Vic Michaels Named Athletic Director of the Year

The Archdiocese of Detroit relays the following press release about Detroit Catholic League Director Vic Michaels being named Athletic Director of the Year by the Michigan Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (MIAAA).

The Michigan Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (MIAAA), Michigan's professional organization of school athletic directors, is pleased to announce the selection of Detroit Catholic League Director Vic Michaels as its Athletic Director of the Year.

Michaels will be presented the award in Traverse City on March 22, 2010 at the annual MIAAA Mid Winter Conference --- a gathering of over 500 directors of athletics.

A lifetime Detroiter, Vic was a member of the last graduating class of Detroit St. Ambrose in 1972. After attending Detroit Tech for four years on a basketball scholarship, Vic got his Bachelors Degree from the University of Detroit in 1978

He's worn a number of hats during his career --- teacher (history and physical education), coach, athletic director and assistant principal at St. Clement High School in Center Line for 17 years, coaching men's (1978-1995) basketball (and women's (1980-85) basketball. During his tenure he earned a place in BCAM's (Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan) hallowed '300 Victory Club'. In addition, Michaels was named Class C "Coach of the Year" in 1984 with the girls' and 1987 with the boys' team.

In 1995 Mr. Michaels went to work for the Archdiocese of Detroit and in 2003 became just the seventh director of the Catholic League since the league's inception 1926. Tom Rashid, associate director of the MHAAA, former MIAAA president and DCL director concluded, "his success comes from integrity in dealing with others; from trust that he has earned through fair and honest interaction with students, coaches, officials, parents, administrators and business people".

In addition to his 'day job' as director of the Detroit Catholic League, Vic has worked on numerous Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) committees ranging from official assignments to conducting issue study groups. He has served eight years on the MHSAA's governing body, the Representative Council, and was recently named Secretary-Treasurer. He has attended a number of NFHS and NIAAA conferences and has served as a Michigan delegate twice.

SEMLAC, the Southeast Michigan Leagues and Conferences, is fortunate to have Vic currently serving as its' chairperson. Vic remains deeply involved in the MIAAA serving as website committee co-chair, and he is completing a five-year term on the executive board. He served as president during the 2008-09 school year. In the fifty-one year history of the MIAAA, Vic is only the second elected from a non-public school --- the first, of course, is the aforementioned Tom Rashid of the DCL.

Vic Michaels has been honored by the Detroit Sports Broadcasters Association and chosen MIAAA Regional AD of the Year in 2001. Michaels earned his CAA --- certified athletic administrator --- charter from our national organization the NIAAA. His tireless work with numerous organizations continues to enhance opportunities for high school athletes, coaches and athletic administrators across the state.

What does he do for fun? In addition to being a Detroit Red Wings season ticket holder, Vic can always be spotted at Detroit area sporting events --- whether they are professional, high school or CYO.

Vic and his wife of 31 years, Linda, are members of the St. Joan of Arc Parish in St. Clair Shores. They are proud of their two sons who are both following career paths similar to their father. Marc, 26, is an Adidas sales rep, and Brad, 25, an event coordinator for Ford Field. They both coach at the Royal Oak Shrine Grade School.

In closing, the MIAAA is a fifty one year old association with nearly 750 members who serve as athletic administrators in high schools and junior high - middle schools throughout Michigan. As partners with the MHSAA, the MIAAA works to promote the educational value of interscholastic athletics and the role and profession of athletic administrator. The MIAAA is very, very proud to spotlight the work of Vic Michaels --- a man whose work and values best mirrors those of the association.