Jan. 24, 2014
ROCHESTER, Mich. - Tracy Huth will leave his post as Director of Athletics at Oakland University on Jan. 31st, announced Interim President Betty Youngblood on Friday. Huth served as Interim AD in 2006-07 and was named Director of Athletics in October 2007.
"It has been a privilege to be associated with Oakland University," said Huth. "My time and experiences here have been unique. To have been a student-athlete, coach and serve in multiple administrative capacities at one institution has provided opportunities that I realize are not typically afforded to one individual. To witness the growth of the University and Oakland Athletics has been an amazing venture. For me, the opportunities and success are directly correlated to the people that I have had the good fortune to be associated with inclusive of staff, coaches, student-athletes, alumni and friends of the University.
"Nonetheless, it's time for a new chapter. Family is the centerpiece of my life. The support of Jenny, Kara and Chance has made it possible for me to engage in a career in intercollegiate athletics. This decision is made due to their love and support. There are also so many people that have positively impacted my time at Oakland. Thanks to all the Pioneers and Golden Grizzlies that made this a great experience."
Huth spent over 30 years at Oakland as a student-athlete, coach and administrator. He continues to be the only NCAA swimmer to win the 200- and 400-yard individual medley races in all four years and was named NCAA Division II Swimmer of the Year on three occasions. He went on to lead the women's swimming and diving program to five consecutive national titles (1990-94) and was named NCAA D-II Coach of the Year three times.
"Tracy's passion for Oakland University is undeniable as he has spent most of his life on campus as a student-athlete, coach and administrator," said Youngblood. "The university has benefited by his leadership in both program and facility development. The Athletics Department has demonstrated outstanding achievement, both academically and athletically, as well as in the community. We have much to be proud of for his service and our university is in a better place for it."
In 2002, Huth had the unique honor of being selected to the Oakland University Hollie L. Lepley Hall of Honor for a second time. He is the only member to be enshrined as a student-athlete and coach. Huth was originally named to the Hall of Honor in 1990 for his swimming accomplishments.
The standard of excellence continued in his administrator role. Oakland has seen over $10 million dollars in new facilities and improvements to current facilities over the last several years. Huth helped develop the first-ever strategic plan at Oakland University for the athletic department and created the Mission and Core Values. As part of the strategic initiatives, Huth was instrumental in developing a consistent branding program, the Varsity O, the Tip-Off Breakfast and Grizzfest events.
Academics have always been in the forefront of Huth's vision. The athletic department's mission states, above all else, we produce graduates, champions and friends of the university. Oakland backed that up by winning 73 Summit League championships and led the conference in Academic All-League selections over its final eight years in the league.
Huth was key in moving Oakland from Division II to the Division I ranks in 1997. After 14 seasons inside The Summit League, Huth produced an even bigger accomplishment. Moving the Golden Grizzlies into the Horizon League on July 1, 2013. OU now competes in one of the top mid-major conferences in the country and student-athletes spend more time in the classroom and less time traveling across the country.
Dr. Robby Stewart will serve as the Interim Athletic Director starting on Feb. 1st. Huth will remain on as a part-time liaison through June. A search for a new Athletic Director will begin soon.
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