Rackley to Resign in June

Steven Rackley, the director of athletics at The University of Findlay, has announced that he will resign his post on June 30, 2015. Rackley, who has led the UF athletic department for 16 years, will take on the role of athletic director at Alma College in Alma, Mich.

“I want to thank UF for the opportunity to lead such a great athletic program,” said Rackley. “This was a tough decision to make because my family and I have been so blessed by this university and community. We love Findlay, but an opportunity presented itself to move closer to our family in Michigan.”

When Rackley began at Findlay he completed NCAA provision status, moving the Oilers from NAIA to NCAA Division II on September 1, 2000. Under his watch, the Oilers won the 2009 NCAA Division II men’s basketball National Championship with a perfect 36-0 record. The 2003 men’s soccer team reached the NCAA Division II Final Four while the men’s basketball team earned an Elite 8 berth in 2005. Along with those accomplishments, the English and western equestrian teams have won multiple national championships while the women’s cross country, volleyball, wrestling, women's basketball, men and women’s indoor and outdoor track and field, men and women’s swimming and men and women's golf teams have each competed at the regional and national levels during Rackley’s tenure.

“I am proud of what we have accomplished over the past 16 years. We have tremendous coaches, staff, student-athletes and fans who have all had a hand in building what I believe to be a model NCAA Division II program.”

Rackley also brought two national championship events to Findlay during his time with the Oilers as they hosted the 2009 women’s golf championship as well as the 2006 wrestling championship. Findlay is currently slated to host the women’s golf championship again in 2017 at the Findlay Country Club. The Oilers have also served as the host site for many conference and regional events during Rackley’s tenure.

“I really enjoy hosting championship events. The events allow you to showcase your university, your athletic programs and your community.”

Rackley came to Findlay from Marshall University, where he was the associate athletic director for operations from 1996-99. At Marshall, he was responsible for men’s basketball and football operations, facilities and facility scheduling, game management and scheduling, team travel and the strength, equipment and sports medicine programs.

Rackley also worked at Weber State (1988-96) serving as an assistant ticket manager, ticket manager, director of athletic business and associate athletic director for internal operations. Rackley also worked at Salt Lake Community College (1987-88).

Rackley graduated from the University of Utah in 1984 with a bachelor’s degree in political science. He then went on to earn his master’s degree from Ohio University in sports administration and facility management in 1986.