IADA Hall of Fame

Terry McCombs' induction into the IADA Hall of Fame is well deserved and a reflection of his tireless efforts to create a professional and energized atmosphere within the IADA and IDSA based on commitment, collaboration, and collegiality. Terry McCombs' commitment to athletics within his tenure as the athletic director at Bloomington and Downer Grove South High Schools was commended by his peers who were asked to write on his behalf. One protege shared, "Terry is a prominent figure in each of the communities he has served. Both communities continue to recognize and appreciate the tremendous work he has done for the students of Woodridge, Downer Grove, Darien, and Bloomington. Numerous community members will walk up to him saying hello, reminiscing, and thanking Terry for his tireless efforts." One of the ways that Terry McCombs' commitment to Downers Grove South is felt today is at South High's stadium where Terry was pivotal in raising the $120,000 necessary for a new press box. It is clear that Terry McCombs' dedication to improving the lives of student-athletes while he was teaching, coaching, and directing athletics is in an elite class. He has earned recognitionas the IADA Class AA Athleic Director of the Year in 1995-1996; he earned the NIAAA State Award for Merit in 2003; he served as the IADA conference co-chairman in 2003-2004; and he was inducted into the IHSA Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1996. Another colleague stated that Terry "played a significant role in his transition into an administrative position... he took me under his wing immediately and was willing to give me guidance whenever I asked for it." Terry McCombs' passion for athletics and efforts to assist the IHSA's and IADA's commitment to leadership within our state serve as "a model of the values to be promoted and honored by this award." It is no surprise that Terry McCombs' career has earned him induction to the Illinois Athletic Director Association Hall of Fame.