YMCA-WEIU honors Auburn Athletic Director Steve Komanecky
“I was pretty surprised when they announced the award,” Komanecky said. “The Courtney-Komanecky is a legacy award. It means a lot because the YMCA was a second home to me. Growing up, my father worked there for well over 20 years, so it was just a place that I could go be a kid, run around, go in the weight room, go in the racquetball courts, and I met a lot of friends there. I developed a lot of social skills through the Y because I was a pretty shy kid growing up.”
The award is given to a staff member or volunteer who has made a meaningful impact on the YMCA. Steve was the recipient due to the work he has done to create a stronger bond between the Auburn YMCA and the AECSD. He has been a champion of the COSER (Cooperative Service Agreement) program, helping to open the YMCA to students and families in the district.
“To be able to come back years later, be on the board of directors at the Y, and help make an impact,” Komanecky said, “it makes me happy, because that's what my dad tried in the community, just make Auburn a better place, and that's been my mission ever since I got here in Auburn.”
The plaque reads: In memory of Jim Courtney & Steve Komanecky for embodying their spirit of dedication, integrity, and meaningful impact to the Auburn YMCA and our community.
