EDITOR’S NOTE: This story was published in the physical edition with the incorrect headline.
OCU will be searching for a new athletic director. On December 21, 2021, Jim Abbott officially retired.
Abbott announced his retirement back in August. After thirty years in athletics and higher education administration, he says that he “wouldn’t change anything” about his career.
He says that his decision to leave was “just a realization that I have other things to achieve while I can.”
Reflecting on his thirty years in this field, Abbott said “Things haven’t changed much over the years. We are still in the business of providing growth opportunities to… students.”
In his time with OCU, Abbott has overseen 48 team national championships, new facilities, and renovations for baseball, soccer, and wrestling.
Under his leadership, the athletics department implemented new sports which include cross country, track & field, volleyball, rowing, wrestling, competitive cheerleading, competitive pom/dance, and STUNT.
Abbott says the key to his success is “the incredible coaches and staff that he’s gotten to work with.” He also said that the “best part of the job is watching students, grow, graduate, and contribute to their community.”
With his departure, changes may come to the OCU athletics programs. His leave may cause a change in the department.
Will OCU always be the home of champions, or will they struggle to upkeep Abbott’s tradition of success?
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