Sept. 29, 2004

The University of Texas-Pan American announced on Wednesday (Sept. 29) that William J. Weidner has accepted the post of Director of Athletics at Weber State University effective November 1st.

"I am very pleased about having been selected as the Director of Athletics at Weber State University, which features one of the premier athletic programs in the Big Sky Conference," said Weidner. "I am very appreciative of having been afforded the privilege of serving as the Director of Athletics at The University of Texas-Pan American for the past six years. I am also very proud of the many accomplishments that our outstanding staff and student-athletes at UTPA have achieved over the years due to their dedication and commitment to excellence."

Since his arrival in 1998, Weidner has initiated a number of internal and external systems of operation that has established an NCAA compliance-driven athletic program. The UTPA Department of Intercollegiate Athletics has been transformed from a program that was previously on probation during the 1990s into an institution that received full certification from the NCAA. In August of 2004, the NCAA announced that UTPA is an institution committed to governance and rules compliance, academic integrity, fiscal integrity, equity and student-athlete welfare in its athletics program following its second cycle of athletic certification.

"We, as an institution, are very happy for Bill as he continues his brilliant career at Weber State University. We are going to miss Bill and his leadership as he served us for the past six years to a fully certified NCAA institution. We anticipate him being equally as successful at Weber State," said James Langabeer, Vice President of Business Affairs.

"I want to personally thank Dr. Miguel Nevarez, our former President, along with Jim Langabeer for their continued support and leadership. I am also extremely grateful in regards to the support that we have received from our campus and community constituencies throughout the Rio Grande Valley," Weidner added.

Under Weidner's direction, the athletic department's commitment to the academic success of its student-athletes was made a top priority. The cumulative GPA of all UTPA student-athletes rose as high as 2.92, including 51 percent attaining a GPA of 3.0 or higher during the past academic year. Seventy-four percent of all scholarship student-athletes that have exhausted their eligibility over the past 10 years have graduated. UTPA was also recognized with an inaugural USA Today/NCAA Foundation Academic Achievement Award for finishing in the Top 10 in student-athlete graduation rate above the student body average.

The overall budget of the UTPA Department of Intercollegiate Athletics has increased 64 percent during Weidner's tenure. Athletic scholarships for all student-athletes have increased over 63 percent, including a 90 percent rise among scholarships for female student-athletes. All seven UTPA women's athletic programs have reached the NCAA maximum for scholarships while men's basketball and baseball are also fully-funded. Fundraising and corporate support are at an all-time high for the athletic department with an increase of almost 800 percent since Weidner's arrival. Also significant is the continued growth of the athletic department as personnel positions have nearly doubled.

The UTPA Department of Intercollegiate Athletics has also made a commitment to improving existing athletic facilities during his tenure. Of note are the new spacious locker rooms with adjoining team meeting rooms and office suites for men's and women's basketball along with women's volleyball. To meet the academic needs of all Bronc and Lady Bronc student-athletes, a new Student-Athlete Learning Center has been established. During the fall of 2003, UTPA opened its first ever strength and conditioning facility for athletics. In addition, The Broncs' baseball program now plays in a $6.5 million state-of-the-art complex. Finally, the athletic administrative offices have been expanded and renovated.

"Our athletic program has established a solid foundation upon which to build future successes. It is a program that we can all be proud of. My stay at UTPA has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional career and one that I wouldn't trade for anything. I look forward to following the continued success of UTPA athletics and will remain close as a lifelong member of the Bronc and Lady Bronc family," Weidner concluded.

Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Medicine Jim Lancaster will serve as the Interim Director of Athletics at UTPA beginning on November 1st while a national search is conducted for Weidner's successor.

UTPA Sports Information