UW-La Crosse’s Josh Whitman named new athletic director

| Senior Sports Editor

After a lengthy search to find a replacement for longtime Director of Athletics John Schael, Josh Whitman has been named Washington University’s next athletic director, Provost Holden Thorp announced in a press release Wednesday. Whitman will take over the role Aug. 1.

Most recently, Whitman served as the athletic director for four years at another Division III school, the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. During his tenure, La Crosse won four national championships and 21 Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference titles.

Thorp said that Whitman’s prior experience holding the position of athletic director made him a strong choice for the role at Washington University.

“Josh Whitman is already a respected leader in Division III athletics. His background and accomplishments are ideal for our program,” Thorp said. “The coaches, staff, and students who participate in Washington University Athletics will have a strong advocate, careful listener, and tireless source of support.”

Whitman, 35, will replace former Director of Athletics John Schael, who will retire on June 30 after leading Washington University athletics for 36 years. Schael transformed the University into a national athletic power, and the Red and Green collected 19 national championships and 169 University Athletic Association titles during his tenure.

Whitman hopes to build on the University’s past success and strong athletic base by working with the entire community to improve.

“I am anxious to begin working with our talented coaches, staff members, and student-athletes to formulate and pursue our program’s vision for the future. Even with the athletic program’s impressive list of past successes, the potential for future growth and achievement is virtually unlimited. To realize that potential, I look forward to engaging the University’s many alumni, friends, and supporters all across the country,” Whitman said.

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