Patagonia High School athletic director, basketball coach, and history teacher Nate Porter has been honored by his peers as the Arizona Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association Athletic Director of the Year for the 1A Conference.
The annual award is determined by statewide voting of conference athletic directors and recognizes Porter’s contributions as an advocate for small-school athletics.
“It was really nice to get that phone call last week,” Porter said. “I am flattered. It’s nice to be recognized by your peers.”
Porter has served as the legislative lead for 1A Conference sports for the past two years, a role that oversees the day-to-day and season-to-season logistics of the conference’s athletic activities and involves monthly meetings in Phoenix.
“I appreciate (PUHS Superintendent and Principal) Kenny Hayes allowing me the opportunity to take on leadership positions in the state,” Porter said. “I have to credit him for seeing the value in doing it, and allowing me time to do it.”