Greater Jasper Consolidated Schools announced this week that Athletic Director Phil Kendall has been selected as the District 6 Athletic Director of the Year by the Indiana Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association. Kendall, who has served as Jasper’s athletic director since 2021, was cited for his attention to detail, his role hosting Indiana High School Athletic Association tournaments, and leadership across the association’s 13-county District 6.

The award places Kendall among a group of district honorees who will be celebrated at a statewide banquet in March, where the overall Indiana AD of the Year will be named. The recognition reflects both individual performance and the operational strength of Jasper’s athletic programs, signaling regional respect among athletic administrators.

For local residents, the honor has practical implications. Hosting IHSAA tournaments brings visiting teams, families, officials and fans into Dubois County on game days, increasing demand for hotels, restaurants and retail services. School officials say Kendall’s work in staging tournaments has improved logistical coordination for events, which can reduce disruptions for students and maximize the number of spectators who can safely attend. That improved event management, coupled with enhanced competitive opportunities, supports school spirit and can yield modest boosts to the local economy when facilities are used for multi-school tournaments.

Kendall’s selection also signals a level of administrative capacity that can matter for long-term planning of school athletics. Athletic departments often manage budgets, facility scheduling, transportation and compliance with state rules—functions where attention to detail and consistent leadership reduce financial and legal risks. In a tighter funding environment for public schools, administrators who streamline operations and attract regional events help preserve program viability without increasing local tax pressure.

The award is also a marker of professional recognition within a 13-county region, enhancing Jasper’s profile among neighboring districts. District-level honors like this can help with staff recruitment and retention by showing that the district invests in capable leadership and a competitive athletic calendar. For parents and student-athletes, that can translate to better-organized seasons, more playoff hosting opportunities and greater visibility for students pursuing collegiate athletics.

Kendall has led the athletic department through the past several seasons, and the district honor caps a period of increased emphasis on event hosting and operational consistency. District winners will gather in March for the statewide banquet where the overall Indiana AD of the Year will be announced, offering a final opportunity for statewide recognition of the work underway in Jasper and across District 6.