H. David Fry, former executive director of the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) and president of the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), passed away October 23 at the age of 77.

Fry was executive director of the IHSA from 1991 to 2002 after 13 years as associate executive director and 11 years as assistant executive director on the IHSA staff. He retired in 2002 after 35 years, making him the longest-serving administrator in IHSA history.

During his 11 years as IHSA executive director, Fry led 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.

Fry served on the NFHS Board of Directors from 1993 to 1996, culminated by a year as president in 1995-96.