With all the glory, prestige and credit that comes with the athletic programs at high schools, there’s always one man behind the curtain making sure everything goes smoothly.
One might call the athletic director position at any high school a thankless job, and for that, it’s time to recognize our silent leaders.
For 47-year-old Camp Verde High School Athletic Director Mark Showers, his tenure in Camp Verde as athletic director began in 1996.
A 1981 graduate of CVHS, Showers attended what was then called Grand Canyon College, and received his degree with a double major in physical education and psychology.
A four-year letter winner in basketball and baseball at CVHS, Showers played junior varsity baseball at Grand Canyon and two years of varsity basketball during his junior and senior year before graduating in 1985.
“I love sports. It’s funny because my parents were into the arts, music and drama, but I spent more time in athletics,” Showers said laughing.
Showers returned to the small town he grew up in looking to not only be athletic director, but wear the dean of students and girls basketball coach hats as well.
“I’ve wanted to coach basketball since I was 11 or 12. I enjoy working with the kids and having a positive effect on their lives. We all like to win, but the preparation to do so can teach valuable life lessons to young people,” Showers said.
In 2008, Showers was recognized by the Arizona Interscholastic Athletic Administrator Association, receiving the state Award of Merit for a job well done as athletic director.
Only one person receives this award every year out of all high schools in Arizona.
The award was no surprise to those around the Verde Valley who work with Showers on a weekly, if not daily, basis.
Verde Valley School Athletic Director Matt Moran has an interesting take on the man from Camp Verde.
“Mark [Showers] has helped me out a lot. He’s really been there for me and he brought me along when I was beginning this gig as athletic director,” Moran said.
Of course, Mike Boysen, athletic director at Mingus Union High School, and John Parks, the athletic director at Sedona Red Rock High School, also feel the same way.
As for Showers, he appreciates the relationships he’s built within the athletic director field, stating Parks has been most helpful to him. The two men have been in the same region together for many years in the 3A-West.
CVHS and SRRHS are similar in size as well, making it an easy athletic contest for both schools to play against one another.
“I’ve received help from all of these athletic directors around the Verde Valley. It’s been quite a relationship we’ve all built with one another,” Showers said.
When it’s all said and done, Showers will probably have a few more AIAAA awards sitting on his mantel, but the lives he’s touched will always outweigh any award he receives.
