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Y! MyWebWabler to replace Kissell as UD athletic director
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
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UD Associate Athletic Director Tim Wabler will replace Ted Kissell as AD.DAYTON — Ted Kissell, the University of Dayton athletic director for the past 16 years, announced his retirement at a press conference today, Aug. 19, saying he's happy in his work but wanted more time to spend with his wife and four grown children and for other pursuits.
Kissell, who turns 63 in October, will remain in his role through 2008 and will be replaced on Jan. 1, 2009, by longtime associate AD Tim Wabler.
"There's not a single professional reason for me to step down," Kissell said. "I love my job and I have the same purpose and enthusiasm I had 16 years ago.
"It's not at all about what I'm doing, but about all the important things that there have been too little time for."
During Kissell's tenure, the men's basketball program was revived, while other sports have been bolstered with new facilities and additional scholarships. He also was instrumental in helping the Flyers find a league when they were dropped by the Great Midwest Conference, steering them into the Atlantic 10 in 1995-96.
Under Kissell's leadership, UD has raised more than $30 million for capital projects since 2000. UD Arena was renovated to include luxury suites, the Donoher Center was erected and the former PAC building was turned into a campus practice facility for all sports.
Baseball and softball stadiums, an all-weather track and a grass practice field for football also were built on the grounds around the arena.
The women's soccer and volleyball teams have made multiple NCAA tournament appearances on Kissell's watch, and the women's basketball team set a program record with 25 wins last season.
Kissell, who will remain in his role as university vice president until June 30, 2009, also ushered in a new policy for Flyer basketball tickets that wasn't popular with fans. He introduced the Arena Seating Plan in 1997-98, requiring a donation for the right to purchase men's basketball season tickets. The fees range from $100 to $3,500.
But Kissell pointed out the grumbling has been surprisingly mild and the program has succeeded. And he thanked the fans at his press conference for their support.
"I've been fortunate," Kissell said. "The University of Dayton is a special place. It's allowed me to grow both personally and professionally."
He added: "It's been a blast."
Wabler, a 1974 UD grad, has been an administrator in the Flyers' athletic department since 1993. He's spearheaded several initiatives and has been involved in the daily operations of all sports.
"Tim knows the business inside and out," Kissell said. "He's been very involved with all facets."
Dan Curran, the UD president, said he's interacted with numerous ADs on committees and didn't believe the school couldn't find a better successor for Kissell if it held a nationwide search.
"That's a decision we're very comfortable with," Curran said. "Tim is already an outstanding contributor to the university."
Sixth-year UD men's basketball coach Brian Gregory said Kissell will be missed.
"If you evaluate leadership by the performance of the people under his watch, he's done just an unbelievable job," Gregory said. "The success on the fields and courts of his teams, the success of the student-athletes in the classroom, the impact athletes and coaches have made in the community, it's a dramatic change, and it's all come under Ted's leadership.
"Personally, we have a great relationship. He means the world to me. It's been great to me as I've started my career as a head coach. He's a tough guy to say good-bye to."
