MORAGA, Calif. (April 14) - Rick Mazzuto today announced his resignation as Athletic Director of Saint Mary's College of California. Mazzuto's decision came after some time of discussion with the College.
"During his administration, Rick has provided the College with a cadre of coaches and athletic department administrators who are both athletic and educational professionals committed to the academic and athletic success of our student-athletes," said Brother Jack Curran, FSC, PhD, Vice President for Student Affairs. Curran will appoint a committee to begin an immediate nationwide search for Mazzuto's successor with a desired starting date of July 1, 2000. Tom Bowen, Associate Athletic Director, will serve as Acting Athletic Director during the interim period until a successor is named. Bowen has been with the College for five years.
As the Director of Athletics, Mazzuto's duties included the supervision and selection of head coaches and administrators, maintenance and upgrade of athletic facilities and grounds, leadership for the academic success of student athletes, and maintenance of gender equity in athletic program administration and compliance with appropriate NCAA legislation.
Several enhancements were made to Saint Mary's athletic programs this year including establishing women's lacrosse as an NCAA Division I sport, and constructing Cottrell Field, a new state-of-the-art women's softball field. In addition, for a second consecutive year, the Gael's women's basketball program competed in post-season appearances - in 1999 the women's basketball team appeared in the NCAA Tournament and in 2000 they advanced to the second round of the Women's National Invitational Tournament.
Currently, the College is finalizing design plans for an enhanced Brother Albert Rahill Athletic-Recreation Center that will bring state-of-the-art athletic and recreational facilities to the College.
For more information, call Andy McDowell, Assistant Athletic Director for Marketing and Media Relations (925-631-4699) or Jennifer Finn Wake, Public Relations Director (925-631-4222).
