Written by Evie Martinez
On January 23, 2026, at halftime of the boys’ basketball game, Algona High School recognized an individual who has been influential towards Iowa high school athletics spanning for decades and impacting numerous students, coaches, administrators, and schools.
AHS was proud to congratulate Greg Stewart, who was selected as the Iowa High School Athletic Directors Association Administrator of the Year. This Illustrious award recognizes an individual who promotes sportsmanship, ideals, competition, and standards through athletics that positively contribute to the youth of our state.
Stewart’s career in education and athletics has reflected a lifelong commitment to students and school communities. He started as a principal and athletic director in West Bend. After that he was a middle school principal and middle school athletic director for 22 years at Algona. Additionally, Stewart had been executive secretary of the Cornbelt Conference for 11 years.
Since 2000, Greg has worked as the commissioner of the North Central Conference and is currently in his 26th year as commissioner. Throughout the time he has spent with the NCC, Stewart has been a reliable leader and advocate for fair competition, integrity, collaboration among schools, and doing what is best for student-athletes.
Stewart's leadership throughout his career has helped mold conference standards. He reinforced the values of education-based athletics that all administrators and coaches believe in and support.
Andy Jacobson, AHS current athletic director, said, “Greg Stewart was an outstanding choice for IHSADA Administrator of the Year. Much of the work he does for the NCC goes unnoticed to students and fans, but he plays a major role in coordinating conference schedules at both the middle school and high school levels. He also contracts officials for basketball and is a steady resource when issues arise. Over the past 20+ years, Greg has helped shape NCC athletics and guided the Conference through the additions of Charles City, GHV, Eagle Grove, and Forest City. I can’t think of a more qualified person who has given so much of his time to create opportunities for our student-athletes. I’m really happy to see Greg receive this well-deserved recognition. Congratulations, Greg.”
January 23rd, Brent Buttjer, former President of the Iowa High School Athletic Directors Association, was at the basketball game to present the award.
Congratulations to Greg Stewart, recipient of the Iowa High School Athletic Directors Association’s 2025 Administrator of the Year award. We thank Greg for his outstanding service to Iowa high school athletics.