The National High School Athletic Coaches Association has announced that Perry Activities Director Tom Lipovac has been named a finalist for the NHSACA National Athletic Director of the Year.
Lipovac, who was also a national finalist in 2010, has been with the Perry Community School District for 35 years and recently completed his 30th year as AD. He was nominated for national recognition by the Iowa Girls Coaches Association based on program development and expansion, facility improvements, professional service to high school athletics, professional honors and professional contributions. Nominees and finalists are evaluated by experts in their field using specific rubrics to assign points in each category.
“It is always humbling to be recognized by your peers,” Lipovac said. “There are so many excellent AD’s just in our conference, not to mention throughout the state, so it is quite humbling.”
Lipovac, who attended high school at Des Moines Lincoln, said he remembered that, as a senior, his AD had asked him if he would not mind helping out in the office, answering phones and the like. That first exposure planted a seed, Lipovac said.
“I had not given it any thought until then,” he said. “It just goes to show you that you never know what might happen to change your direction in life.”
The two-time national quarterfinalist was quick to note what he called “so much support at so many levels.”
“I think of all the staff, the administrations, coaches, sponsors and supporters in the community that Perry has had in my time here and all of them have played a role in this,” Lipovac said.
The eight finalists from across the nation will be honored during the National Coach of the Year Awards Banquet at the NHSACA national convention at the Galt House in Louisville, KY, June 29. The NHSACA will also name a National Coach of Year in 19 recognized sports categories at the banquet.
The NHSACA is the oldest coaches association in the nation formed by coaches, for coaches, and has been recognizing National Coaches of the Year since 1978.
Did you like this story? Please support our daily coverage of local news and sports with a one-time donation or a recurring donation of $5 per month.
It’s great to see Tom get this well deserved recognition. Tom has always been so quick to pass his well deserved credit to others. Good luck in the finals, Tom, and have fun in Kentucky!
It is indeed a rare individual who can juggle so many demands and match them with so many talents. Meeting the challenges of students, faculty, parents, and the community, takes organizational skills beyond belief. The best of luck to you, Tom.
Mike Kelley, Commander
American Legion Post 85
Perry