Illinois Coaches Association Named Shawn Temple Awardee
The association selected Shawn Temple as the Media Relations Person of the Year for 2026.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Baseball
The Illinois High School Baseball Coaches Association honored Shawn Temple as its Media Relations Person of the Year. The recognition follows his work as the Prairieland Media Sports Director.
Why it matters
This award highlights the vital role media professionals play in supporting scholastic athletic programs across the state. It celebrates the contributions of individuals who bridge the gap between high school sports and the broader community.
Shawn Temple was selected as the 2026 Media Relations Person of the Year by the Illinois High School Baseball Coaches Association board.
The players
Shawn Temple
He serves as the Sports Director for Prairieland Media and was named Media Relations Person of the Year.
Ryan Molek
He is an Assistant Principal and Head Baseball Coach at United High School who also serves on the IHSBCA Board.
Illinois High School Baseball Coaches Association
This organization represents high school baseball coaches across the state and oversees annual award recognitions.
The details
Ryan Molek, who serves as the Assistant Principal and Head Baseball Coach at United High School, surprised Temple with the news of the honor on October 9, 2026. The award acknowledges Temple's consistent efforts as the Prairieland Media Sports Director.
Timeline
October 9, 2026: Shawn Temple received notice of the award from Ryan Molek.
December 4, 2026: The IHSBCA Coaches Clinic and banquet weekend begins.
December 5, 2026: The awards banquet takes place in Naperville.
Season Trajectory
This award presentation is a key component of the annual gathering hosted by the Illinois High School Baseball Coaches Association Coaches Clinic. The event serves as a focal point for the organization to recognize contributors before the next season officially begins.
This honor marks a significant recognition for local media coverage of the high school sports landscape in Illinois. The event serves as the primary formal gathering for coaches and staff involved in the state's high school baseball ecosystem.
The takeaway
The recognition of media directors underscores the collaborative effort required to sustain scholastic sports programs. Readers can observe how local organizations utilize these honors to foster deeper engagement between the media and school administrations.
What happens next
The official award presentation is scheduled to take place during the banquet on December 5, 2026, at the Embassy Suites in Naperville.
Further reading
Learn more about the local sports scene in the Illinois Baseball section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Prairie Communications, LLC.
