.

Jerry Dini

Jerry Dini became involved with Tucson Youth Football in 1975 as a parent volunteer. In the years since, he's built an impressive resume of accomplishments. He's helped the Tucson organization achieve financial stability, including taking over a bankrupt association in 1992 and paying off all its debts and buying new uniforms and equipment. He's been president of the Tucson organization since 1994. In the years since, the organization has grown from 800 football players and 300 cheerleaders to 2,100 football players and 900 cheerleaders. In 1987, he implemented mandatory clinics for head and assistant coaches. But instead of focusing on Xs and Os, the clinics' theme is risk management, injury prevention, first aid and the psychology of coaching youth. At his urging, in 2003 Tucson implemented mandatory coach fingerprinting and background checks. His efforts led to the establishment of a permanently endowed local scholarship fund, and he's received the Adams USA Lifetime Achievement Award. Read the full story.