IADA Hall of Fame

After working with Craig Watson for several years, one coach of 35 years stated, "He is simply the best. He was always very organized and treated all events that we hosted with the same class and organization, from a freshmen contest to a huge IHSA event." Based on his dedication and commitment to the athletic programs at Oswego High School and to the Illinois Athletic Directors' Association, Craig Watson's induction into the IADA Hall of Fame is well-deserved.

Craig is a lifetime member of the IADA and the NIAAA. From 2003-2006, Craig acted as Chairman of the Public Relations Action Plan on the Strategic Plan Committee. Craig has taught and continues to teach LTC courses for the IADA. He served the IADA Executive Board for two years as the mentor program chair. In fact, Craig began the mentoring program that is in place today. During his two years as mentor coordinator, Craig aligned over 100 first year athletic directors with a veteran athletic director to serve as their mentor throughout the state.

It came as no surprise to those around him when Craig was chosen as the IADA Distinguished Service Award winner in 2007. As the athletic director at Oswego, one colleague stated, "Craig demonstrated great characteristics that educators and administrators should possess. He is truly a collaborative, dedicated and trusted administrator. Kids are his number one priority…He has counseled many students and has supported them as the athletic director and as the assistant principal. He has epitomized character, class, integrity and sportsmanship."

During Craig's 12-year career as the athletic director at Oswego he saw the football team win a State title in 2003 and the girls' bowling team win a State title in 1998. Craig is equally proud of the fact that 90% of the varsity teams at Oswego earned the IHSA Team Academic Achievement Award during his tenure. In addition to his role as athletic director, Craig served as the school's head boys' basketball coach for two years.

The Illinois Athletic Directors' Association is proud to have Craig Watson as a member of the IADA Hall of Fame.