Utica Community Schools Athletic Director Wins Major MHSAA Award

It's ben a big year for Utica Community Schools athletic director Robin Dilday, who has been honored for his significant contributions to student athletics at the league, state and MHSAA tournament levels.

Dilday is one of four administrators to earn the Michigan High School Athletic Association's Allen W. Bush Award for 2012.  The award, named after president of the MHSAA Al Bush, honors individuals for past and continuing service to prep athletics as a coach, administrator, official, trainer, doctor or member of the media.

The award was developed to bring recognition to men and women who are giving and serving without a lot of attention, according to MHSAA. This is the 21st year of the award, with the selections being made by the MHSAA's Representative Council.

"We are pleased to honor Robin Dilday with the Bush Award,” said John E. “Jack” Roberts, executive director of the MHSAA. "Dilday has provided stable leadership through the changes and challenges high school athletics have faced during his nearly four decades of service.”

Dilday has been a leader not only in his home school district of Utica, but as a voice throughout Macomb County.  A graduate of Utica High School, Dilday has worked in education 38 years and for Utica Community Schools for the last 28, including the past 18 as District Athletic Director.

He’s taken a leadership role in numerous projects starting with the expansion of athletic program offerings and the development of a coaches handbook and student-athlete code of conduct for his schools. He’s also worked at the forefront of efforts to construct gymnasiums, stadiums and other athletic venues, hosted various MHSAA tournaments and served on several MHSAA committees.

“He has experienced high school athletics from a variety of perspectives – athlete, coach and administrator – and worked to provide the best for those in every position," Roberts said. "He has done so while managing multiple schools in a large district."

Dilday is in his 18th year as president of the Macomb County Athletic Directors Association and also works with the Macomb County Special Olympics and as community fundraising chair for his district’s middle school sports programs. He was named to the Utica High School Hall of Fame in 2011.

Dilday earned his bachelor’s degree in radio and television communications from Michigan State, received teaching certification in social studies from Central Michigan University and then his master’s degree in educational leadership from Wayne State University.