KANSAS CITY, MO – The Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association named Al Jones of the University of Central Oklahoma as its inaugural Volunteer of the Year Award.
 
The MIAA Volunteer of the Year Award was created to recognize and honor individuals who generously devote their time and talents to enhancing MIAA events and operations, while positively influencing the experience of student-athletes, coaches, and staff across the conference.
 
The Bronchos plan to celebrate and honor Al Jones all weekend in Edmond. Jones will first be recognized during halftime of UCO’s 7:30 pm home men’s basketball game against Minnesota Crookston on Friday, November 13, and then again during the first quarter of the Bronchos’ 1 pm home football game against Missouri Western on Saturday, November 14.
 
Jones has been a dedicated supporter of UCO athletics since 1960, when he first began working with the Bronchos’ athletic department as a student manager. He’s served in numerous roles throughout the years and continues to give his time and energy to the university and the MIAA.
 
From the moment visiting teams or officials arrive in Edmond, Jones is often the first person they encounter. He greets them with genuine hospitality and goes above and beyond to ensure they feel welcomed and have the best possible experience while competing at UCO.
 
“Al’s positive attitude and commitment to excellence represent the very best of our institution and the MIAA,” said UCO Deputy Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator, Chandler Stanley. “What makes Al especially deserving of this recognition is his willingness to step in wherever he is needed. Whether assisting staff, helping visiting teams navigate our facilities, or supporting operations behind the scenes, Al approaches every task with enthusiasm and humility. He is a tremendous teammate to our staff and an invaluable resource on game days.”
 
Whether welcoming visiting teams and officials, assisting with game-day operations, overseeing shootarounds at the MIAA Basketball Championships in Kansas City, helping coordinate the UCO men’s basketball golf fundraiser, or simply stepping in wherever help is needed, Jones consistently goes above and beyond to make others feel welcome.

Here’s what MIAA administrators and coaches have to say about Al Jones:
 
“The MIAA is a special organization because of the people who support our events, championships and our MIAA member institutions — and no one is more committed to the success of the MIAA than Al Jones from UCO. This is the first Volunteer of the Year award for the MIAA, and there is not a more deserving individual for this first award than my friend, Al Jones!”
    – Mike Racy, MIAA Commissioner
 
“The MIAA Volunteer of the Year award was developed for someone exactly like Al Jones. Al is always willing to help no matter the event or the task—and he always does it with a kind word and a smile on his face, and he’s always having fun. There is no better ambassador of the MIAA than Al Jones.”
    – Jim Johnson, Executive Vice-President, Pittsburg State University
 
"Al is a tremendous representative of the University of Central Oklahoma and the MIAA. His service overseeing all of the shootarounds at the MIAA Basketball tournaments in Kansas City the last few years has been great... He's always smiling and accommodating when our teams arrive, even at 7:00 am! It's a little different feeling when our teams travel to Edmond and visit UCO, but Al's personality in that setting still makes you feel welcome and appreciated upon arrival. I couldn't be more appreciative of him and his volunteer work in our league!"
    – Dr. Andy Peterson, Director of Athletics, Northwest Missouri State University
 
“Al Jones is the heart of what it means to serve others. A proud supporter of UCO and an even greater champion of student-athletes, Al shows up every time he is called upon with a servant’s spirit, a genuine smile, and a full heart. In his retirement, he has chosen to pour his time and energy into making the lives of those around him better—never for recognition, but simply because he cares. He’s always the first to step in wherever help is needed, no matter how big or small the task. And more importantly, he brings a presence that lifts everyone around him. Our student-athletes know they are seen, valued, and supported because of Al. His kindness is constant, his encouragement is sincere, and yes—his hugs are the very best! Al doesn’t just volunteer his time; he invests in people. He embodies the spirit of UCO and the MIAA through selflessness, compassion, and unwavering dedication. There is no one more deserving of MIAA Volunteer of the Year than Al Jones.”
    – Hannah Moeller, Head Women’s Basketball Coach, University of Central Oklahoma
 
“Al is the most amazing person who helps all fourteen programs at a moment’s notice, never expecting anything in return. He is the most giving person who genuinely wants everyone to succeed. We are very fortunate to have a servant like him involved with our program. He is always ready to do more than what has been asked. He is a Big Time Winner.”
    – Bob Hoffman, Head Men’s Basketball Coach, University of Central Oklahoma