Caledonia Argus

VanDenBoom receives Section 1A Athletic Director of the Year Award

Posted: 11/13/02

by Andrew Miller
Argus Sports Writer

Ken VanDenBoom, Caledonia middle/high schoolís athletic director for the past twelve years, was named Athletic Director of the Year for Section 1A on October 25. He was nominated for the award by his peers in Caledoniaís sub-section of high schools, and was selected as this yearís award recipient by the Section 1A Athletic Committee.

VanDenBoom, who has coached football, basketball, and golf during his tenure as athletic director, thinks his commitment to the athletic program stems from his philosophy about the role sports can play in young peopleís lives. It is through athletics that teens learn invaluable life skills, he noted, and these skills prompt success in adulthood.

ìIím basically the director of the greatest anti-dropout program there is,î VanDenBoom stated. ìStatistics show that kids involved in co-curricular activities have better attendance and academic records and have fewer disciplinary problems than the general student population. Participation in sports is the greatest predictor of later successñ you learn teamwork, you learn how to get along with others in a different environment; I wouldnít be doing this job if I didnít believe that. Thereís a great value to the programs, unquestionably. Every player canít play every minute of every game, but thereís a great value in being on a team and not necessarily being the star of the team.î

These ideals have provided VanDenBoom with the drive to satisfy the requirements of a job that is at times enervating. With twelve sports to coordinate throughout the year, his plate is at times very full.

ìAs athletic director, youíre awfully busy with a large number of events,î he said. ìYou have to make sure all the officials and the teams are in the right place at the right time.î

Upon receiving the award, VanDenBoom was quick to share the honor with those involved in Caledoniaís athletic program, noting that the exemplary contributions of coaches, athletes, student assistants, and school administration made it possible for him to carry out his duties.

ìThis award is a reflection on the overall system here,î VanDenBoom said. ìThis honor reflects directly on the coaches I work with and the students at Caledonia, because it is their performance and attitude on the competition fields that this reflects. On the administrative side, it reflects directly on Cindy Frank, a part-time athletic department assistant, and before her, Doris Loeffler did an outstanding job in that capacity.î

ìIíve also had a number of outstanding student assistant athletic directors,î he added. ìThe administration and the school board here have been just excellent to work with. I certainly consider this award a reflection on their good help, so many thanks to them.î

VanDenBoom received the award at the Section 1A Directors Meeting in Rochester on October 25. As a result, he is now in the running for Minnesota Athletic Director of the Year, which will be awarded in March.

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