District Rep Dick Fahrenholz (Appleton East) began the meeting at 1:00 pm by asking each A.D. to indicate his/her school and years of service, checking on those who would be attending the NIAAA, and indicating those A.D.s who are retiring this spring. They are: Dick Fahrenholz (Appleton East), Gene Gehl (Kimberly), and Mel Jacobsen (New Holstein).

Attendees were reminded to submit articles for WADA publication if interested.

The Distinguished Service Award for District 4 will be awarded to Joe Novak of Kewaunee. Nominated in absentia by Don Rabas (Kewaunee-retired), Joe - who is 81 - has served Kewaunee athletics for over 50 years in any number of capacities, all for no compensation whatsoever. Ed Zepka (Appleton West) motioned to close nominations, Paul Engen (Appleton North) seconded, and Joe was unanimously selected for this honor.

The District 4 Athletic Director of the Year is Mel Jacobsen (New Holstein). Mike Slagle (Plymouth) raised the motion and Carl Paquet (Denmark) seconded his nomination. Paul Engen (Appleton North) nominated Gene Gehl (Kimberly), and Kelly Hood (Neenah) seconded. A secret ballot vote was conducted, and votes were tallied by Don Tolkacz (Pulaski), the 2002-2003 WADA President.

The group then discussed potential vice-presidential candidacies for WADA. Don Tolkacz explained the time commitment for each of the four years the position would entail. The workload increases gradually until the A.D. actually becomes the WADA president. Running for the position requires the applicant to obtain a letter of approval from his/her superintendent. Don talked about how dramatically the organization has grown in the last few years and how important it is to maintain the strong traditions and services WADA provides.

Dick reminded all to consider serving as a presenter or presider at the convention next November, asked for mini-session ideas and efforts to obtain door prizes, and also encouraged experienced A.Ds to serve as mentors.

Don Tolkacz also reminded NIAAA attendees to check the website as the final day of the convention (the annual meeting and the issuing of door prizes) will be Wednesday afternoon. He also encouraged members to visit the WADA website often (wadawiaa.org) for information and input (e.g. upcoming advisory council votes).

Discussion followed re: the WIAA Annual Meeting and the issue of coach-athlete contact for all sports, the possibility of a "window" for legal coach-athlete contact, and the consideration of banning all open gyms. Gene Strusz (Fox Valley Lutheran) was concerned about the pressure parents put on coaches to be at everything all year round and posed the idea of getting coaches out of the picture entirely during the summer. Paul Engen expressed his worries about divisiveness among coaches driving a wedge among the sports and brought up closing open gyms. Don Tolkacz stated that discussion in District 2 centered on parental fears that "non-required practices" in the summer would in essence BE REQUIRED and impact family vacations. His view was that the old rule needs to be enforced. Paul Engen opposes the open window and mentioned instances where its implementation has failed. He mentioned the real issue among coaches is one of equity. Dick Fahrenholz indicated the feelings of those who serve on the Advisory Council. Indications are that an amendment will be raised at the Annual Meeting asking that the issue be tabled for one year.

Kathy Bates (Appleton Xavier) raised a concern about the website/chat room wisconsinpreps.com; several ADs supported her disgust with the trashing taking place against teams, athletes, and coaches. What can be done about this?

Ed Zepka then raised the issue of WIAA recognition of cheerleading and pom/dance teams. As of now, in many cases, these girls compete in expensive national competitions. They use school equipment, school uniforms, and - in some cases -school dollars to participate in contests that benefit out-of-state organizations that charge exhorbitant fees. Gene Strusz agreed. The general feeling is that these groups should be recognized by the WIAA, held to the same standards as other athletes, and rewarded with their own state tournaments (some of which already exist).

Ed Zepka motioned for adjournment; Fred Yagodinski (Luxemburg-Casco) seconded, and the meeting adjourned at 2:05 pm.