Bridget Kyle, associate director of athletics at Northern Michigan University, is a 2021 Excellence in Service Award recipient. She was nominated for her efforts in coordinating all the various rules for athletic teams to be able to participate in weightlifting and conditioning, practice and competition in a pandemic year.
Kyle and Chief of Police/Director of Safety Mike Bath spent time cross-referencing various COVID-19 rules from the State of Michigan, National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), Western Collegiate Hockey Association and Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. NMU had over 500 athletes wanting to get back into their respective sports. Unfortunately, the rules didn't allow for that as easily as some would have preferred. Kyle was the liaison between the Athletic Logistics team, the coaches and the players.
“Her attention to detail was outstanding and her understanding of the NCAA and other conference rules was invaluable to the logistics team,” stated Kyle's award description.
Kyle was instrumental in figuring out the testing requirements to get teams back into the game. Once it was determined NMU would be able to begin competition in hockey and basketball, she spent time walking the facilities to determine what modifications would have to be made to meet all the new rules.
“If it were not for Bridget's hard work and dedication, we would not have been able to reengage with sports on NMU's campus,” stated her award description. “She developed a good working relationship with the coaches, her counterparts and teams throughout the various conferences.”
NMU honored several individuals and teams during its virtual 2021 Faculty and Staff Recognition Celebration. Employees were also honored for years-of-service milestones and retirement during the event. See all of those highlighted, along with the award winners, here.