IADA Hall of Fame

Washington Bush served as the athletic director at James B. Conant High School for 15 years. Washington served the IADA in a variety of capacities. He was a CAA test administrator for ten years, an LTC instructor for six years, business manager for five years, mentor, assistant golf chair, assistant conference chair and conference chair. Washington received the IADA Outstanding Athletic Director of the Year Award in 1998 and the IADA Athletic Director of the Year in 2007. He served on the IHSA Sportsmanship Committee, the IHSA Legislative Commission and the IHSA Strategic Plan Committee on Finances. Washington also served on the NIAAA Strategic Plan Committee and the presented at the NIAAA National Conference. He was also awarded the Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association’s Administrator of the Year in 2002.

While at Conant, Washington was very involved with the IHSA. Conant hosted many state series events, including the IHSA girls’ soccer State Finals. He also volunteered his time at the boys’ volleyball state tournament, the girls’ gymnastics state meet, the boys’ state track meet and the state wrestling meet. Washington was also a member of the Northern Illinois Sports Officiating Committee. He served as the President of the Mid Suburban League and served on the league’s Board of Control. Washington also served as the Mid Suburban League’s wrestling, swimming and water polo liaison.

Steve May, Athletic Director at Wheeling High School says, “Washington Bush was one of the finest athletic directors of his era. At Conant, he had the respect and admiration of his entire coaching staff and community. When your team went to Conant to compete, you knew you would be treated to a first class event. Washington was always there to greet you and make sure things ran smoothly. When you thought of Conant athletics you thought Washington Bush.”
Outside of athletics, Washington was a member of the United Way Board, the Big Brother/Big Sister Program and was a volunteer with the Special Olympics.

The Illinois Athletic Directors Association is proud to have Washington Bush as a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame.