Every year, Athletic Directors around the state honor their colleagues for their service, work-ethic and professionalism. League athletic directors are recognized and chosen as AD of the year. Those nominations are brought before WIAA district boards around the state to determine who among the finest will be honored at the district level, and ultimately represent their district (6 Districts in Total) at the WSSAAA State Conference. It is at the state conference where athletic directors annually celebrate the accomplishments of these outstanding district athletic directors.
The Northwest Conference could not be more happy to inform you that Eric Tripp was voted in by the Northwest Conference as our representative and then voted in again by the District 1 to represent us all. Eric will now be one of six Athletic Directors in the state being celebrated. He is now in contention for becoming Athletic Director of the Year in the state of Washington. This will take place at the WSSAAA conference this spring (April 25-28 – @ Three Rivers Convention Center, Kennewick, WA).
AD Testimonial
Today I am officially nominating Eric Tripp for the Athletic Director of the Year for the Northwest Conference. I personally have known Eric for about 8 years. As a coach I was able to watch him operate and as a colleague I have been able to work with him for the last 4 ½ years. It is incredible to see how Eric balances the role of assistant principal and Athletic Director. He is always trying to help advance athletics in the Ferndale Community, and has been an integral part in unveiling the new stadium at the high school. I always enjoy being around people that grind, work hard and make people around them feel supported. It is clear to me that Mr. Tripp does that better than almost anyone I have encountered.
Eric goes above and beyond by building strong relationships with coaches, families, and community partners while always putting students first. It is evident that he anticipates challenges before they arise and finds solutions that strengthen programs long term. Beyond game management, I constantly witness Eric advocate for equity, safety, and opportunity across all activities. His leadership sets the tone for a positive, character-driven culture throughout the Ferndale School District.
Tripp’s assistant Katie Kruckeberg had some very nice things to say about Eric, “Gosh just that he’s been here since 2016, I’ve been with him since fall of 2017. He loves the students’ athletes and always strives to get them to do their best. He is devoted to Ferndale athletics and a great boss that always lets me give my two cents. I wouldn’t work for anyone else!”
Tripp brings more than 24 years of coaching experience at both the high school and collegiate levels. Most recently, he spent eight years at Humboldt University as the offensive coordinator and assistant head football coach. Prior to that, he served 14 years at Western Washington University as the assistant head football coach and head strength coach. Tripp has also worked as a physical education teacher and athletic director. Notably, he began his career at Ferndale High School as an assistant football coach while completing his student teaching under Vic Randall.
