UAF RIFLE COACH NAMED INTERIM ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 18, 1998

Fairbanks, Alaska - University of Alaska Fairbanks Dean of Student Services Carla Kirts has named Randy Pitney interim director of athletics and recreation. Pitney replaces Kelly Higgins, who leaves UAF in six weeks to become athletic director at the University of South Dakota.

"This hasn't been an easy decision," said Kirts. "We had top-notch competition for the appointment and I want to sincerely thank all those who expressed an interest in taking on the challenge of being the interim director."

Kirts said she consulted with staff, alumni, athletic boosters and key university supporters throughout the weekend before arriving at her decision.

"I needed someone to step in immediately and manage the department for continued progress, someone with direct contact and a proven track record of working with students," Kirts said. "Given Randy's long experience in the department, he'll be able to take on the management of the athletics and recreation programs with a very small and short-lived learning curve. Through his excellence in coaching, he's demonstrated his ability to work directly with students, and because of team excellence, his participation in the community and the length of time he's been in Fairbanks, he will be able to build on the community connections we now enjoy."

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.

Pitney is a 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.

Locally, Pitney has served as president of the Arctic Winter Games Team Alaska and until last year was 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.

"This is an important job, " Pitney said of his interim appointment. "I wouldn't have accepted if there wasn't already a great team in place to meet the challenges we face."

Pitney will continue to be coach of rifle team while carrying out his duties as athletics and recreation director. Kirts said she does not know how long the interim appointment will be, but the details of when and how to conduct a search are the next significant issues she will look at.

CONTACT: Student Services Dean Carla Kirts, (907) 474-7317: Interim 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

DPD/5-18-98/98-063