The Nebraska State Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association has honored Bec Ray of Thedford schools and Jeremy Shipe of KCNI/KBBN radio. Ray serves as one of the AD’s for the Sandhills/Thedford athletic coop and recently received the district six athletic administrator of the year award at the association’s spring banquet. To be considered, one must serve in the role of Athletic Director for a minimum of eight years. Ray said that the award means a lot to her for that reason. She also appreciates how the NSIAAA board encourages and supports female AD’s across the state. A total of only eight females have ever received the AD of the year award from across all six districts since 1999 and Ray is just the second female AD to receive the award in district six. Ray added that she would not be where she is today without the amazing communities she gets to be AD for and the support she receives from the staff and coaches that she enjoys working with and for everyday.
KCNI/KBBN station manager Jeremy Shipe was recognized by the NSIAAA as one of the recipients of its Outstanding Service Award. Award winners are nominated by members of the association. S/T AD Bec Ray nominated Shipe in recognition of all the years that KBBN radio has “gone above and beyond following the ST Knights as well as other member schools of the Mid Nebraska Activities Conference.” One addition that Shipe has brought to high school sports coverage on KCNI/KBBN radio has been live video streaming of games accompanied by the radio call which Ray says has been greatly appreciated by communities and herself. Ray said, “it means a lot to me to recognize and be able to nominate such a great radio station and the personnel that work there. We/I are grateful for you (Jeremy)”. Shipe said it was a privilege to have been nominated and selected for the award. “Over the ten years I’ve been here in central Nebraska, I’ve been so fortunate to be able to build a great relationship with the Athletic Directors and administrators of the area. They’re all so kind and accommodating to our sports team when we show up for a broadcast, no matter how much equipment we bring to spread out everywhere! This award will forever serve as a reminder of the awesome people I’ve been able to connect with when the headset goes on.”
