Honorary Coaches

During the 1940’s, the National Association of Intercollegiate Basketball tournament underwent many changes.  With World War II consuming America's time and attention, the tournament was cancelled in 1944 and shortened to a 16-team field in 1945.  The NAIB changed its name to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, in 1952, after the membership voted to conduct championships in other sports.  The Honorary Coach Program was also born that year. 

Conceived by Frank Hesselroth, Charlie Stevenson and Emil S. Liston, one of the founders of the NAIA tournament in 1937, the Honorary Coach Program ensures that all 32 teams advancing to the NAIA tournament leaves with a memorable experience, whether it wins the title or loses in the first round.  The program also provides individuals and Kansas City Area businesses the opportunity to become actively involved with the NAIA tournament as a participant.  A drawing is held to assign Honorary Coaches to each of the 32 teams participating in the national tournament. 

When their team arrives for the tournament, the Honorary Coaches have the opportunity to meet the players and coaches, share a meal with them and will often help the team navigate their way around Kansas City for entertainment and necessities.  As the tournament draws closer, the Honorary Coaches sit with their team and are recognized during the annual Tip-Off Banquet.  Honorary Coaches are also recognized during the Parade of Champions, held on the opening night of the tournament, when each Honorary Coach marches with his or her team onto center court.

Once the teams takes the court, the Honorary Coaches take their places on the team bench.  Although they may have known the players for only a short time, the Honorary Coaches become their biggest fans, cheering them to victory or consoling them in defeat.  To watch the wide range of emotions shown by the Honorary Coaches during the tournament illustrates the bond that quickly forms between them and the players.

The Honorary Coach Program has left a lasting impression on thousands of NAIA basketball players.  In turn, many Honorary Coaches have formed friendships with NAIA players and coaches that last a lifetime. That tradition continues this March in Kansas City.

Honorary Coaches proudly represent these valued partner companies: