Athletics and Education (Conclusion)
Posted by Gary O'Rielly
on Feb 07, 2015
This week, we concluded our series on Athletics and Education with the final presentation being made by Mike Colbrese, Executive Director of the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA). The mission of WIAA is to Strengthen all students for life through participation in excellent, fair, safe and accessible activities. The organization was formed in 1905 to create equitable playing conditions between high school sport teams in Washington. We will find out what has been happening in the 110 year old history of WIAA.
WIAA has a small staff of 13 representing 900 schools in Washington State both public and private high school and middle/junior high schools. WIAA is a volunteer non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization responsible for putting member schools into a league which works through a specific district league. There is a relatively easy formula for member school decision making model which starts at the WIAA Executive Board/Staff to the Policy Makers to the Representative Assembly, the latter in charge of the rule making authority. Communications in WIAA is essential. Member dues represent 11.4% of the budget while 54% is raised through state tournament ticket sales. Basketball is the biggest in terms of ticket sales with 12 tournaments throughout the state followed by football and wresting.
Mike Colbrese has served as the Executive Director since 1993. Prior to moving to Washington State, he was the Commissioner of the Wyoming High School Activities Association for six years and before that he was the Assistant Director of the Montana High School Association for five years. Mike is a member of the Rotary Club of Seattle, affectionately known as the Seattle 4 where he serves on their Foundation Board.
Besides thanking Mike, we want to thank Jason Pearson, Athletic Director for Lake Stevens High School and Lance Lopes, Senior Associate Athletic Director for the University of Washington Huskies for their very insightful presentations.