June 6, 2008

University of Dayton Assistant Director of Athletics Communication Bill Thomas has been recognized by the American Volleyball Coaches Association for his work in promoting the nationally-ranked Flyer women's volleyball team. Thomas was the 2007-08 Northeast Region's Division I SID AVCA Grant Burger Award winner.

The honor is part of the process to nationally recognize the top media person or entity in promoting the sport of volleyball.

Thomas guided the publicity efforts in support of the Dayton volleyball program's best season in modern program history. UD had a 33-2 overall record culminating with a trip to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The Flyers were ranked in the AVCA Top 25 Coaches Poll for the first time ever and reached as high as 12th in the Poll at one point. UD won its fourth straight Atlantic 10 Regular Season Championship and took home the Atlantic 10 Tournament Title for the fourth time in five years.

He also served as the tournament site media coordinator as the Flyers also hosted NCAA First and Second Round matches for the first time ever in front of sold-out crowds at Frericks Center.

Other Division I SID's recognized nationally were Shamus McKnight of Nebraska (Central Region), Stephen Gorchov of Hofstra (East), Jen Armson of Penn State (Mideast), Kevin Britton of Eastern Kentucky (Midwest), Jason Pommier of USC (Pacific), Sean Cartell of Kentucky (South) and Jeffrey Seals of UNLV. McKnight was the national SID honoree, and MaxPreps.com was named the winner of the 2008 AVCA Grant Burger Media Award.

The AVCA Grant Burger Media Award is an honor intended to recognize members of the media who have been involved in the advancement of the sport of volleyball, whether it be through consistent coverage in all mediums (sports information, print, broadcasting and web content), production of volleyball-specific publications or extensive radio and/or television exposure. It is named in honor of Grant Burger, former Director of Sports Information and Associate Director of the AVCA (1988-92), whose hard work, innovative mind, knowledge and enthusiasm took the areas of media relations and publications at the AVCA to a higher level and increased awareness of the sport of volleyball nationwide.