The Directors of Athletics Association of New Jersey (DAANJ) has selected Michael Hoppe as their 2023-2024 North 2 Section Award of Merit Recipient. This honor was based upon Hoppe’s achievements, dedication to student athletes, and overall distinguished career as an Athletic Director in the Somerset Hills School District.
A long time area resident of Somerset Hills, Mike Hoppe began his career in the district in 1984, serving the district in multiple capacities before becoming the Director of Athletics in 2001. It is clear that he is committed to the students, athletes, and communities of Bernardsville, Bedminster, Far Hills, and Peapack-Gladstone.
The Sectional Award of Merit was established in 2004. Award recipients are determined by a DAANJ Board of Trustees Committee, who recognize and evaluate the contributions made to interscholastic athletics by the nominated Athletic Directors in the four regions of the state. While Hoppe’s accomplishments are many, highlights include the following: Hoppe led the transition for Bernards High School to enter the Skyland Conference. For numerous years, he managed and organized the Somerset County Interscholastic Athletic Association (SCIAA) for Girls and Boys Tennis, as well as the Skyland Conference Boys Golf Tournament. He founded and managed the SCIAA Somerset County Fencing Tournament since its inception at Bernards High School. Additionally, he has served as a mentor to fledgling Athletic Directors, and currently holds the position of secretary for the Big Central Football Conference. Hoppe continues to pursue professional development opportunities often, and has completed many National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) courses. In his role as Athletic Director he wears many hats, preparing the Athletics program budget, developing the season’s schedules for twenty-eight athletic programs in total, coordinating with other districts, and overseeing the safety conditions of the facilities. Most importantly, Hoppe supports coaches, encourages and celebrates student athletes, enforces rules and regulations, and promotes good sportsmanship.
“In 2024 it is important to be responsive to the needs and desires of kids outside of the classroom so they can continue to develop into productive citizens capable of great things upon graduation,” shared Dr. Brian Brotschul, Superintendent of Schools. “Mr. Hoppe demonstrates that culture trumps strategy and that Bernards High School has a home in its Athletic Department for every student we serve. Due to Mr. Hoppe, we are called the Home of Scholars and Champions, and he leads proudly with that vision in mind.”
Hoppe will attend the awards banquet this March at the DAANJ Annual Conference. In addition to a Sectional Award of Merit plaque and gift, he will be presented with a Dave Salberg Scholarship in the amount of $500 that he will subsequently award to a deserving SHSD athlete this spring.