Commanche Middle School AD named KIAAA AD of the Year

Justin Briggs is being recognized as the Kansas Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association Middle School Athletic Director of the Year.

I appreciate the award and recognition,” Briggs said. “There are several AD’s in the state that are much more deserving than me. It is an honor to be selected.”

Briggs has served as the Athletic Director at Comanche Middle School for six years, where he is also the Assistant Principal. Briggs served as the Assistant Boys Basketball coach at Dodge City High School for five years and Head Girls Basketball Coach at DCHS for 10 years.

“Justin is certainly deserving of the award,” Dodge City High School Athletic Director Jay Gifford said. “He does an outstanding job of mentoring his coaches and takes an active role in the preparation of Comanche Middle School student-athletes as it relates to their transition to the high school.”

To be considered for the award, one must be nominated by another athletic director in the state and reasons must be submitted to the committee stating why a nominee should be chosen. There are more than 300 middle school athletic directors in the state of Kansas.

“Receiving this award is very humbling, to say the least,” Briggs said. “This award is not just about me. I am fortunate enough to be surrounded by some great people, from our coaches at both the high school and middle school, to the support and advice from Jay [Gifford], as well as support from upper administration; and for sure our athletic secretary, Mindy. Without her, I would be in trouble!”

Issues with time management top Briggs’ list as the most challenging part of serving as an athletic director.

“There is always something going on as far as activities,” he said. “Sometimes it’s hard to disconnect and have personal time away from it. But I enjoy what I do and don’t mind putting in the time.”

Spending that time with coaches and athletes on a daily basis is what Briggs considers the most rewarding part of the job.

“I have been involved in sports pretty much all of my life; from playing, to coaching, and now being an athletic director,” he said. “I really don’t see this as a job. The fact that our district understands the importance and connection between academic success and our students being involved in activities and athletics makes things easy. I enjoy what I do and hopefully can continue this for several years to come.”

Gifford calls Briggs a ‘leader amongst his peers,’ saying he was instrumental in the formation of the middle school league in which both Comanche and Dodge City Middle School compete.

“Justin is also very intentional in continuing his professional development as he is very involved in the KIAAA and frequently takes the courses offered that relate to his role as an athletic director,” he said. “It is very gratifying to see someone with Justin’s commitment level be recognized for their service.

Briggs will be recognized at the March 26 Board of Education meeting.
“He is certainly a valuable part of the USD 443 Administrative Team,” Gifford said. “He plays an important role in the success of the Dodge City Athletic Department.”