COLUMBUS — The 2025 Ohio Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (OIAAA) State Conference arrived with unprecedented momentum, shattering attendance records and delivering what many attendees called the most impactful program in its history. Held at the Easton Hilton in Columbus, the conference drew 434 athletic directors and 74 vendors, marking the largest turnout since the event’s inception.
The three-day gathering opened Sunday evening with a forward-looking charge from Wren Baker, Vice President and Director of Athletics at West Virginia University. Baker’s keynote set the tone, offering clear-eyed insight into revitalizing athletic departments, enhancing fundraising strategies, and leading amid the evolving complexities of college athletics.
A Full Monday of Professional Growth
Monday’s schedule moved at the pace of modern sports—fast, focused, and fueled by collaboration. Leaders including Glen Gillespie (OIAAA), Phil Rison (NIAAA), and Doug Ute (OHSAA) welcomed attendees during the morning general session, underscoring the statewide and national strength of the athletic administration profession.
The morning’s spotlight belonged to Mark Leinweaver, MLB agent, broadcaster, and educator, who delivered the energizing keynote “Be the Agent.” His message emphasized personal branding, character, and the importance of advocating for oneself in any professional arena.
Breakout sessions throughout the day covered a wide range of high-impact topics—from social media strategy and risk management to the expanding world of adaptive sports—providing actionable tools for administrators across all experience levels.
The celebrated OIAAA Awards Luncheon honored the best in the profession, including the 2025 Hall of Fame inductees, Athletic Director of the Year recipients, and winners of the prestigious Bruce Brown Awards of Excellence.
Tuesday: Inspiration, Innovation, and Closing Strong
Tuesday’s closing slate blended inspiration with timely, practical professional development. Olympian Julie Isphording, a 1984 Marathon competitor, headlined the morning with her keynote, “The Next Right Thing: How to Choose Courage, Hope, and Joy Each Day.” Her reflections offered tangible strategies for combating burnout and sustaining personal well-being—a message that resonated deeply with administrators who regularly navigate high-pressure environments.
Isphording returned with “Everything in Life Requires Olympic Courage,” an empowering session centered on resilience, mindset, and tackling adversity with purpose.
The day continued with two standout presentations.
Kristin Ronai and Ronald Sayers (OHSAA) addressed the increasingly complex world of student eligibility in “You Mean I Can’t Play?: The Changing Landscape of Student Eligibility,” clarifying rules and offering guidance for day-to-day compliance challenges.
Meanwhile, Dr. Gerald Warmack of Finneytown Local Schools delivered one of the conference’s most innovative sessions: “Leveraging Student-Athletes to Improve Literacy Scores.” His work showcased the growing intersection between athletics and academics, highlighting how sports can drive measurable gains in student engagement and literacy.
As the conference concluded, attendees left Columbus energized, connected, and equipped with new tools to elevate athletic programs across the state. With record attendance and nationally recognized presenters, the 2025 OIAAA Conference not only made history. It set a new standard for what professional growth in scholastic athletics can look like.
