs and activities for grades 7-12 and was responsible for all events, facilities, game contracts and official assignments in compliance with district and WIAA regulations.
During his eight years at Shorewood, he led a $1.5 million project to upgrade the district’s outdoor complex. He was also responsible for revamping the district’s athletic code to promote WIAA guidelines and optimize performance and participation while enhancing the communication process for students and the school community.
Prior to his position at Shorewood, Ridgeway served 12 years in the athletic department at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in three different positions. In 2001, he worked as the marketing and promotions coordinator for a 13-sport Division 1 intercollegiate program. From 2002-2009, he performed the duties of the director of tickets and events, as well as managing large events and operations for more than 420 home athletic events at the Klotsche Center, U.S. Cellular Arena, Engelmann Stadium and Hank Aaron Field. His final role was as assistant athletic director for marketing and operations from 2009-13, implementing marketing programs, directing all in-game marketing and promotion responsibilities for six sports, and producing marketing and public relation campaigns.
In addition to his work experience, Ridgeway has been involved in a number of professional associations, including the Wisconsin Athletics Directors Association, National Association of Collegiate Directors, UW-Milwaukee Pantherfest, UW-Milwaukee Marketing Committee and the UW-Milwaukee Hall of Fame Committee.
Ridgeway is a native of Milwaukee. He earned a master’s degree in Leadership Studies with an emphasis in sports from Marquette University and a bachelor of science degree in Public Policy and Administration from UW-Whitewater.
The membership of the WIAA oversees interscholastic athletic programs for 516 senior high schools and 45 junior high/middle level schools in its membership. It sponsors 27 championship Tournament Series for boys and girls in 2021-22. For more information, please contact the WIAA office at (715) 344-8580.
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