By Victor Dixon, Editor-in-Chief
Help wanted: Athletic Director at Newman University.
Newman University recently started searching for a new athletic director after Joanna Pryor stepped down after nearly six years in her position. The move, announced on the Newman Athletic website on Jan. 21, detailed Pryor’s achievements as well as the achievements of the university’s various athletic teams during her 15-year career at Newman.
Pryor left Newman to pursue a career opportunity outside the field of college athletics, said Newman Athletics. Her official last day was Jan. 17.
"I will miss the people,” Pryor said in the release. “I love our student athletes, and there is nothing more I wanted and will continue to want for them (than) an exceptional academic and athletic experience at Newman.”
Head Bowling Coach Billy Murphy will be acting as interim athletic director while Newman hires a permanent replacement. President Jagger and the Board of Trustees will be searching nationally for someone to fill the position, said Murphy.
Murphy, who started Newman’s bowling program in the 2002-2003 season, is in his 22nd year at Newman. He will also continue coaching bowling with minimal changes to the teams’ operations, he said. “This athletic department is going to continue serving our student athletes and always having their best interests in our hearts,” Murphy said.
Newman bowlers, including sophomore Deqlan Mitchell, were among the first to hear about the staffing change and were assured their sport would not be affected.
“When he first took over he did get us all together at our first practice following that and he said that he’s now significantly busier than he used to be,” Mitchell said. “But so far, everything’s been the same.”
Some student athletes said that they’ll miss Pryor and weighed in on the type of person they hope takes over the position.
“She was really good at walking around with a smile on her face and checking in on athletes,” said Travia Smith, a junior softball player. “Somebody in their position checking in on us, making sure we’re good is something that would be valuable. Be willing to attend events, willing to listen whenever players or coaches come up to them.”
Mitchell said he’d prefer a candidate who has his or her own ideas.
“I want the new director to pursue progress,” Mitchell said. “I don’t want it to be stagnant. We’ve got our One Big Game and we’ve got themed games … but I think (they should be) trying new things, trying to see what works and what doesn’t work.”
PHOTO: Courtesy, Newman Today
