Athletics director named North America’s best

Athletics director Gord Grace was recognized by his peers yesterday for leading his department through a transformation that has helped to bring the University of Windsor to the forefront of Canadian university athletics.

Grace received the International Athletics Director of the Year Award from the US-based National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics during a luncheon at its annual convention in Dallas. The association represents more than 6,500 college athletics administrators at 1,600 institutions throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Among the accomplishments it cited in honouring Grace were:

  • the success of Lancer varsity teams, including three national championships in 2011, seven squads ranked in the country’s top 10 that season, and individual student-athletes winning provincial and national recognition;
  • a campus recreation and intramurals sports program praised for its excellence in diversity of programs and student opportunities; and
  • improved athletic facilities that include a new outdoor stadium and the Forge Fitness Centre.

Grace has also taken on leadership in his profession, recently completing a term as president of Ontario University Athletics and serving on the Canadian Interuniversity Sport board of directors.

This winter, he will be back on the international stage as he serves as the chef de mission for Canada’s entry into the 26th FISU World University Games in Trentino, Italy, December 11 to 21.

Read “Gord Grace named NACDA International Athletics Director of the Year” at goLancers.ca.