Letter from Mike Waddell

[Moderator]

The following is from Mike Waddell regarding the recent news:--Good Afternoon...I hope that your week is off to a great start. This past weekend was incredible for Zips Athletics as we captured our fourth Mid-American Conference title of this academic year as our Women's Indoor Track and Field squad claimed it's second-straight title. Congratulations go out to head coach Dennis Mitchell, his student-athletes and quality staff of assistant coaches for a tremendous job well done.The Zips also had a big win on the basketball court as Keith Dambrot's men's squad defeated Ohio University in front of a sell-out crowd of more than 5,200 at Rhodes Arena. The win clinched a first-round bye in the upcoming FirstEnergy MAC Men's Basketball Tournament and gave Akron it's first 20-win season since 1988-89. The Zips have now won 26 of their last 27 home games and will close out the regular season on Saturday with a match-up against Can't, set for a Noon tip-off. We hope to see you in the stands!On a personal note, I want to take this opportunity to thank you for yoursupport of Zips Athletics and for your loyal support over the past five years. Your friendship means the world to Heidi, me and our family.During the months of December and January I had the great honor of serving as the Interim Director of Athletics at UA. Dr. Luis Proenza entrusted me with this great honor and for that I am eternally grateful. He is a treasure of a leader who has the best interests of UA Athletics in his heart.The past year has been a whirlwind of accomplishments with four MAC Championships won over the last five months. What a tremendous complement to the collective work produced by all of our departmental staff. We all work long hours and as a result a championship environment has evolved. It will not be long before Akron enjoys the thrill of capturing the Reese / Jacoby Cups from the MAC!In January our department welcomed our new Director of Athletics, Mack Rhoades. Mack's arrival ushered in a new era for Zips Athletics. His leadership style is very open and engaging, which is crucial for this time in Akron's continued athletics evolution. Mack has been great to work with and has given me unprecedented exposure to a host of experiences of our department's operations.With our many team successes has come the opportunity for individual advancement, not only for the persons mentioned above, but also for myself. Earlier this month I was approached by several schools regarding senior staff positions with their Department of Athletics. After carefully considering my professional options I have decided to resign my position here at The University of Akron, effective at the end of the current basketball season. I have accepted the position of Senior Associate Director of Athletics with The University of Cincinnati. This decision making process could have been much easier if I did not feel as comfortable with Akron's new athletics leadership and with the direction that I know this department is headed. The future is bright for UA Athletics and Mack Rhoades, the senior staff and UA's incredible cadre of head coaches will lead the Zips to all-new heights, both on and off the fields and courts. It is very hard for me to depart a group of friends with whom I feel such a strong bond. Our external staff has grown into a family as have our strong group of corporate patrons and campus partners. That being said the professional and educational opportunities that have been put in front of me by UC are extraordinary and will allow me to reach my career goals to become a Director of Athletics at the Division I level most expeditiously.Please join me in congratulating my "little sister",top assistant and right-arm Cara Ramsey on her impending retirement from UA to spend more time with her young family. Cara has put her life into UA from her days as a Martin Scholar and now as a member of our staff over the past six years. Also please keep Kevin Olivett in your thoughts as be prepares to move from UA to become an Assistant director of Athletics at Georgia State. Kevin is going to do great things in this business and I am excited for im to have this chance at a leadership position with Mary McElroy's group in Atlanta.I know you can understand how the present time, while rewarding, has been bittersweet. I have been incredibly blessed with a staff of talented young professionals who are also great friends. That fact cannot be stated to strongly as it is both rare and very appreciated.The personal investment that I have with Akron Athletics is something that will not diminish once I physically depart the campus. I consider the last five years to be the best of my life and I want to help make sure our transition moves forward with the greatest of ease.I will be in touch as soon as I land at UC and will forward my new contact information. Again, thanks so much for your friendship and understanding.Always Onward and Upward - Go Zips! Mike Waddell