RENTON, Wash. – The WIAA is excited to welcome back the Seattle Seahawks as the presenting sponsor of the 2024 WIAA/Gesa Credit Union State Football Championships on December 6th & 7th at Husky Stadium on the campus of the University of Washington. Three games each day with the best teams in the state promises to deliver championship-level excitement.

RENTON, Wash. – As the football season enters the full swing and we look ahead to the State Football Championships in December, the WIAA is excited to announce that Guardian Sports is now the Official Football Safety Partner of the WIAA.

“We’re excited to expand our focus on student-athlete safety with this partnership with Guardian Sports,” WIAA Executive Director Mick Hoffman said. “All students need a safe place to play, and as we ramp up our efforts this school year, it’s impossible to miss Guardian Sports’ proven impact on safety. We’re seeing schools begin to increase usage of Guardian Caps, and it’s exciting to see this safety evolution.”

With over 20 years of material science research and a passion for player safety, Guardian Sports have created high-tech, science-backed products designed to benefit athletes. Their expertise led them to create the Guardian Cap in 2010, the organization’s most popular product, a padded, soft-shell layer worn on the outside of football helmets.

Guardian Caps are permitted for usage in games and practices throughout the season, per the NFHS’ playing rules. The WIAA encourages schools and school districts to consult with their risk managers to determine usage, as the Association does not have additional policies regarding usage.

“We are thrilled to be the official football safety partner of the WIAA,” Guardian Sports Founder & CEO Erin Hanson said. “We look forward to working together to enhance player safety and continuing our commitment to high school athletes across the state of Washington.”

Used by over 500,000 youth, high school and college athletes nationwide and mandated by the NFL in contact practices, their soft-shell technology has addressed a need in the market for impact reduction. Guardian Caps are proven to reduce impact and preserve helmets, while also being light, easy to take on and off, and they fit helmets of all sizes.

For more information about Guardian Sport’s mission and products, please visit their website at guardiansports.com.

RENTON, Wash. – After spending five months in the office as an intern, the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) is excited to announce the hiring of Teagan Eldridge as Production Coordinator. Eldridge began his responsibilities as Production Coordinator on Monday, June 17.

“I’m excited to continue on the full time staff at the WIAA,” Eldridge said. “My internship was a meaningful experience and I thoroughly enjoyed my time, so staying on staff is incredibly exciting for me. Having new roles and responsibilities on the full time staff is exciting and I look forward to working with the WIAA staff and the membership. The WIAA and high school sports is a special place, and getting the opportunity to continue to work in this space is something I am very happy about.”

Back in February, Eldridge joined the office staff as an intern, working on various projects throughout the office in preparation for winter and spring State Championships. He gained valuable experience at seven State Championships, and his character fit seamlessly with the office staff.

As Production Coordinator, Eldridge oversees all mailing efforts, supply orders, awards orders, banner inventory, and all building maintenance. Eldridge’s position also plays a vital role in coverage of WIAA State Championships, assisting in social media and bracket management.

“We are very excited to welcome Teagan back in an enlarged role,” Executive Director Mick Hoffman said. “Teagan proved himself during his time as an intern and I’m very happy we could reward those efforts by bringing him onboard as our Production Coordinator. I have complete confidence that Teagan will thrive in this position and continue to contribute to the Association’s goals moving forward.”

This spring, Eldridge earned his Master’s degree from the University of Washington in Intercollegiate Athletic Leadership. During his time in graduate school, Eldridge was a substitute teacher and coached middle school soccer in the White River School District. 

He received his undergraduate degree from Western Washington University in Health & Physical Education/Fitness in 2022. Eldridge is a graduate of Enumclaw High School, Class of 2018, and participated in soccer, track & field, and cross country.

To inquire about internship opportunities at the WIAA, contact Andy Knapp & Sean Bessette for more information.

RENTON, Wash. – The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) Representative Assembly voted to pass 14 amendments effective August 1, 2024, the Association announced Monday.

The Representative Assembly is comprised of 53 (35 high school, 18 middle level) school administrators from each of the nine WIAA districts. For an amendment to pass, 60 percent approval is needed from voting members of the Assembly. A total of 32 votes are needed for a middle-level/high-school amendment to pass, while 21 votes are needed for a high school amendment to pass and 11 votes are needed for a middle-level amendment to pass.

In total, 27 amendments were proposed this year and the 14 that passed will go into effect next school year. In addition to those amendments, two WIAA Executive Board positions were voted on. Scott Chamberlain (Shelton, District 4) and Russ Waterman (Eastmont, District 6) were re-elected to their positions on the Board.

Amendment #10, focused on reducing minimum practice requirements in all high school sports except football and gymnastics, had an individual vote for every sport. Each sport earned enough votes to pass. Amendment #14 did not count to the list of passed and total amendments as a special committee has been approved to review the Association’s transfer rules ahead of Representative Assembly next school year.

READ: An Update on the Ongoing Conversation Surrounding The WIAA’s Transfer & Eligibility Rules.

RENTON, WASH. – Over recent days, conversation surrounding the WIAA’s transfer and eligibility rules has expanded. The WIAA is evaluating its current transfer and eligibility rules with the goal of sustaining fair and equitable competition. The Association wants to ensure these rules align with Washington State law and best fit our student-athletes and their families. The WIAA has no interest in creating a “transfer portal” resembling the NCAA’s current model. 

Ultimately, the WIAA’s goal is to determine what changes, if any, need to be made.

“Our Board and membership have always been very thoughtful regarding any rule change,” WIAA Executive Director Mick Hoffman said. “This process is another example of that intentional and thorough work.”

Continue reading for more information and links to valuable resources.

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Ben Stuart, a theatre educator at Roosevelt High School in Seattle, Washington, has been honored as the Section 8 Outstanding Theatre Educator award recipient, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) announced in late January.

Stuart has served as the Co-Director for the Theatre & Dance Department at Roosevelt High School since 2015, taking over for long-time directors Ruben Van Kempen and Beth Orme. He is only the fifth individual to hold the position since the school opened in 1922. Recently, six of Roosevelt’s most recent productions have earned Double Superior honors at the Washington State Thespian Festival, including four Best of Fest honors.

In 2015, Stuart was elected to the Educational Theatre Association to serve on their national governing board of directors. Additionally, he serves on the board of the Washington State Thespians as the Co-Chapter Director. He’s held other roles as Co-Vice Chapter Director, NW Region Director, and College Auditions Director. He spends a week each summer in the nation’s capital advocating for theatre education in Washington and across the country.

Roosevelt’s Theatre & Dance Department celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2022, under Stuart’s leadership. Department graduates have made strides across the industry, leaving an impact in film, television, Broadway, and national tours. Stuart’s students have earned degrees from highly regarded theatre schools, including Carnegie Mellon University, Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, and Boston Conservatory.

“Stuart’s colleagues and students describe him as a passionate advocate, skilled educator, and nurturing mentor,” according to the NFHS release. “Stuart’s generosity, both in time and resources, has created an inclusive environment that has left an enduring mark on theatre education.”

The NFHS’ Outstanding Performing Arts Educators Awards honored 56 individuals, including 22 with Outstanding Music Educator Awards, 21 with Outstanding Speech and Debate Educators Awards, and 13 with Theatre Educators Awards.

Stuart is the Section 8 award recipient. Section 8 includes all of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and Alaska. Since 1988, when the awards were first presented, 254 individuals have received section awards.

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Mike Colbrese, the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association’s former Executive Director, has been named to the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) National High School Hall of Fame, Class of 2024.

Colbrese, along with the 10 other members of the 2024 Class, will be inducted on July 1 at the NFHS Summer Meeting in Boston, Massachusetts.

After a 37-year career as an administrator for three state high school associations, Colbrese retired in 2019. He spent the final 26 years leading up to his retirement as the WIAA’s Executive Director. During Colbrese’s tenure, he made significant changes to advance high school sports across Washington State and throughout the nation.

Colbrese assisted in writing and lobbying for the nation’s first law on concussion and developed a policy for the participation of transgender students in high school sports, a policy that became a national standard. He created a process to require people of color and female representation on WIAA committees, while also starting a WIAA Native American Advisory Committee, including representation on the association’s Executive Board.

On a national scale, Colbrese’s contributions to the NFHS were described as “immense.” Most notably, he served on the Football Rules Committee for 27 years (1982-2008), along with 13 years on the Football Game Officials Manual Committee, serving eight as committee chair. Colbrese has also served on the NFHS’ Basketball and Track & Field rules committees.

Additionally, Colbrese spent two terms on the NFHS’ Board of Directors, including a term while he was in Wyoming and another from 2008-2012 in Washington. He was also a member of the NFHS Strategic Planning Committee (1996-99 & 2005-08).

Other committees Colbrese served on included the NFHS Sportsmanship, Ethics, and Integrity Committee, the NFHS Sanctioning Committee, and the NFHS Summer Meeting Advisory Committee. He also assisted with the NFHS’ Be A Sport Program and was the chair of the NFHS’ Coaches Education Review Committee (1991-95).

Colbrese has been previously inducted into six halls of fame (WIAA, Washington Athletic Directors, Washington Officials Association, Washington Music Educators, Wyoming Athletic Directors, Wyoming Music Educators).

Since retiring from the WIAA, Colbrese has returned to the playing surface as a football, basketball, baseball, and softball official. He has also led the growth of the Washington State Football Coalition, focusing on promoting the positive benefits of youth and high school football across the state.

Colbrese joins a group of six other NFHS Hall of Fame inductees from Washington and is the most recent inductee since Mike Burton (2015).

The 2024 WIAA/Gesa Credit Union State Baseball Championship sites were decided by the WIAA Executive Board at its January 21 meeting:

• 3A, 4A: Gesa Stadium (Pasco)
• 1A, 2A: Joe Martin Stadium (Bellingham)
• 1B, 2B: Johnson-O’Brien Stadium (Ephrata)

STATE BASEBALL TOURNAMENT CENTRAL

The WIAA is excited to announce the 2023 WIAA/Gesa Credit Union State Football Championships, December 1st & 2nd at Husky Stadium are presented by the Seattle Seahawks. 

The partnership with WIAA is a testament to the Seahawks’ commitment to “The Future of Football.” The Seahawks continue to serve as a catalyst to drive youth participation in the game of football, encouraging and celebrating a broad range of local youth football communities including NFL Flag, Youth Tackle, Girls Flag Football, and High School Football. 

The Seahawks will bring their Blue Friday Night Lights gameday experience to games on both Friday and Saturday of the State Football Finals, including fanfare from Blue Thunder, the Seahawks Dancers, Blitz, and DJ Supa Sam, along with Seahawks Legends to share and celebrate their own high school memories.  

“The goal of the WIAA is to partner with community organizations committed to providing access to equitable, fair and diverse activities promoting fair play, sportsmanship, and teamwork. With the Seattle Seahawks’ support of our State Football Championships at Husky Stadium, we’re connecting the legends of the game to its future stars, and fans.” said Mick Hoffman, Executive Director of the WIAA.

“The Seahawks are passionate about supporting our local youth football community and hope to inspire future generations by spreading a love for the game of football,” said Mario Bailey, Vice President of Community Engagement & Legends, Seattle Seahawks. “We are excited to bring the fun and energy of our Blue Friday Night Lights program to support this year’s 2023 WIAA State Football Championships.”

All-Tournament and Single Day tickets for WIAA/Gesa Credit Union State Football Championships presented by the Seattle Seahawks, December 1st & 2nd are on sale now.