7/7/16

(Renton, WA) The WIAA has announced a job opening for the Sports and Activities Information Director. This means the current Director is stepping down and the WIAA is losing a great person. When I left radio and began this little project called the Eli Sports Network, Conor Laffey was one of our biggest supporters right from the start.

I had known Conor from my days in radio but not much more than passing hi’s and making sure we got our credentials in line for each post-season broadcast. Even during that time Conor was always willing to help all media with whatever it was they needed for a broadcast or story.

Conor was always looking to better his department and relationship with the media to help them get what they needed but more importantly when they needed it. This led to his establishing the WIAA Media Advisory Committee with his partner in crime Andy Knapp. Andy is in charge of Corporate Sponsors and assists in the operations of State Tournaments with Conor.

Media folks were selected from all venues and from around the state. Newspaper, web based, broadcasters and photographers. Conor would hold 3-4 round-tables a year with the committee addressing concerns and issues from the large state events.

Many new policies and procedures have come out of the committee work and from my experience the events from a media stand-point have been exceptionally well run under Conor’s leadership.

Conor and his staff continue to make improvements at each State Tournament or Event with the creation of Tournament Central to the high profile and presence on social media, just to name a few of the advancements that have come under his direction.

But most of all, Conor is simply one of the nicest people you will ever want to meet. He greets you as a long lost friend, always has a smile, considerate to a fault in my book and genuinely  is interested in what you as a reporter are doing and cares about your needs.

The WIAA’s loss is the Oak Harbor School District’s gain as Conor will take over the Communications department for the District in August. He is a champion of kids and will do an awesome job in his new position and we wish him all the best and success. The Oak Harbor school District I suspect will quickly learn what a coup they have pulled off in attracting a man like Conor Laffey. We will miss him but you can’t hold back talent.

You know I think a lot of Mr Laffey considering I am a Tumwater Alum and he hails from the land of Prosser. It has not been an easy 6-months in dealing with him but in the end I will miss him dearly but so excited for his future. Best of luck my friend, you are one of the best!