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WADA INSIGHTS

from the WIAA Bulletin

Aug. 20, 2004 .

Wisconsin Athletic Directors Association (WADA)

WADA Mentoring Program
a plus for all new AD’s

By Mike Bates

Information Coordinator, WADA

It can be, at times, a bit overwhelming when an individual moves into the office with “Athletic Director” on the door.

A brand new option, called the WADA Mentoring Program, will make it easier for anyone looking for a lifejacket, when they feel like they’re swimming in the sometimes-busy world of their new workplace, or, just to share ideas, as they undertake their new role as Athletic Director or Activities Director.

The WADA Mentoring Program will provide insight and experience from a current WADA member who will be paired with a new A.D. The program was just unveiled at the WADA Executive Board’s July meeting.

“We feel that the mentoring program can be a bridge, connecting an experienced athletics director with a new athletics director,” said
Mark Kryka, the athletic director at Verona High School and
President Elect of the WADA.

“Each year we have a number of new AD's in the state,
and we feel that someone from the organization should be there to
help them get through those first couple years.  It gives the new
AD chance to have someone to call when they have questions,”
added Kryka.

WADA Mentoring Program

Mentoring may be viewed as a partnership, with both parties freely contributing to the discussion as equals working together, based upon mutual respect. A mentor may still have greater experience, insight, and wisdom, but the relationship can be one of showing (even material showing) rather than only top-down giving and receiving.
After all, the mentor “helps” but the mentee “does” – or the relationship is a failure.

“No one should have to ‘re-invent the wheel’ when they become an Athletic Director or Activities Director,” said Bill Vickroy, the A.D. at Wisconsin Rapids Lincoln High School. Also
the WADA District 2 Rep, Vickroy presented the material to the WADA Board last month.

“The insight and experience available from current WADA members is one of the best sources for information, guidance, confidence and the development of peer interaction and great friendships. The WADA Mentoring Program channels this networking of the new and the experienced,” continued Vickroy.

“The goal of the WADA Mentoring Program is to pair the new A.D. with an experienced A.D. in order to form a partnership that will foster successful and perhaps less “painful” introductions to the many nuances of interscholastic athletic administration. The formal explanation of the duties
of the Mentee (new A.D.) and the Mentor (experienced A.D.) are outlined in detail on the WADA web site… under the heading WADA Mentoring Program,” he added.

MISSION: To have experienced, veteran athletic administrators effectively provide a quality Mentorship Resource Model for new athletic administrators.

Any new or veteran A.D. who would like to become involved in the program may download signup forms via the WADA web site at www.wadawi.org, or, turn in the form received at the WIAA’s “New Athletic Director Workshop” on Aug. 4.

If you have any questions about the WADA Mentoring Program, contact Vickroy at telephone (715) 422-7179 or e-mail him at Bill.Vickroy@wrps.org.

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The web site for the WADA is www.wadawi.org and Mike Bates may be reached via e-mail

at mbates1@new.rr.com.

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