General 4/17/2026 10:34:00 AM

Athletic Director Tim Bunton Named NJCAA Loyalty Award Winner

KANSAS CITY, MO - Success doesn't just happen overnight. It takes time, commitment, determination, leadership, and more to start seeing and maintaining success. Danville Area Community College's Athletic Director, Tim Bunton, has consistently proven his drive for success over the years while serving in the role, and was rightfully recognized for his hard work as he was named the 2025-26 NJCAA Loyalty Award winner during the NJCAA convention in Kansas City, Missouri on Wednesday.

The Loyalty Award is given to an athletic director in the NJCAA membership that has worked to uphold the ideals of the organization. Significant to this award is leadership in an athletic program exemplifying excellence both on the field/court and in the classroom. The award has been presented to numerous athletic directors across the country for many years, and Bunton's name will now be etched alongside many other impactful people.

In 1995, Tim was called to revive the college's baseball program that hadn't existed for fourteen years, leaving Missouri State University where he coached as an assistant from 1991-1995. He also managed the Danville Dans summer team from 1993-1999. His first year as Head Coach of the Jaguars was hard as anyone would expect. The team went 14-29 overall, but with Bunton's leadership, his second season with the team in 1997 ended with a 30-26 record and a spot in the Region 24 Championship. Two seasons later, DACC found themselves in the same spot, but that time came out on top with a title of Region 24 Champions. From there, he accumulated 18 winning seasons before he decided to step down in 2020.

Before becoming the Head Athletic Director, he served as the Assistant Athletic Director of the athletic department for eight years. While being at the school, Bunton has also been a vital part of the success of not only the Jaguar's athletic programs, but also the NJCAA Division II Men's National Basketball Tournament. From working the scorer's table keeping the book and working shot clock, to helping manage teams and coaches, and everything in between, the tournament that has been hosted in Danville since 1994 has been ran as well as it has been with the help of Tim's guidance. Additionally, he also currently serves as the Region 24 Men's Assistant Director and on the NJCAA Division II Men's Basketball Committee.

A huge congratulations are in order for Mr. Bunton, and DACC thanks him for his dedication to success.

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