NFHS Honors Tipton with Service Award
By Sheila Henderson, Assistant Athletic Director, and Jeanne Acton, Journalism Director | Tuesday, August 23, 2011 11:23 AM
Sam Tipton standing with Sheila Henderson, UIL assistant athletic director, and his wife Audree, displays his "Service to Coaching" citation.
Photo by Darryl Beasley
Sam Tipton, executive director of the Texas Girls’ Coaches Association, received the National Federation of High Schools Citation Award for “Service to Coaching” at the 92nd summer meeting held in Philadelphia. The NFHS awarded only one citation in this category from all 51 state associations (including the District of Columbia) that are members of the NFHS.
Tipton said he was “in total shock” when he read the letter informing him that he was the recipient.
“I did not realize, until I was in the room prior to the awards ceremony in Philadelphia, exactly the true meaning of the recognition I was about to receive,” he said. “That was when I truly realized I was about to receive one of the highest awards presented by the NFHS. What a chilling and humbling feeling for a little ol’ boy from Gruver, Texas.”
The UIL Athletic Department nominated Tipton for his service to Texas athletes.
“Sam Tipton has been a champion for student-athletes throughout his career,” UIL Executive Director Charles Breithaupt said. “As executive director for the Texas Girls Coaches Association, he has worked tirelessly for equal opportunities for all students.”
Tipton has been heavily involved with health and safety measures for athletes as a member of the UIL Medical Advisory Committee.
“Sam has made numerous presentations across the state presenting the values of extracurricular activities,” Breithaupt said. “He has been a tremendous supporter of UIL activities and, as a former participant and coach, he possesses a tremendous grasp of those values.”
Athletic Director Mark Cousins said Tipton is “one of the best” when it comes to advocates for girls’ athletics in Texas.
“Texas is fortunate to have Sam and his never ending dedication to the student-athletes and coaches in girls' athletics,” Cousins said.
Assistant Athletic Director Sheila Henderson echoed Cousins’ remarks.
“Sam has so much passion for what he does,” Henderson said. “One of the things that makes him so special is his connection to people. He is true and honest. People trust him.”
Henderson worked with Tipton’s wife, Audree, to get information for his nomination.
“Without my knowledge, my wife supplied all my personal information to them,” he said. “It had been a total conspiracy behind my back.”
In 2001, Tipton became the executive director of TGCA after spending 25 years as a high school teacher, coach and athletic coordinator. Tipton is a liaison to the UIL and a leading advocate for the promotion and improvement of girls’ athletics to the Texas Legislature.
“I am so blessed to work for the coaches of our great state, and I hope, through our daily efforts, we make sure extracurricular activities are a major part of the overall educational process,” Tipton said.
Each summer, the NFHS awards citations to individuals who have made contributions to the NFHS, state high school associations, coaching, officiating and fine arts programs. Citations have been awarded in athletics since 1971. In 1989, coaches and officials were added. Then in 1997, state associations and NFHS personnel were included.
“I know there are more deserving individuals out there that should have received this award, but in 2011 they gave it to me and I am not giving it back,” Tipton said.