Brandon’s Randy Marso gains induction into SDIAAA Hall of Fame

Brandon’s Randy Marso is one of five to be inducted into the South Dakota Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association Hall of Fame. Joining Marso in the induction are Darren Paulson of Rapid City, and all now-deceased Gene Brownell of Aberdeen, Chris Lund of Arlington, and Vern Smith of Gettysburg.

The induction ceremony will be held later this year. To be chosen for this honor, a person must have been an athletic director for 10 years and an active member of the SDIAAA. Candidates are considered through three criteria: national, state, and local involvement. Individuals chosen have volunteered time to promote the belief and purpose of the SDIAAA and who have promoted the importance of education-based athletics and sportsmanship within their school and community.

Marso has left an indelible mark on the landscape of high school athletics in South Dakota. Throughout his distinguished career, which spanned over two decades, the former Brandon Valley athletic director distinguished himself in various leadership roles within the South Dakota Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (SDIAAA) and the South Dakota High School Activities Association (SDHSAA). He served as President of the SDIAAA from 2006 to 2007.

As a certified Athletic Administrator (CAA) since 2004, Marso played a pivotal role in shaping the professional development standards for athletic administrators across the state. He served as a member of the National Certification Committee for the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA), overseeing the CAA exam responsibilities. He is a State Leadership Training Institute (LTI) Faculty member.

Marso was involved in various SDHSAA committees, including the Girls Sports Study Committee, Sportsmanship Committee, State Event Site Selection Committee, Athletic/Fine Arts Calendar Review/Revision Committee, and Cheer and Tennis Advisory Committees. He also managed numerous district/regional basketball, football, soccer, volleyball, and wrestling championships. He served as the state event manager for competitive cheer, dance, golf, tennis, and track and field.

Marso was selected as the SDHSCA Athletic Director of the Year in 2019. He was also recognized with the NIAAA State Award of Merit and the SDIAAA Steve Berseth Professional Development Award 2019. On the national level, he was the state nominee for the NFHS Citation Award. He received numerous other awards. He and his wife, Lisa, sponsored the NIAAA Essay Scholarship Winners for South Dakota.