Longtime IHSA administrator Fry dies

Posted on October 24, 2017
David Fry
David Fry retired in 2002 as the longest-serving administrator in the Illinois High School Association’s history. (Photo courtesy IHSA)

By WJBC Staff

BLOOMINGTON – David Fry, the man who led the Illinois high school basketball finals move to Peoria and was the longest-serving administrator in the Illinois High School Association’s history has died.

The IHSA said in a news release Fry died at his home in Chatham on Monday morning.

Fry was appointed associate executive director in 1978 and then executive director in 1991 after the retirement of Lavere Astroth. During his 11 years in charge of the IHSA, he oversaw the introduction of state tournaments in boys volleyball and boys and girls water polo, the move of the boys basketball tournament from Champaign to Peoria, the creation of the IHSA TV Network, the introduction of the Add A. Tude sportsmanship mascot, and the vigorous promotion of the IHSA’s “March Madness” trademark that included the March Madness Experience in Peoria.

As head of the IHSA, Fry also served on the national council of the National Federation of State High School Associations and was the president of the Federation during the 1995-96 school year.

Fry retired in 2002 after 35 years at the IHSA, making him the longest-serving administrator in the Association’s history. A few years ago he moved from Bloomington to Chatham to be closer to his family.

“Mr. Fry will be missed by his many friends in the interscholastic community throughout Illinois and the rest of the country,” the IHSA said in a statement.

Memorial information is pending.

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