General Donnie Smith

Watson Lands Sixth Sun Conference AD of the Year Honor

TAMPA, Fla.—Southeastern University Director of Athletics Drew Watson was honored as the 2023-24 Sun Conference Athletic Director of the Year.
 
This is his sixth Sun Conference honor, which is the most in the 20-year history of the award.
 
The Sun Conference Commissioner's Cup returned to Southeastern for the fourth time in the last five seasons after the Fire won league titles in men's cross country, men's and women's indoor and outdoor track and field, men's golf, baseball, and women's basketball. Southeastern also placed 13th in the NAIA Learfield Directors' Cup standings.
 
"An award of this nature truly reflects the work of the entire staff and the backing of University administration," said Watson. "To that end, I want to thank SEU President, Dr. Kent Ingle, for his continued vision and support. I also want to thank each and every one of the amazing people who call Fire athletics their home, especially our student-athletes, who are the reason we all do what we do."
 
In addition to the success of the programs at Southeastern, Watson also serves as a member of the league's Council of Athletic Directors Executive Committee and serves on the NAIA's Conduct and Ethics Committee, Council for Student Athletes, and National Administrative Council.  
 
"Drew continues to provide outstanding leadership on campus at Southeastern, in The Sun Conference, and throughout the NAIA and we are pleased to see him being recognized by his peers in the conference," said Sun Conference Commissioner Dustin Wilke.  
 
Watson now advances to the national ballot for the NAIA Athletic Director of the Year Award which will be announced on September 15th. Watson previously won the NAIA award in 2019.
 

ABOUT THE SUN CONFERENCE
Now entering its 34th year, The Sun Conference, a 501c3 organization, continues to be one of the most successful intercollegiate athletic conferences in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). Under the guidance of Commissioner Dustin Wilke, the league sponsors championships in 24 NAIA sports. Learn more at thesunconference.com  

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