New Fairfield Public School’s Athletic Director Mark Ottusch is proud to have recently earned certification through the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA).  As a Certified Athletic Administrator, Mark “has demonstrated the highest level of knowledge and expertise in the field,” NIAAA’s Communications Manager Justin Chapman said. Superintendent Ken Craw stressed that “This certification goes above and beyond the required Connecticut Administrator Certification for athletic directors. We are proud of Mark for adding to his credentials as an athletic director.”

In his third year at New Fairfield High School (NFHS), Ottusch says that among his favorite aspects of the position is “seeing our student-athletes grow throughout their four years in high school into young adults who are ready to utilize the skills they’ve learned within athletics to achieve success beyond high school.” NFHS Principal James D’Amico describes the certification as “a wonderful accomplishment.” He reflected that “Mark has, in only his third year as Athletic Director, made major improvements and contributions to our programs, and has quickly become a highly respected leader in the South-West Conference.” D’Amico went on to say, “Mark ably steered our program through the difficulties of the COVID pandemic, making sure our students had every opportunity possible to practice and compete.”

The certification process is robust,  including a thorough evaluation of educational background, experience, and professional contributions, including coaching, leadership skills, and conference attendance. As a candidate, Mark needed to have held a position as an athletic administrator for multiple years, to take five required Leadership Training Courses through the NIAAA, and to complete a rigorous, comprehensive written examination.

Up to the task, D’Amico explained that “Mark has been doing amazing work with our Class Act Council, a group of student-athlete leaders who are focused on sportsmanship by both athletes and fans, an area in which we have seen significant improvement this year.” In a remarkably demanding position that requires constant pivoting and juggling, Mark says “The job of Athletic Director is a tireless one. It basically entails working two shifts each day between the o ffice during the day and supervising athletic contests in the evening.” He credits colleague Adam Cannale with helping to ensure the successful running of the athletic department. “I also wouldn’t be able to work the hours that I do without an extremely supportive spouse who understands that there are times when my phone rings and I need to drop what I’m doing and address an issue either on the phone or in person,” Mark said.

With this certification, Ottusch joins fellow NIAAA Certified Athletic Administrators in education opportunities, as an ethics advocate, in leadership development, and in fostering a community within the field. D’Amico is excited about how this will translate back to NFHS. He says that under Mark’s leadership “the proud traditions of Rebel athletics” have continued “by holding our coaches and students to high standards. As an NFHS alum, Mark takes pride in our program.” Mark agrees and looks forward to continuing, saying, “Not only is it great to see our teams achieve success within our league and state, but the way the community supports our teams and celebrates their accomplishments makes New Fairfield a special place.”

By Sarah Opdahl