TJC's Tim Drain named "AD" of the year - KYTX CBS 19 Tyler Longview News Weather Sports

The National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) announced the 29 winners of the Under Armour AD of the Year Award (ADOY) today.  Of the 29 winners, only 4 are allocated in the Junior/Community College division with Tyler Junior College's Dr. Tim Drain receiving the JC/CC West Region honors.

All NACDA-member directors of athletics in the United States, Canada and Mexico who met the criteria were eligible for the award. Among the criteria were service as an AD for a minimum of five academic years; demonstration of commitment to higher education and student-athletes; continuous teamwork, loyalty and excellence; and the ability to inspire individuals or groups to high levels of accomplishments. Additionally, each AD's institution must have passed a compliance check through its appropriate governing body (i.e., NCAA, NAIA, etc.), in which the institution could not have been on probation or cited for a lack of institutional control within the last five years during the tenure of the current athletics director.

NACDA Executive Director Bob Vecchione explains the ADOY Award is essential because it highlights the efforts of athletics directors at all levels for their commitment and positive contributions to campuses and their surrounding communities.

"Before its inception, our Honors and Awards Committee recognized a need for an award such as the AD of the Year," said Vecchione, who is finishing his first year at the helm of NACDA. "The program brings to light the remarkable jobs done by athletics directors across the country. These 29 outstanding winners epitomize that, providing us with a group of exemplary athletics directors who excel on campus and in their communities."

"I am certainly humbled by receiving this honor.  I am not sure I am deserving of such an award, but I can tell assure you that it cannot possibly be appreciated more," said Dr. Drain.  "As with any individual honor, I see it more as a reflection of a bigger picture.  I am so grateful to TJC for their support of Athletics.  I thank Chuck Smith and Angie Clemons for their daily work for the good of the program.  This award is not possible without great head coaches and assistant coaches who have a commitment to recruit great athletes as well as good representatives of our college.   I thank head trainer Eddy McGuire and his staff and students for all of their many hours spent helping our student-athletes.  I thank Denny Yarbrough for certifying our athletes and thank Cindy Smoak (SporTyler) for putting our sports and our city on a national conversation.  I also want to thank all of our student-athletes who choose Tyler Junior College as a place to start their careers and pursue their dreams.  Finally, this award cannot be accepted without thanking my wife Holly and two boys Peyton and Nathan.  I could not do this job without their support."

"There are so many more people to thank, from advisors to faculty.  Just simply know that I share this honor with all Apaches!"

Dr. Tim Drain is finishing his 13th year at Tyler Junior College in athletics administration, and his 10th as the college's athletic director.  TJC has one 46 NJCAA National Championships since 1946, which ranks 4th in the history of the NJCAA (as of May 2012).  Nineteen of those have come under Drain's tenure, with fourteen of them coming with Drain as athletic director.

The TJC athletics program finished 7th in the 2010-2011 NATYCAA Cup Standings, and finished 4th the year before.  This year, the Apaches finished the highest in their program's history, finishing second.  Drain has served as the NJCAA Region XIV Women's Director since 2001.  He is a member of the NJCAA Women' Softball, Soccer and Tennis National Committees and is the Chair of the Service and Recognition Committee.

He is a voting member in the women's basketball, softball, and women's soccer NJCAA National Polls and has been the tournament director for a number of NJCAA National Championships, including men's and women's soccer, baseball and women's tennis.

Drian currently serves as the 3rd Vice President of NATYCAA, and was awarded the George E. Killian Award of Excellence from the NJCAA.