Bristol Athletic Director Earns ‘Distinguished Honor’

Bristol Borough High School Athletic Director Gregory Pinelli sat in his office with pride last week, pointing to the “wall of honor,” as he calls it. Just outside his office, in the main hallway on the first floor the high school, Pinelli stood beaming with pride, talking about student-athletes who have come and gone.

It’s now Pinelli’s turn to be honored for his sense of commitment, dedication and expertise. He will be rewarded in Harrisburg on Friday by the Pennsylvania State Athletic Directors Association (PSADA) in partnership with the American Sports Education Program (ASEP).

Pinelli is being recognized with the 2014 Distinguished  Instructor of Coaching Education (D.I.C.E.) Award.

Pinelli’s expertise and enthusiasm as an instructor has helped further coaching education in Pennsylvania since 2002. He has conducting classes for middle school and high school athletic administrators, those behind the award said.

A lifelong Bristol resident and class of 1973 graduate of the high school. Pinelli has been working at the high school for 33 years now.

“It’s fun, I enjoy it and still have the passion for it all ,” Pinelli said last week.

Pinelli has coached basketball, softball, and track and is a former PIAA and Women’s collegiate basketball official. The teacher and coach is also a member of the Bristol High School Athletic Hall of Fame, and a member the Bristol High School All – Legacy Team (1925-1975).

Pinelli earned his CMAA (Certified Master Athletic Administrators) credentials in 2008 from the (NIAAA) National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association and as an instructor for the nationally accredited NIAAA Leadership Training institute, where he presents courses annually at the Pennsylvania State Athletic Directors Conference. In the past, he has been a conference mini-speaker.

Pinelli is a member of the PSADA Executive Council, member of the District 1 Committee, President of the Bicentennial Athletic League, Chairman of the District 1 Competitive Spirit Committee, Secretary of District 1 Athletic Directors Association.