As a part of the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Coach of the Year program, the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) administrative staff annually honors individuals as NFHS Coaches of the Year in their respective sports. This year, Maine South High School’s Don Kura was selected as the IHSA Coach of the Year for Boys Swimming and Diving.
“Don’s service and devotion to Boys Swimming and Diving in the state of Illinois is sincerely appreciated and he can be proud of this important recognition by the NFHS Coaches Association,” wrote IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson.
Coaches of the Year are selected based on the results of the previous school year, as well as other elements such as career success, positive leadership, sportsmanship and contributions to the sport.
Kura has been the boys and girls swimming and diving coach at Maine South for over 20 years and shares his gratitude for this accomplishment.
“It feels very rewarding, but more than anything it’s about the kids and the coaching staff,” shares Kura. “None of this is possible without any of them or the support that we get day-to-day here at Maine South.”
Kura was recently honored for his achievements in front of his fellow Maine South staff members during a staff meeting where they expressed their appreciation of Kura and his commitment to the school and its students.
“When we went through the construction process and renovating the pool, his input was all about how to make the facility better for our athletes and for our PE classes,” explained Maine South Athletic Director Matt Ryder. “It’s no surprise that Coach Kura has been one to use what he has to maximize opportunities for our students.”
“This is not a me award, this is a team award,” says Kura. “This kind of thing doesn’t happen if you don’t get really good kids that are willing to listen, willing to compete and willing to push themselves to be better day in and day out, no matter what.”