Q and A with MSADA legend and a founding father Bob Burris
As I left Ocean City and the conference this past April, I thought about some of the stories I have heard over the years from Bob Burris, who was one of the founders of the MSADA 40 years ago. Bob is full of wisdom and has been a fixture at the conferences year in and year out. Bob and his wife love to meet up with old friends and attend various functions including their favorite, the vendor raffle.
Bob Burris spent many of his years in education coaching at Easton High School where he was the football coach for 14 years and the track coach for 16. He also served as the school’s athletic director, and then assistant principal and principal- a true legend of the Eastern shore and respected community member.
I thought it would be a nice idea for our website to conduct a question and answer session with Bob so all of our AD’s could get a little bit of the history of the MSADA . So here goes.
MSADA – How did the MSADA come about and tell me about the early years?
Bob- The MSADA came about when a group of Maryland AD’s saw a need to foster a better relationship with each other and share best practices. It was actually Jack Youngblood from the Virginia AD association who encouraged Maryland to start a similar organization. Many of their ideas and plans were copied by our group. Jim Dillon an AD from Glen Burnie was elected as the first President and the first conference was held at the Fenwick Inn in Ocean City. It was attended by 13 athletic directors and we had 6 vendors present.I also became involved with the NIAAA and served on some committees.
MSADA – Why did you decide to become an AD?
Bob- Being a coach, I saw the need for being able to help other coaches with things like bus schedules, lining fields and organizing paperwork. Since I was pretty good at these things it allowed the younger coaches to concentrate on coaching.
MSADA - How did school systems view the position of athletic director?
Bob- Well, the position was totally voluntary at the start and then there was a small stipend. Each system was a little different in their organization plan. The position didn’t really have credibility until the MSADA came about. We also tried to work and help the Delaware AD’s whenever possible.
MSADA – Did you have a large number of people interested in the position 30 years ago?
Bob- No, there wasn’t a lot of interest from teachers and coaches to be an athletic director. Most viewed it as too time consuming and it would take away from their coaching.
MSADA- How much time did you spend over the summer months working on AD responsibilities?
Bob – I came to the school occasionally to catch up on phone calls and plan for the fall, but most AD’s, as well as teachers and coaches, worked another job in the summer. So, time was valuable.
MSADA - You have attended every conference over the past 40 years, so I’d like to ask you to tell me three biggest changes you have noticed over that time period?
Bob - 1. A continuing membership increase from all types of schools
2. An increase in the amount of vendors up to 60 this year. They are the lifeblood of the organization and allow for such great conferences.
3. The camaraderie that has developed over the years. Everyone gets along and we try and help each other . It has been a good way of making contacts as well as new friends.
MSADA - What do you think are some traits that make a good AD?
Bob - I would say it would have to be someone who can get along with all of his or her coaches. They would have to have a good relationship with their administration. Most importantly, the AD has to be consistent with decisions that are made.
MSADA - Finally, would you like to give some words of wisdom to some of the new AD's
Bob - I would say don't slack in your responsibilities, continue what you are doing , move forward and always keep learning.
MSADA - On behalf of the MSADA, I would like to thank you for your time
Bob- My pleasure. Take care now.