UNC Asheville's Athletic Director Named to AD Post
at American University

UNC Asheville Athletic Director Joni Comstock has accepted the director of athletics position at American University in Washington, D.C. She will start at her new post in January 2004.

"I depart UNC Asheville with great pride in the accomplishments of our student-athletes and coaching staff in the classroom, on the competitive field and in the community. My tenure at UNCA has offered me the opportunity to work with dedicated faculty and staff, and with a great chancellor, Dr. Jim Mullen, who has always provided thoughtful guidance and strong campus leadership," Comstock said.

Comstock has been a highly valued member of UNCA's senior administrative team, said UNCA Chancellor Jim Mullen

"Joni has built a most impressive record at our university," Mullen said. "She has insured that academics remain at the center of our athletic program; she has worked with coaches and staff of the department to compete successfully in the Big South Conference; she has established a sound foundation of fiscal stability in the department; she has led us to achievement of NCAA certification without conditions; and she has expanded the level of community and donor support for Bulldog athletics. We move forward from a very strong position."

Comstock came to UNCA in June 2000 after a successful 11-year career at Purdue University. Under her leadership at UNCA, the 2003 men's basketball team won the Big South Conference Championship and became the first basketball team in Big South history to earn a NCAA tournament victory. The 2002 volleyball team won the Big South's regular-season championship and coach Julie Torbett was named Big South Coach of the Year. During spring 2003, the men's tennis team had its best record in UNCA history and the baseball team tied the university record for most wins in a season.

An NCAA study noted recently that 74 percent of UNCA student-athletes graduate within six years, which is 14 percent higher than the national average. Close to 50 percent of UNCA student-athletes made the Big South Presidential Honor Roll last year.

American University President Benjamin Ladner said he was looking forward to Comstock's arrival. "Having worked in the University of North Carolina system for a number of years, I know the quality of UNC Asheville and have great respect for the leadership. We are pleased to have attracted someone of Dr. Comstock's caliber," he said.

UNCA's head coaches expressed happiness for Comstock, but say they regret seeing her depart. "Joni Comstock did a wonderful job during her time here at UNCA, and we're sorry to see her leave us. She did a great job leading our athletic department and making it the strong department that it is now," said Eddie Biedenbach, UNCA head men's basketball coach.

Head volleyball coach Julie Torbett agreed. "I have learned a great deal from Joni that has helped me become a better coach and better administrator. Our department has really benefited from her leadership skills," Torbett said.

Comstock is confident about the future achievements of UNCA's athletic program.

"UNC Asheville has now established itself as a force in this region of the country in NCAA Division I Athletics. We have set marks with NCAA tournament appearances, conference championships, Academic All-Americans and institutional records. We have created a foundation for future success. I am grateful to Chancellor Mullen for offering me this opportunity at UNC Asheville. I will greatly miss our students and my colleagues and friends here," she said.

Mullen has asked Associate Athletic Director Mike Gore to provide interim leadership for the Athletic Department. "With his years of experience and love of UNC Asheville, Mike will steer the department on a steady course as we transition to a new and permanent athletic director," Mullen said.

UNCA will conduct a national search for a new athletic director. "Our goal will be to secure an experienced individual who can build on the momentum we have established while holding to the core values of our academic community," Mullen said.

American University, located in suburban Washington, is a liberal arts university with 11,000 graduate and undergraduate students. The university fields a 19-sport NCAA Division I athletics program featuring 10 women's sports and nine for men, and has entered its third year of

membership in the Patriot League. Since joining the Patriot League, AU has captured league championships in men's and women's cross country, soccer and tennis; women's lacrosse and volleyball; and a regular-season title in men's basketball.

Media Contacts:

• Mike Gore, UNC Asheville Sports Information Director, 828/251-6923
• Jill Yarnall, UNCA Public Information Assistant Director, 828/251-6526