North Powder Athletic Director awarded prestigious national honor
By Shannon McKone on Friday, April 19th, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
NORTH POWDER — Brad Dunten, the athletic director at North Powder Schools, has been honored with the NIAAA State Award of Merit, a prestigious national accolade recognizing exceptional leadership and dedication in the realm of interscholastic athletics.
The National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) bestows this award to a distinguished individual who demonstrates a profound commitment to the values of interscholastic athletics. It is one of the highest honors an athletic director can receive, celebrating those who go above and beyond in fostering youth sports and education.
“I was definitely humbled,” Dunten said.
He initially thought he was only a nominee. “I’m not really into awards; I do it for the kids, plain and simple. So being recognized by the NIAAA, and especially being honored for the state of Oregon, it was very humbling.”
Dunten’s career in athletic administration began in Baker, where he served as athletic director from 2012 to 2015 before joining North Powder School. He is also deeply involved in local sports as a coach and referee, not only at the high school level but for various youth sports.
Under his leadership, North Powder athletics has thrived, largely due to the robust support from the community, the school board, and administration.
“The recognition is not just about me,” Dunten said, “it’s about North Powder athletics and the tremendous backing we receive.”
Dunten also credits his family for their support. “I wouldn’t be here without my number one supporters, which are my wife and kids,” he added. “I’m not a good athletic director or coach without them and this award wouldn’t have happened without them.”
He says he will continue to lead and advocate for the students and athletes of North Powder, because of his love of sports and love of the community.
“I’ve been around high school sports so long and so invested that I honestly don’t know what I would do if I wasn’t an athletic director.”
