Sherman Sylling, who has been the executive secretary of the North Dakota High School Activities Association (NDHSAA) since 1999, will retire following the 2013-14 school year. Prior to joining the North Dakota association, Sylling was superintendent of schools in North Dakota for 29 years.

“I have truly enjoyed being able to be involved in the activities side of education,” Sylling said.

Highlights of Sylling’s tenure include moving the girls basketball season from the fall to winter, establishing a coaches education requirement for the state, establishing a concussion plan, developing a heat illness/acclimatization plan, negotiating a new five-year television contract, guiding North Dakota to become involved in the NFHS Network and finding a premiere partner and two supporting sponsors to solidify the NDHSAA’s financial stability.

Another longtime state leader will leave his position at the same time.

Pat Corbin, who has been the executive director of the New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletic Association (NHIAA) since 2006, will also retire following the 2013-14 school year. He spent 27 years as a teacher and school administrator and 11 years in business prior to joining the NHIAA.

The NHIAA, during Corbin’s tenure, looked to involve more students in athletics with a focus on non-traditional student-athletes and a model for disabled participation. The process began with the implementation of girls ice hockey in 2007-08, followed by 10-pin bowling in 2010 and Unified Sports in 2011. Bass fishing was introduced in 2013.

The NHIAA also adopted the “Life of an Athlete” program, which addresses substance abuse, nutrition, policy issues, training and many more components in the high schools.

Corbin’s greatest accomplishments at the NHIAA include expanding opportunities for individuals from across the state to serve on the volunteer committees and opening athletics to more student-athletes.

[WRITER’S NOTE: ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE FEBRUARY 2014 EDITION OF “HIGH SCHOOL TODAY”]