Madison College's Bill Kegler was named a finalist at the Destination Madison Awards 2024 in the category of Madison Area Sports Commission (MASC) Sports Champion of the Year. The awards were presented at the Summer Summit + DMAs on June 27 at The Edgewater in Madison. Kegler, the Athletics, Fitness, and Recreation Facilities & Enterprise Coordinator, created the 60Eight Basketball Tournament in 2021 and has built the annual December event into one of the premier high school basketball events in the state of Wisconsin.

"Being named a finalist for the MASC Sports Champion of the Year is a humbling honor," said Kegler. "Madison is an amazing place to visit and live and that is due to the work performed by all the nominees of the Destination Madison Awards. Sports have been a huge part of my life and having the ability to utilize sports to showcase Madison is a blessing I am thankful for. A special shoutout to [Madison College's] Lynea Lavoy on her nomination and for being a rockstar in the industry."

According to the DMA press release, the "award recognizes an individual or organization who has significantly contributed to the growth and developement of sports participation, access or helping to bring events to the Madison community. The recipient of this award has supported the Madison Area Sports Commission to build its high-profile host history adn build the local economy. In addition, the recipient's passion for sports within the community has had a lasting impact on the lives of our residents and visitors."

Kegler was one of four finalists, and was recognized as the Tournament Director for the 60Eight, as well as for his roles with Madison College, Competitive Mindset, and Hoop Nerds. The 60Eight event began as a pre-holiday tournament with four teams, and has grown to an eight-team event that has featured some of the best teams and highly-ranked individual players from Wisconsin, Illinois, and Minnesota. Conor Caloia, COO for Forward Madison FC, the Madison Mallards, and Breese Stevens Field was named the winner.

Kegler has been in his current role with the Madison College Athletic Department since 2018 and has worked for the college for 13 years. He hopes to expand the 60Eight brand to other sports, while also showcasing the Madison College Athletics facilities.

Follow WolfPack athletics: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube