Cottingham named MU athletic director
Steve Cottingham, who served as interim athletic director at Marquette University since January 2007, on Thursday was named the school's new athletic director.
He replaces Bill Cords, who retired in December 2006.
The announcement was somewhat of a surprise because Cottingham had told the Journal Sentinel in previous months that he would not be a candidate for the permanent athletic director position. However, Father Robert A. Wild, the school's president, said in a statement that "university and athletic officials recognized the valuable role Steve played."
"Steve's leadership, his administrative and legal experience, and his intense commitment to Marquette will help continue the upward trajectory we've seen in our athletic program," Wild said.
In a statement, Cottingham said that while he intended to return to his role as associate senior vice president at the school, "the support I received and my own experience led me to conclude that this was the right place for me to serve the university at this point in time."
As interim athletic director, Cottingham was involved in talks on a new television contract for men's and women's basketball games.
Marquette supports 14 Division I teams, including men's and women's basketball, cross country, soccer, tennis and indoor and outdoor track, men's golf, and women's volleyballl.
Men's basketball coach Tom Crean called Cottingham "conscientious, committed and an exceptional leader. I have every confidence that he will continue to flourish and make our department even more respected nationally."
Marquette had launched a national search to replace Cords, who came to the university in 1987. Internally, deputy athletic director Mike Broeker and George Koonce, senior associate athletic director, had applied for the job.
This afternoon, Cottingham was scheduled to meet with coaches, athletic staff members and athletes to tell them of the appointment.
Cottingham will take over a program that still places a heavy emphasis on men's basketball, but is making efforts to raise the profile of other sports on campus. As athletic director, Cords was instrumental in moving Marquette to the Big East Conference. The move not only gave the men's basketball program a higher profile nationally, it allowed the other sports at Marquette to compete in a nationally recognized conference.
(http://blogs.jsonline.com/aggbug.aspx?PostID=103210)
http://blogs.jsonline.com/muhoops/archive/2008/02/21/cottingham-named-mu-athletic-director.aspx
Nice! Steve is a great guy! Not sure how that translates but in the time he's been here theres already been the new tv contract as the article mentions and plans for a new soccer stadium.
I like the announcement.
This is very good news, in my opinion. Steve is a solid guy, who understands the needs of the athletic department/University and fan base. I've always been told that he wasn't interested in the position on a permanent basis--glad something or someone persuaded him to change his mind.
I'd be interested in Chicos opinion as I believe he's a former athletic administration guy.
Chicos, thoughts?
Quote from: PuertoRicanNightmare on February 21, 2008, 01:13:53 PM
I'd be interested in Chicos opinion as I believe he's a former athletic administration guy.
I'll have more on this at Cracked Sidewalks.....you'll be interested to know that Steve and BFran are good friends.
I am a little upset that chicos didnt get it.
Quote from: mviale on February 21, 2008, 02:11:55 PM
I am a little upset that chicos didnt get it.
;D
I think the part on my resume that said President of the Bring Back the Warriors Nickname didn't help
Chicos :) :) :)