Lee Dove Named IAAM and MIAA AD of the Year
Being a high school Athletic Director (AD) is not an easy job. The hours are long, the rules and regulations are many, and the details are countless. In the 17 years Lee Dove has served as the AD at Archbishop Spalding High School he's done at all. In his role, Dove has his hands full not only managing 29 athletic programs and 45 teams, but also serving as an active member of the leagues that govern independent school sports, the IAAM (girls) and the MIAA (boys).
This spring, Dove will be honored by the Maryland State Athletic Directors Association as Athletic Director of the Year for the IAAM and the MIAA. Dove is humbled that his peers from both groups nominated him for the award, as he simply considers it an honor and pleasure to work with the nearly 50 other ADs in the IAAM and MIAA.
As an active member of the IAAM, Dove has served as a member of the Executive Council and as the outdoor track committee chairperson. He is equally active in the MIAA where he has served as President, an executive committee member three times, as the basketball and rugby chairperson, and as a member of various committees. On the state level he is an active member of the Maryland State Athletic Director’s Association having filled numerous roles from President and Vice President to District Representative. Currently, he is the organization's Historian.
Making a Difference at Spalding
When he became Spalding's AD in 1995, Dove says he wanted to make a difference for the kids. "Spalding had an excellent academic reputation and I wanted to help make the athletic program outstanding, too," he explains.
During his tenure as Director, Dove started eight new sports programs (four co-ed, three boys, and one girls' team), created the Athletic Handbook for Athletes and Parents, and started the Athletic Hall of Fame. His influence and dedication can be felt at Spalding and beyond. He cites former Spalding student athletes who now have careers in high school athletic administration and college coaching, including Kari McBride, the AD at The Catholic High School of Baltimore since 2001.
Spalding alum named new AD
When Dove retires at the end of the 2011-12 school year, another former student athlete who has followed a similar career path will take over the reigns. Jeff Parsons, a 1995 graduate of Spalding and current faculty member has been named as the school's new Athletic Director. Parsons has taught business education classes for the last 10 years served as assistant men’s varsity basketball coach and co-chair of the Student Government Association (SGA).
"As an alum of Spalding, I am thrilled and honored to be named the new Athletic Director," says Parsons. "It will be an honor to work with the incredible coaches and administrators at Spalding, as we continue to lead, mentor and encourage our student-athletes to reach their full potential, on the playing fields, as well as, the classroom. I will work tirelessly to continue the Cavalier tradition of excellence that that the school community has grown to expect."
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