Sports
Ragsdale Steps Down As La
Verne Athletic Director
April 2, 2008
Courtsey La Verne Sports Information
University of La Verne Athletic Director Chris Ragsdale has
announced that he has accepted a new position as the Commissioner
of the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference and will resign his
position at ULV effective June 30.
The Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) is a league
comprised of nine Division III member institutions representing the
states of Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky.
"It has been a privilege to serve as the director of athletics the
last five years at the University of La Verne," said Ragsdale. "I
have thoroughly enjoyed working with President Morgan, senior
management, coaches and student-athletes on a daily basis to
promote the athletic program and stress its value to the overall
strength of the institution."
Ragsdale, who came to ULV in July 2003, said he will continue his
athletic director duties through the end of the current spring
sports season.
"Chris Ragsdale brought his extensive experience and his commitment
to Division III values to the University of La Verne at an
important time," said ULV President Stephen Morgan. "We are
grateful for his many contributions to our athletic programs.
We wish Chris and his wife Cindy well as they return to their
Midwest roots."
He was instrumental in the renovation of the Sports Science &
Athletics Pavilion. The Pavilion, formerly known as the Super
Tents, also included the restructuring of Frantz Athletic Court,
home to ULV's volleyball and basketball teams. He also has
helped develop plans for the new West Campus Athletic Complex.
He also hired eight new head coaches during his time at La Verne,
including Rich Reed in men's basketball, Julie Smith in softball
and Andy Ankeny in football. La Verne has captured 12 SCIAC team
championships during Ragsdale's tenure. Additionally over 30
Leopard student-athletes have earned All-America status while 13
student-athletes have been named SCIAC Player of the Year. In
addition, he has helped establish annual department events such as
the Scholar-Athlete Luncheon and the Leopard Senior Blanket Award
Dinner.
Ragsdale helped bring the 2003 NCAA Division III Volleyball
Championships to the ULV campus. La Verne also played host to
the 2003, 2005 and 2006 NCAA Division III West Region championships
in volleyball.
"Many positive things have been accomplished or put in place for
further development, and I know that the athletic staff will be
eager to work with the next director to insure the overall program
continues to move forward," Ragsdale said.
Before his arrival to La Verne, Ragsdale previously served as
athletic director at Elmhurst College in Illinois, where he served
from 1991 to 2003.