Here are some of the state’s top coaches, administrators and support staff that I encountered along the way for AIA365.com . . . those listed are from my coverage area of Phoenix, Scottsdale, the southwest and northwest Valley and northern Arizona.

AIA game officials and volunteers from events across the state. Without you, none of the competition would be as successful. Many thanks.

Rick Brungardt, Goodyear Estrella Foothills. He has done a great job of building the softball program over the years and more evidence came this season with another Division III championship.

Lindsey Collins, Phoenix Horizon. She did not allow the fact that she was with child to stop her, leading the Huskies to a strong finish in the Division I softball tournament.

Jose Corona, Phoenix Cortez. His deep, authoritative voice and knowledge of the game translated into numerous boys soccer victories, including the Division III championship for the Colts.

Brandon Crosby, St. Johns. The northern Arizona school has earned championships in football and other sports, but none can outdo the way his wrestlers have performed in recent years.

Stefanie Ewing, Scottsdale Chaparral. It was a great coaching job by the former star catcher at Scottsdale Desert Mountain and Oregon State, leading the Firebirds to the Division I softball final.

Todd Fazio, Scottsdale Desert Mountain. He did one of the better coaching jobs in the state this season, leading a young team deep into the Division I boys basketball tournament. District budget cuts forced him to look for employment elsewhere. Now, Desert Mountain’s loss will be Mesa Red Mountain’s gain.

Gary Galante, Phoenix Brophy Prep. Few coaches are as intense or get the most out of their players as the Broncos’ defensive coordinator.

Marc Kelly, Phoenix Brophy Prep. Long-time soccer coach led his team to another title, then stepped down to spend more time with his family. Perhaps we’ll see him again somewhere down the road. The soccer community can use him.

Paul Moro, Lakeside Blue Ridge. He won the 300^th football game of his career on the way to the state championship. Keep it going, coach!!

Carl Nix, Show Low. It was refreshing to chat with a coach who seems to have the proper perspective for his softball program and players.

Sister Nancy Perlick, Phoenix Xavier Prep. There is no doubt that Sister Lynn Winsor runs the show as the school’s athletic director, but her assistant AD, Sister Nancy, is the glue that holds everything together. She puts in countless hours toward the betterment of athletes and the enjoyment of fans.

Ray Portela, Phoenix Sunnyslope. Dan Mannix cast a long, successful shadow over the boys basketball program through the years, so whoever replaced him after he retired would need to be a special breed. The Vikings found that with Portela, one of Mannix’s former players.

Mark Showers, Camp Verde. He has always done a fine job as athletic director and girls basketball coach at the Verde Valley school.

Julia Six, Sanders Valley. As if northeast Arizona didn’t have enough quality girls basketball teams already, along came Six and her Valley team, which played an exciting brand of ball and went deep into the Division III state tournament.

Art Wagner, Gilbert Higley. Hearts are heavy at the AIA and across the state after last week’s sudden passing of the long-time athletic administrator and Executive Director of the AIA’s Executive Board. He was willing to help anyone with whatever they needed. He will be truly missed.

Brandon Wechsler, Phoenix Pinnacle. The effervescent student manager of the boys basketball team refused to be stopped by a case of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Wheelchair-bound, he was able to play in a game, and was voted the king of the prom. It doesn’t get much better than that.  Brandon, you are a true inspiration.