The late Ken Yamase, former Big Island Interscholastic Association executive director, is one of three recipients of the 2009 NFHS Coach Educator of the Year Award, announced today by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS).
 
Yamase was instrumental in the yearly coordination and implementation of leadership training courses for more than 115 athletic administrators across the state and was also was a member of the NFHS Coaches Education Committee representing Section 7, which consists of Hawaii, California, Nevada, Utah and Arizona.
 
“This is a tremendous honor that's well-deserved for Ken,” says HHSAA Executive Director Keith Amemiya.  “He was at the forefront of coaches' education in Hawaii and thus I'm glad that his efforts are being recognized here in Hawaii and nationally. It's wonderful that his legacy as a coaches' education advocate will leave a positive lasting impression for many years to come.”
 
Two others receiving the award are Mike Maghan, athletic director at McNary High School in Keizer, Oregon; and Lavonne Norman, director of operations and marketing for the Alaska School Activities Association (ASAA).
 
Yamase’s wife Helene will be accepting the award on his behalf at the Hawaii Interscholastic Athletic Directors Association (HIADA) conference in June.  An avid waterman, Yamase drowned in waters off Puako on the Big Island last August.  He was 59.