(Fort Wayne, IN) Concordia University Ann Arbor Athletic Director Lonnie Pries was voted by his peers as the 2023-24 Terry Bocian Athletics Director of the Year honor presented by Kuhn Specialty Flooring for the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC). This is the first such honor for Pries and he becomes the first Concordia AD to win the award. The award is named after former longtime Aquinas athletics director Terry Bocian who was instrumental in the formation of the conference. His nomination is now forwarded to the NAIA for National AD of the Year consideration.
Lonnie Pries is now finishing his eleventh year as the Athletic Director for Concordia. Pries has grown the athletic department to 28 varsity sports in his time in Ann Arbor with a focus on developing servant leaders who strive for excellence in academics, athletics, and personal growth while maturing as Christians together. Concordia has 2 NAIA National Champions and 7 NCCAA National Champions during his tenure in Ann Arbor. There have also been 25 NAIA National Qualifiers and 20 WHAC Champions in his time with the Cardinals since 2013. The Cardinals have seen success both on the field and in the classroom with 53 all-conference selections, 194 WHAC All-Academic selections, and 130 NAIA Scholar Athletes throughout the 2023-24 academic year.
On top of the on-field and academic success, Pries has always been active representing and advocating for student athletes. He is currently the chair for the athletic directors within the WHAC, and is an Athletic Directors Association member within the NAIA, representing the WHAC. Prior to that, he was the Athletic Director representative in the Association of Student Athletes for 4 years. On campus, he is an advisor for multiple student groups including the Student Athlete Leadership Team, Athletes in Action, and the Black Student Union.
"Lonnie Pries has been a champion and advocate for our student-athletes, and an excellent role model for each of them," said CUAA VP of Administration Ryan Peterson. "His commitment to service at every level has made a true impact on our campus and conference. Lonnie's tenure and experience, as well as his involvement and willingness to advance the mission of the WHAC, makes him worthy of this award."
All-Time Terry Bocian AD of the Year winners
2003-04: Bryan Rizzo, Madonna
2004-05: None
2005-06: None
2006-07: Terry Bocian, Aquinas
2007-08: Bryan Rizzo, Madonna
2008-09: Fred Smith, Siena Heights
2009-10: Dave Grubbe, Cornerstone
2010-11: Bryan Rizzo, Madonna
2011-12: Paul Lowden, Davenport
2012-13: Dave Grubbe, Cornerstone
2013-14: Scott Trudeau, Lawrence Tech
2014-15: Martin Neuhoff, Indiana Tech
2015-16: Terry Bocian, Aquinas
2016-17: Matt Beaudry, UM-Dearborn
2017-18: Scott Kennell, Madonna
2018-19: Fred Smith, Siena Heights
2019-20: Debbie Warren, Indiana Tech
2020-21: Janet Eaton, Lourdes
2021-22: Chris Adams, UNOH
2022-23: Scott Trudeau, Lawrence Tech
2023-24: Lonnie Pries, Concordia