The AIA will be saying goodbye to longtime staff writer and trusted friend Les Willsey, as he is retiring following a 40-year career covering high school sports around the Valley.

Willsey joined AZPreps365 as a staff writer covering the East Valley starting in August of 2010 following a distinguished career with East Valley Tribune. Willsey began writing there in 1985 and established himself as a premier source of high school sports knowledge.

During his tenure with the AIA, he posted more than 3,300 stories. He was one of the first two staff writers to join AZPreps365.com. For his efforts in high school baseball, the Arizona Baseball Coaches Association inducted Willsey into its hall of fame, a rare achievement for a writer. 

But he spent many an afternoon covering various other AIA sports, which the  Arizona High School Athletic Coaches Hall of Fame recognized in April after handing Willsey a plaque for his dedicated service to Arizona’s high school community. 

"I always thought in the back of my mind when in high school working on Coconino High's school newspaper that sports writing was what I wanted to do,” Willsey said. “I wavered once or twice on that once I went to college, but after thinking about going into teaching and almost going that route once I got a small taste of teaching, I knew for sure sports writing was what I wanted."

The AIA is also pleased to announce the new AZPreps365.com staff writer who will cover the East Valley. Mesa native and published author Ben Stapley joins the crew starting August 1.

“I'm excited and grateful to join the team at AZPreps365,” said Stapley. “As a Valley native, it's been amazing to see the growth – not only in the number of schools – but the rise of athletic prominence that continues evolve in Arizona. It's a wonderful time to cover high school sports. I enjoy connecting the human side to the athletic achievements. I look forward to helping AZPreps365 bring the best coverage to our communities and athletes.”

Stapley was recently featured on AZPreps365.com for his book about the undefeated state boys basketball champions in 1994-95 – Mesa Mountain View. He also has experience as a teacher at multiple AIA member schools and as a sports writer for the Arizona Republic and East Valley Tribune.