It is with great pleasure that I write this letter in support of Hugh Nester being inducted into the Alberta
Schools Athletic Association’s Hall of Fame Athletic Director Category. I can’t think of one person, not
presently in the Hall, more deserving to receive this special recognition than Hugh. His commitment and
dedication to New Norway, C.A.S.A.A., and A.S.A.A. athletics were evident to everyone that met him.
As the former athletic director at Ryley School it was an extremely easy choice to come to “the house
that Nester built” when they shut down the high school in Ryley last year. His guidance and leadership
was paramount, to not only my development but also, to the many athletic directors and coaches that
he mentored during his years in high school sport. Walking through the doors to New Norway gym his
legacy is displayed everywhere with numerous zone and provincial accomplishments, earned under his
guidance, adorning the walls. His support and counsel to all athletes, athletic directors, and coaches, in
my mind, makes him an ideal candidate and easy first ballot choice to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Hugh was a pillar in Central Zone athletics starting in Rosalind in the 80’s before moving to New
Norway in 1992 where he remained until his retirement in 2013. Hugh’s amazing dedication was felt in
New Norway along with numerous other schools, both in the Central Zone and provincially, as he
mentored many young athletic directors while hosting numerous zone and provincial events. He also
served as the Golf Commissioner from 1996-2000. Further, when the A.S.A.A. hosted their first ever
athletic director conference, which has turned into the AIAAA, Hugh was asked by Executive Director
John Paton to present on the responsibilities of being an athletic director at a small school. John, like all
of the athletic directors in the Central Zone, saw that Hugh was an embodiment of what a small school
athletic director should be. Within the Central Zone many athletic directors secretly voiced that Hugh
was “the godfather” of Central Zone High School Athletics. This was always displayed at C.A.S.A.A.
zone meetings when side conversations always ceased when Hugh spoke up and talked about any
range of issues. This was because of the incredible amount of respect each of the Athletic Directors
had for him. His main philosophy is one that I, along with many athletic directors in the Central Zone,
have followed for years. It was simply “What is the best for the kids”. This was a phrase that I heard
Hugh say numerous times at C.A.S.A.A. meetings and zone events and many will bring up since
Hugh’s retirement.
The A.S.A.A. was built to provide an avenue for athletic activities in a school setting. The policy
handbook states “While ASAA activities operate for the benefit of the students, it is the volunteers
administering, coaching and promoting the program that are responsible for its success”. Therefore, to
achieve the status of Hall of Fame inductee I believe an athletic director needs to not only fulfill those
duties but more so embody them. Hugh lived and breathed the values and ideals that the A.S.A.A. have
promoted throughout its existence. This has been evident through the countless athletic directors in the
Central Zone that were willing to speak on his behalf.
(Excerpts from the nomination letter written by Brent Anderson)