Acknowledging vision and passion for athletics, as well as exceptional leadership skills, David Meter has been selected as the 2020 District 1 Athletic Director of the Year. 

Awarded by the Kansas Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association, the Interscholastic Athletic Administrator Award is a mark of excellence and achievement. Meter was selected from 136 school districts in central and western Kansas. 

A longtime employee at Great Bend USD 428, Meter taught and coached in Great Bend for 10 years before becoming the principal at Park Elementary. In 2000, he became the Athletic Director at Great Bend High School, where he has continued to serve for the past 20 years. 

“David’s honesty, integrity and tireless work ethic are just a few of the traits that make him very deserving of this award,” said Tim Friess, principal of GBHS. “David has done more for GBHS Athletics and Activities than anyone that I have had the privilege to work with in my 37 years, we are privileged and honored to have David Meter as a colleague.”

Through his career he previously served as President of the Western Athletic Conference, a former member of the KSHSAA Board of Directors, and also a former member of the KIAAA Board of Directors. Meter has been involved with many renovations to Great Bend’s athletic department including upgrading the GBHS weight room, installation of swim scoreboard and electronic timing at BCC, tennis court renovation at Veterans Memorial Park, construction of the Panther Athletic Center, Memorial Stadium turf football field and grandstand improvements, new gymnasium at GBMS, and the addition to the GBHS auditorium. Meter received the ROSE Award from USD 428 and is a two-time recipient of the SW KMEA Outstanding Administrator Award.  Meter is also a member of the Kansas and National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Associations of which this award is being presented. 

On a personal level, Meter considers himself “blessed” to work with many quality students, staff, parents, and community members for the past 41 years.  He is married to his wife Cindy and has one son Brent who resides in the Kansas City area.  

“He says ‘he is blessed’ to work with us when, truly, he is the blessing,” said Friess.

Khris Thexton, superintendent for USD 428, echoed Friess’s accolades, adding, “I appreciate David’s professionalism as an administrator for our district, his desire to provide an outstanding experience for our students and staff is evident in all that he does.” 

Meter will receive the award at the Kansas Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association State Convention on Saturday, April 4 in Manhattan. Notes of congratulations can be sent to Meter’s attention at Great Bend High School, 2027 Morton St. Great Bend.