Truett McConnell University director of athletic marketing and communications Walker McCrary has been named the 2016-17 Appalachian Athletic Conference Willie Belcher Sports Information Director of the Year as announced by the league Monday at the spring meeting in Kingsport, Tenn.
"I am truly blessed to accept this award," said McCrary. "I would like to thank Dr. Stacy Hall and the entire athletic department for allowing me to be a part of what was a record-breaking year for Truett McConnell in so many ways."
McCrary has overseen a complete brand redesign during his first year at TMU that included a website redesign and changes to the official athletic marks. Under his supervision, the athletic department has seen TMBears.com's page views double as well as the number of users increase by 15 percent since the redesigned website launched on August 1, 2016.
"I could not be more proud of Walker McCrary and the proactive leadership he has demonstrated in his role as Director of Athletic Marketing and Communications," said Director of Athletics Dr. Stacy Hall. "Our coaches, student-athletes and administration are very aware of what a tremendous asset he is to not only our athletic department but also to our institution. Walker has a bright future ahead of him."
During the 2016-17 academic year, McCrary assisted in a number of AAC conference championships including men's and women's basketball, softball and baseball.
About the Willie Belcher SID of the Year Award
This is the sixth year of the award, and it is named in honor of longtime Virginia Intermont sports information director Willie Belcher. Belcher always exhibited a strong passion for her job and for the students and student-athletes that she came in contact with on a daily basis. She was strong in her faith and a great influence to those around her. In 2010, she was diagnosed with liomyosarcoma and lost her battle to cancer in June of 2012.
Previous recipients of the award include Jay Stencil, Union (2011-12); Matt Laws, Milligan (2012-13); John Gatto, Union (2013-14); Jason Hanes, Reinhardt (2014-15); and Daniel Manget, Milligan (2015-16).
