Murray State University Athletics
MSU Rewards Director Of Athletics Allen Ward With Contract Extension
7/5/2007 5:00:00 AM | General
“I am pleased that we were able to extend Allen's contract and that he'll be here at MSU well into the future,” Dunn said. “Allen is an excellent administrative leader and he continues to move our athletics program in the right direction. Like me, his focus is on the "student" as much as on the "athlete" and this is amply demonstrated by our student-athletes' performance in the classroom as well as on the playing fields. It is a pleasure and delight for me to work with Allen as a member of the senior administrative staff at the University.”
Ward took over as head of Racer athletics on
“I'm grateful for the commitment Dr. Dunn is making to me and the direction of the athletics program,” Ward said. “His leadership and vision for
Ward has had plenty of opportunities to put his stamp on the program. By the end of July, he will have hired five new head coaches and numerous support staff and administrators. The coaches and staff he has added to the Racer family are individuals with high moral character, a commitment to excellence and a proven track record of success.
In addition to winning Ohio Valley Conference championships and competing in national tournaments, Racer athletes have proven Ward's commitment to a well-rounded program by excelling in the classroom as well.
In 2006-07, two teams won the OVC Team Academic Achievement Award, nine teams had over a 3.0 team GPA and two athletes earned OVC Scholar Athlete of the Year for their respective sports. The most recent spring semester grade point average for all student-athletes surpassed 3.0.
“I'm pleased with what we have accomplished and excited about what the future has in store for this program,” said Ward. “It's all about being the best in everything we do and being recognized for succeeding with integrity and class.”
Under Ward's leadership, the resources needed to create an environment in which MSU student-athletes can achieve at the highest level are being provided.
Stewart Stadium sports a new artificial playing surface, play clocks, and goal posts. The track team will soon have a newly resurfaced track. All student-athletes will benefit from the plans to remodel the weight room with brand new state-of-the-art equipment. Before the start of the fall semester, the
“If I could leave a lasting mark on this program, it would be that every student-athlete leave Murray State with a diploma in one hand and a championship ring, or two, on the other,” Ward said.
