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University Relations 202 Eielson Fairbanks, Alaska 99775-7520
(907)474-7581 Fax (907)474-6492
fynews@uaf.edu

Fairbanks, Alaska - Eight months after he was named interim director of athletics and recreation at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, a review team today recommended that Randy Pitney be appointed to the position on a permanent basis.

Dean of Student Services Carla Kirts has endorsed the recommendation forwarded to her by an interview committee asked to review the names of applicants who responded to the internal job recruitment.

"I am always happy when we can promote from within," said Kirts, who oversees the athletics and recreation division. "Chancellor Wadlow recognizes the extraordinary talent we have at this institution and supports the process. Clearly, Randy has demonstrated his ability to lead the department. We only have to look at the recent success of the Top of the World Classic as an example of his leadership abilities."

Pitney has been with UAF since 1985, leading the rifle team to an NCAA championship in 1994. The UAF rifle team continues to rank among the top collegiate competitors in the nation. Pitney is a 1972 UAF graduate who was named an All-American in 1970. He sat on and chaired the NCAA rifle rules committee for six years, the rifle International Competition Committee for the U.S. Olympic Committee and currently serves as the president of the Collegiate Rifle Coaches Association.

According to Kirts, Pitney's proven ability to manage UAF's athletics and recreations programs and his success with student athletes, particularly his coaching excellence at the national level, make him ideal for the position. She also cited Pitney's focus on team work, both within UAF and with the Fairbanks community as positives in the rifle coach's favor.

"I'm very excited about this appointment and the confidence the administration has shown in my abilities," Pitney said. "The athletic program at UAF is a rising star and the whole department is just outstanding."

"We've got a great management team already in place.They continue to meet and exceed expectations. UAF and the community have a lot to be proud of." Pitney also said that the appointment of a permanent director will only add credibility and stability to athletics and recreation programs.

Pitney is certified to teach in four areas: the National Coaching Staff Instructor Program, the American Coaching Effectiveness Program, the National Rifle Association instructional programs, and the Hunter Education Safety instructional programs.

His community activities include being president of the Arctic Winter Games Team Alaska and being a member of the Fairbanks Fish and Game Advisory Board. Pitney received the UAF Alumni Achievement Award in 1994 and was named collegiate coach of the year in 1992 and in 1998.

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CONTACT: Student Services Dean Carla Kirts, (907) 474-7317; Athletics and Recreation Director Randy Pitney (907) 474-6811; UAF Public Information Officer Debra Damron, (907) 474-7122 or by e-mail fynews@aurora.alaska.edu

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