Lake County Gazette

Collinsville High School Athletic Director Clay Smith has been selected as the 2025-26 Class 1A & 2A Division 7 Athletic Director of the Year by the Illinois Athletic Directors Association (IADA). The recognition is awarded to athletic directors in each division who show "outstanding leadership, professionalism and dedication to student-athletes, coaches and school communities across Illinois. Their efforts exemplify the mission of the IADA and the positive impact of strong athletic administration," according to the association.

Smith is recognized within the Kahok community for his support of student-athletes and coaches, emphasizing mental, emotional, and physical success. He is also leading an initiative called Diamonds for Kahoks to build new baseball, softball, and practice fields behind Collinsville High School.

Collinsville High School Principal Bobby Wright commented on Smith’s role: "Mr. Smith always ensures that Collinsville athletics is promoting character, positive team culture and overall sportsmanship with our student athletes. His unwavering dedication to our programs and school community are an inspiration for students and faculty alike. I am proud to have the opportunity to work alongside him on a daily basis."

Superintendent Dr. Mark B. Skertich added: "Mr. Smith's energy and passion for ensuring athletics positively impact our students on and off the court are his greatest qualities. He is focused on constant improvement on court, in the classroom and to our district facilities."

All Division Award recipients will be honored at the IADA State Conference Awards Dinner scheduled for March 15, 2026, in Peoria. Winners from each division become eligible for selection as Overall IADA Athletic Director of the Year.

The Collinsville Community Unit School District 10 includes schools such as Collinsville High School along with several elementary schools serving Madison and St. Clair counties (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/). The district employs over four hundred teachers earning an average salary above $60,000; most are women (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/). Student demographics show a diverse population with White students making up just over half of enrollment; Black students comprise about 14 percent while Hispanic students account for about a quarter (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/). In fiscal year 2020, per-student spending was nearly $17,000 (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/).