Muskingum University Athletic Director, Larry Shank, will retire following the 2017-18 academic year.
Shank is currently in his 16th year as the head of Fighting Muskies athletics.
During Shank’s tenure, multiple upgrades have been made to the Muskingum’s athletic facilities, including adding a turf field to Sherman Field. In 2017, a second turf field was added to Muskingum’s campus, becoming the primary home field for soccer and lacrosse.
Shank said he is “grateful” to have had the opportunity to be Muskingum’s athletic director.
“Throughout the years, it’s been a privilege to represent the University to the OAC and NCAA, and extremely rewarding to work alongside our exceptional student-athletes, coaches and administrators,” said Shank. “I will always cherish these relationships and my time as athletic director.”
From 2016-2017, two video boards were added to athletic venues such as the Anne C. Steele Center and the North Athletic Turf Field to enhance the fan experience at Fighting Muskies games.
Under Shank, mens and womens lacrosse programs were added to the intercollegiate offerings.
Since arriving in New Concord, Shank has held multiple positions in the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC), including being president of the OAC during the 2012-13 academic year.
Shank began his career in athletics in 1974 as a graduate assistant coach at Western Michigan University. Prior to joining Muskingum, Shank was the head football coach at Heidelberg University, but came to New Concord to be closer to family.
“I couldn’t think of a better place to come,” said Shank, “because the Village of New Concord, the history of Muskingum University…it was just the right step at the right time of my career.”
OAC Commissioner Tim Gleason said Shank will be missed.
“The (OAC) is better off today because Larry has been in our family for all these years,” said Gleason.
Shank’s last official day as athletic director will be June 30, 2018. The national search for Shank’s replacement will begin immediately.
For more information on Shank’s retirement, watch Andrew Dunlap’s exclusive interview with Muskingum’s athletic director on Orbit TV’s sports program, The Final Lap.
