Paulson named WADA District 2 AD of the year

Rhinelander High School activities director Brian Paulson was recently named the district athletic director of the year by the Wisconsin Athletic Directors Association. The award was presented to Paulson during WADA’s annual conference Nov. 10-12 in Wisconsin Dells.

Paulson was the honoree in District 2, which covers the northcentral portion of the state. WADA presents awards to an AD in each of its seven districts yearly to athletic and activities directors, “who is recognized in the community as an educational leader and who maintains athletics as an integral part of the total educational program.”

Paulson said he was honored to receive the award and said the honor is all-encompassing. He thanked his administrative assistants, coaches, administrators and others who help aid make the day-to-day operations of the Rhinelander activities department run smoothly.

“This award represents us in Rhinelander. That’s all a reflection on Rhinelander athletics,” he said. “This award, yes I’m the one that received it and I will continue to work as hard as I can to make Rhinelander athletics and activities every single day.”

On its website, WADA states it specifically looks for outstanding achievement in three categories when considering nominees for its district and state-wide AD awards — significant impact on the lives of students, the use of athletics as a catalyst to achieve progress in the social and cultural environment off the school and professional involvement in the activities and affairs of state and or national associations. 

Furthermore, WADA states candidates, “shall administer an exemplary athletic program while making full use of school and community resources and involving as many students as possible.”

That’s a goal Paulson said he and the district continue to strive for in terms of WIAA and club athletics, along with the participation in other extracurricular activities. 

“My goal is to, someday, have 100% participation in athletics or activities, at school or in the community,” he said. “We want to recognize all kids for the passions they love and what they want to participate in.” 

Paulson has served as Rhinelander’s activities director since 2013 and said he is thankful for then-superintendent Kelli Jacobi, and the rest of Rhinelander’s selection committee, for taking a chance on him that time. 

“I wanted to be sure to give my heart and soul to this place,” he said. “The 12 years has been a journey and I’m just so thankful to be here and be able to give to the kids and the coaches every single day that I’m here.” 

In Paulson’s time as AD, the Hodags have achieved three WIAA state championships — two in girls’ swimming and one in boys’ swimming — along with team-state tournament appearances in girls’ soccer, boys’ soccer and boys’ cross country. Additionally, Rhinelander has made team sectional finals in boys’ basketball, boys’ hockey and baseball and has obtained conference championship in 13 different GNC-sanctioned sports. 

Jeremy Mayo may be reached at [email protected].