The podcast makes another visit to Davis County. UIAAA Connection #234 – Tom Zarate - Director of Athletics – Northridge High School, is now available. Tom, born in Utah, moved frequently until settling near Ithaca, New York, by seventh grade. He attended junior high and high school in that area, shaped by theinfluence of parents who both worked in education. Tom later graduated from BYU–Idaho, where he also met his wife. As a youth, he stayed active in soccerand swimming. In 2025, he attended h...
Jun 27, 2025•38 min•Season 14Ep. 9
The podcast makes its first visit to Wyoming. UIAAA Connection #238 – Ben Smith- recently retired Superintendent of Big Horn School District is now available. Ben grew up in Greybull, Wyoming, and attended RicksCollege after excelling as a three-sport athlete in high school. He completed a two-year mission in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. His education career includes principal roles at four high schools—two in Utah, two in Wyoming—and a superintendent position in Wyoming. Alongside administrative dutie...
Jun 20, 2025•41 min•Season 14Ep. 8
The podcast makes another visit to Salt Lake County. UIAAA Connection #232 – Justin Pitcher, CAA, Principal – Cottonwood High School, is now available. Justin, born in Riverton and a Bingham High graduate, competed in track and cross country. He launched his education career in Las Vegas, teaching middle school English. Early on, Justin discovered the critical lesson of recognizing trustworthy people. He emphasizes the administrator’s role in creatingopportunities for students to pursue their dr...
Jun 13, 2025•35 min•Season 14Ep. 7
The podcast makes its 3rd visit to Washington. UIAAA Connection #231 – Melton Jefferson III, CAA, Director of Athletics – North Creek High School, is now available.Melton, born in Oklahoma and raised in Texas, earned degrees from four different colleges, shaping a broad educational foundation. During his second year as athletic director, the COVID pandemic struck, forcing him to adapt and step beyond his comfort zone. Melton highlights the importance of personal growth and learning as an AD. His...
Jun 06, 2025•33 min•Season 14Ep. 6
The podcast makes another visit to Washington County. UIAAA Connection #230 – Mike Bair, Director of Athletics – Dixie High School, is now available. Mike, originally from Rexburg, later settled in Lovell, Wyoming. His father coachedwrestling at Ricks College, inspiring Mike’s athletic journey. In high school, Mike excelled in three sports. He began his career at Dixie High School in 1992, teaching driver’s education and coaching. By 2002, he stepped into theathletic director role, eventually ad...
May 30, 2025•29 min•Season 14Ep. 6
The podcast makes another visit to Salt Lake County. UIAAA Connection #229 – Lei Lolohea, Director of Athletics – West Jordan High School, is now available. Lei Lolohea grew up in Long Beach before moving to West Jordan during high school. Now working at her alma mater, she continues a legacy shaped by former West Jordan athletic administrators Carlson Boudreau, Scott Briggs, and Dan Cowan. Lei played college basketball under Wendy Anae, now the AD at Timpview. She spoke passionately about findi...
May 23, 2025•27 min•Season 14Ep. 4
The podcast makes another visit to Salt Lake County. UIAAA Connection #228 – Greg Southwick, Director of Athletics –Cottonwood High School, is now available. Greg grew up in Richfield, Utah, surrounded by the world of basketballthanks to his father’s coaching career. After spending 4 years as an athletic trainer at BYU, he transitioned to 17 years shaping young lives at Wayne High School. Throughout his journey, Greg emphasized the importance of putting inthe time and genuinely caring for the st...
May 16, 2025•25 min•Season 14Ep. 3
The podcast makes its 13th visit to Indiana. UIAAA Connection #227 – Dan Armstrong, CMAA, Retired, former Director of Athletics – Northwest High School in Kokomo, Indiana, is now available. Dan grew up on a farm in western Ohio, right on the border, where living in two time zones was just part of daily life. A few years after Dr. Mike Blackburn’s departure, he stepped into the role of Director of Athletics at Northwestern High School in Kokomo, Indiana. In addition to his leadership at the schoo...
May 09, 2025•39 min•Season 14Ep. 2
The podcast makes another visit to Southern Utah. UIAAA Connection #226 – Lance Knight, CAA, Director of Athletics – San Juan High School, is now available. Lance grew up in Blanding, Utah, where he developed a passion for athletics and education. After earning his degree from BYU as a trainer, he returned to his alma mater, where he has spent the past 10 years teaching and serving as the Athletic Director. A proud graduate of the Coaching Factory at Southern UtahUniversity, he continues to impa...
May 02, 2025•23 min•Season 14Ep. 1
The podcast makes another visit to Southern Utah. UIAAA Connection #225 – Kim Monkres, Principal – Crimson CliffsHigh School, is now available. Kim grew up in Utah, graduating from Roy High School and Weber State beforeembarking on a career in education. She began teaching at Bonneville High School and has since made an impact at six different high schools and junior highs. Her dedication to student-athletes extended beyond the classroom, as shealso spent four years working at the UHSAA. Kim's a...
Apr 25, 2025•38 min•Season 13Ep. 17
The podcast makes its fifth visit to the six annual recipients of the UIAAA Scholarship. UIAAA Connection #224 UIAAA Student Scholarship Recipients: Regan Browning – Manilla,Emerson Geilman – Bountiful, Ainsleigh Kasprick – Grand County, Erick Robinson - South Sevier, Shae Stephenson – Ogden, Boston Valdez - Tooele, is now available. Listen as the scholars share their stories on how they became outstanding student/athletes. You won’t want to miss thisone! Please Listen, Learn and Share! You can ...
Apr 18, 2025•41 min•Season 13Ep. 16
The podcast makes its fifth visit to Florida. UIAAA Connection #223 – Dan Talbot, CMAA, Senior Director of Athletics – Polk County Public Schools, is now available. Dan’s journey has taken him across the country, growing up in New York, Colorado, and Alaska. With experience as an Athletic Director at four different high schools and two years coaching with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, he brings a wealth of knowledge to the field. As a national faculty member and state coordinator, he is dedicated t...
Apr 11, 2025•53 min•Season 13Ep. 15
The podcast makes another visit to Northern Utah. UIAAA Connection #222 – Ron Gualtier, CAA, Director of Athletics – Mound Fort Middle School, is now available. Ron grew up in Iowa, where he developed the grit and determination of an old-school wrestler. Before transitioning into education, he spent years working in the flooring industry. A proud Utah State graduate, he has dedicated the past seven years to serving as an Athletic Director. Passionate about professionaldevelopment, he emphasizes ...
Apr 04, 2025•26 min•Season 13Ep. 14
The podcast makes its second visit to Arizona. UIAAA Connection #221 – Missy Townsend, CMAA, Director of Athletics – Prescott High School, is now available. Missyattended Yavapai College, where she showcased her skills on the basketball court before beginning her career in education. She started teaching in the Peoria School District in Phoenix and discovered a passion for working withathletes, fans, parents, and the community. Now in her 12th year as an athletic administrator, she remains dedic...
Mar 28, 2025•35 min•Season 13Ep. 13
The podcast makes another visit to Northern Utah. UIAAA Connection #220 – Scott Yetter, CAA, Assistant Director of Athletics – Ogden High School, is now available. Scottgrew up in the small town of Prosser, Washington, nestled in the Yakima Valley. Following in the footsteps of his father, a high school coach and math teacher, he pursued a career in education and coaching. He spent 12 years teaching athis alma mater before continuing his journey at Ogden High School, where he has been for the pa...
Mar 21, 2025•29 min•Season 13Ep. 12
The podcast makes its first visit to Illinois. UIAAA Connection #219 – Mike Morris, CMAA, Executive Director of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association, is now available. Mike grew up in central Illinois and has spent his life immersed in education and athletics. As the oldest of seven children, he learned the value of leadership and perseverance early on. With a father who was a teacher and coach, he developed a passion for learning and mentorship. His advice? Never be afraid toask question...
Mar 14, 2025•47 min•Season 13Ep. 11
The podcast makes another visit to central Utah. UIAAA Connection #218 – Barry Smith, Director of Athletics – North Sevier High School, is now available. Barry grew up in Circleville, Utah, and is a proud graduate of Piute High School. With a father who balanced life as both a coach and a dairy farmer, he learned the values of hard work and dedication from an early age. A graduate of SouthernUtah University, he has carried those lessons into his career in education and athletics. His advice? Mak...
Mar 07, 2025•18 min•Season 13Ep. 10
The podcast makes its fourth visit to Wisconsin. UIAAA Connection #217 – Peggy Seegers-Braun, CMAA, Director of Athletics at Devine Savior Holy Angels High School, is now available. Peggy has been in education for 41 years. She played collegiate softball and her father fought in the Battle of the Bulge. Peggy works at one of two all-girls high schools in Wisconsin. She just finished serving as a Vice Chair of the NIAAA Awards Committee. Peggy's insight into surrounding yourself with successful p...
Feb 28, 2025•38 min•Season 13Ep. 9
The podcast makes its first visit to Mississippi. UIAAA Connection #216 – Mike Kimmons, CAA, Retired and former Athletic Administrator at Adamsville High School, is now available. Mike studied to become an FBI agent but instead became an educator. He coached football for 15 years before getting into athletic administration. He was Host Committee Chair of the 2007 NIAAA Conference in Nashville and also shares experiences about his time on the Awards Committee. His practice of sending cards and no...
Feb 21, 2025•33 min•Season 13Ep. 8
The podcast makes another visit to Salt Lake County. UIAAA Connection #215 – Nate Foster, Director of Athletics at Summit Academy, is now available. Nate, graduated from Brighton High School, the University of Utah and Westminster. His first job was not in education but at the Road Home. In his second year as the AD, Nate is working on his CAA. His advice about you don't know what you don't know is worth the listen. Please Listen, Learn and Share! You can subscribe to UIAAA TV on YouTube! This p...
Feb 14, 2025•34 min•Season 13Ep. 7
The podcast makes its fourth visit to Kansas. UIAAA Connection #214 – Al Sersland, CMAA, Retired, former Principal at Circle High School is now available. Al, a native of Iowa, speaks to coaching and being an AD before taking the job as a Principal. He talks about the idea of accreditation and how the NIAAA earned that designation. His advice about athletics being the front porch and sells your school is priceless. Please Listen, Learn and Share! You can subscribe to UIAAA TV on YouTube! This po...
Feb 07, 2025•53 min•Season 13Ep. 6
The podcast makes another visit Washington County. UIAAA Connection #213 – Gabi Hasenbeck, Director of Athletics at Crimson Cliffs High School, is now available. Gabi, a native of Long Beach California, played volleyball collegiately at SUU and High Point High Point University in North Carolina. She moved to Utah in the fall of 2020 with her husband. She also serves as an Assistant Principal at CC. She coached volleyball before becoming the AD. Her advice regarding asking for help is worth the l...
Jan 31, 2025•26 min•Season 13Ep. 5
The podcast makes another visit to Utah County. UIAAA Connection #212– Brandon Waite, RAA, Director of Athletics at Freedom Prep Academy, is now available. Brandon, who grew up in Colorado Springs, shares his experience of serving as the AD and Assistant Principal at the same time. His advice about being organized and knowing your students and facilities is worth the listen. Please Listen, Learn and Share! You can subscribe to UIAAA TV on YouTube! This podcast is also available on Amazon Music, ...
Jan 24, 2025•25 min•Season 13Ep. 4
The podcast makes its sixth visit to Georgia. UIAAA Connection #211 – Josh Mathews, CMAA, Director of Athletics at Pope High School, is now available. Josh grew up near Athens and has lived in Georgia his entire life. He played collegiate baseball before beginning his career at Centennial High School. He currently serves the NIAAA on the Board of Directors. His unique advice on establishing a date night is not to be missed. Please Listen, Learn and Share! You can subscribe to UIAAA TV on YouTube...
Jan 17, 2025•49 min•Season 13Ep. 3
The podcast makes another visit to Utah County. UIAAA Connection #210 – Mark Binks, Director of Athletics at Springville High School, is now available. Mark spend 22 years in law enforcement before taking the job at Springville in 2013. He shares stories from the incredible fan base at Springville High. His advice to enjoy the ride should be heeded by all. Please Listen, Learn and Share! You can subscribe to UIAAA TV on YouTube! This podcast is also available on Amazon Music, Apple Podcast, Brea...
Jan 10, 2025•43 min•Season 13Ep. 2
The podcast makes its first visit to Alaska. UIAAA Connection #209 – Sandi Wagner, CAA, Executive Director of the Alaska IAAA, is now available. Sandi, a former AD in Juneau now works for the ASAA in addition to her Ed Dir job. She details the issues that are unique to Alaska. 120 of the 220 schools in that state have a student count of 60 or less. She shares the love she has for all students and coaches. Her advice about knowing that I make a difference is not to be missed. Please Listen, Learn...
Jan 03, 2025•31 min•Season 13Ep. 1
The podcast makes its first visit to Oregon. UIAAA Connection #208 – Dave Hood, CMAA, Executive Director of Oregon Athletic Directors Association, is now available. Dave, a native of Oregon, share his insights from decades of involvement in interscholastic athletics. His advice regarding getting out of the office and making connection is priceless. Please Listen, Learn and Share! You can subscribe to UIAAA TV on YouTube! This podcast is also available on Amazon Music, Apple Podcast, Breaker, Cas...
Dec 27, 2024•34 min•Season 12Ep. 18
The podcast another visit to the Granite School District. UIAAA Connection #207 – Kael Ashton, CAA, Director of Athletics at Olympus High School, is now available. Kael grew up in the small southwestern Wyoming town of Lyman. He began at Olympus in 1999 and has served as the AD for the last 20 years. His advice regarding developing a network of athletic administrators provides guidance for all involved in interscholastic athletics. Please Listen, Learn and Share! You can subscribe to UIAAA TV on...
Dec 20, 2024•28 min•Season 12Ep. 17
The podcast makes its second visit to Iowa. UIAAA Connection #206 – Scott Garvis, CMAA, Director of Athletics at Newton High School, is now available. His advice regarding reaching out to others and finding a mentor is invaluable. He shares insights about writing his book, hosting a podcast and working in the NIAAA QPA. This episode is not to be missed. Please Listen, Learn and Share! You can subscribe to UIAAA TV on YouTube! This podcast is also available on Amazon Music, Apple Podcast, Breaker...
Dec 13, 2024•42 min•Season 12Ep. 16
The podcast makes another visit to Utah. UIAAA Connection #205 – Kate Henderson, CAA, Director of Athletics at Wendover High School is now available. Kate's father served in the Air Force and as a result she has lived all over the world. Imagine attending high school in London, England and running in a track meet in Belgium. A fairly new Athletic Director, Kate earned her CAA and speaks to the importance of being certified. Her advice, "Never settle for what's expected of you." Please Listen, Le...
Dec 06, 2024•23 min•Season 12Ep. 15
