June 18, 2004

Writer: John DeVilbiss, Executive Director, Public Relations and Marketing

Air power is on its way to Utah State University with the former athletic director from the Air Force Academy being named to head up its athletic program, announced President Kermit L. Hall during a news conference Friday.

Air Force Colonel Randall W. Spetman, who begins work July 1, said he and his wife, Becky, are thrilled for the opportunity to come to Utah State.

"There is a great deal of pride, not just at Utah State, but among the entire community," Spetman said. "It is fun for Becky and me to see how we can be part of that and what will come with the move into the Western Athletic Conference. There are going to be very good times at Utah State, and the support for our athletic programs will grow exponentially."

Hall said Spetman draws from deep wells of experience and understanding and a wide range of skills and abilities that will serve Utah State University well during this important transition period in its athletic program.

"In Randy Spetman we have a new athletic director committed to the success of our student athletes, both academically and athletically," Hall said. "We wanted an individual who knew football, understood athletics in the West, could work with our fine coaching staff, was respected for integrity and character,believed in academic success, and who could help build an increasing base of private support. We found that person in Randy and his best supporter and one of future great fans, Becky."

He praised the search committee, saying it had excellent leadership under Ken White, a faculty member who has garnered worldwide attention for his animal research and who is Utah State's National Collegiate Athletic Association faculty representative.

"The search committee exercised fidelity to its charge," he said. "My thanks goes to each of them for a job well done."

Spetman said he is impressed by the university's dedicated staff in the athletic department, which includes several relatively long-term coaching staff, including gymnastics coach Ray Corn and basketball coach Stew Morrill, and others who are at Utah State and want to remain here.

"When you have staff like that in place, it helps build on reputation," he said.

A major reason for accepting the offer to come to Utah State, he said, is its emphasis on academics and the way it believes in its student athletes. He said the university's 10th highest graduation rate in the nation among its student athletes is evidence of its commitment.

Over the next six months, Spetman said he plans to get to know the students, athletes and staff. He will also devote time to meet with alumni and donors in Utah and across the nation. "I want to help them understand where the program is going."

This will include building five-year strategic and business plans for the athletic program to be distributed among the president, staff, students and administration. He said it's a plan that will most likely see continued emphasis on improving football facilities, including locker room expansions and a sports medicine area. "We need a strong football presence when we move into the WAC," he said. "We want to make sure we have a first-class facility."

He said he's pleased that renovation and improvements are already under way at Romney Stadium. It establishes interest and momentum among university and community fans. He said he is impressed with the community support and would like to expand stadium use to involve even more community members. Spetman said entrance into the WAC brings new energy and spark to athletics at Utah State. He said he is looking forward to being able to compete in this historically significant conference.

He looks forward to continuing his rivalries against Mountain West teams as well, such as the University of Utah and Brigham Young. "The WAC has to be able to compete against the Mountain West and to be a top conference if it wants to compete in a Bowl Championship Series," he said.

While at the Air Force Academy, Spetman"s influence went full circle. As the only military athletic director in the nation at the Division I level, Spetman was the first athletic director to have been an athlete and a coach at the Academy.

A 1976 graduate, Spetman's competitive spirit and warrior-like attitude earned him three letters in football. The team co-captain as a senior, he also captured the heavyweight Wing Open Boxing Championship twice.

After receiving his commission, he served as an assistant football coach at the Academy in 1977 under legendary coach Ben Martin.

Originally from Council Bluffs, Iowa, Spetman assumed his duties as athletic director at the Academy in 1996. He administered the school's 27-sport intercollegiate program as well as the physical education and intramural programs.

While there, Spetman directed a major building addition, the first in 30 years, that included a new weight room, training room, locker rooms and administrative offices.

Spetman's military career has taken him around the world and in a variety of positions. A command pilot with more than 3,000 hours of flight time, Spetman's range of positions has taken him from assistant football coach to a pilot and from the Chief of Bomber Planning in Desert Shield and Desert Storm to serving as Chief, Command and Control Division, Operations Directorate at the U.S. European Command in Stuttgart, Germany.

A graduate from Squadron Officer School, he attended the National War College and earned a master's degree in National Security Strategy. Spetman also holds a master's in management and supervision from Central Michigan University.

He was a member of the Mountain West Conference Championship Committee, Handbook Committee and Television Committee. He was also the third vice president of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics.

He and his wife, the former Rebecca Luhring of Des Moines, Iowa, are the parents of two children, Brian and Kim.

Spetman replaces Rance Pugmire who resigned in April.

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UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

Randy Spetman Hiring

What Others Are Saying:

Stew Morrill, Utah State Head Basketball Coach

"We are getting a proven leader, who has shown his abilities in the military and as an athletics director. I am confident that Randy will be a good fit at Utah State and that all Aggie fans will appreciate his commitment and passion for the future. I look forward to working with him."

Mick Dennehy, Utah State Head Football Coach

"Randy Spetman is a great choice for a lot of reasons, especially because of the character and integrity he brings to the department. I am looking forward to his vision, his approach and the direction that he will bring to our athletic department. I am excited about the opportunity to be a part of that new leadership."

Gregg Gensel, Utah State Head Track and Field and Cross Country Coach

"We are excited to have someone that is excited to be here and wants to take our program in a new direction. I know that he had a great relationship with the track coaches at the Air Force Academy and I am looking forward to having a good relationship with him as well."

Craig Thompson, Mountain West Conference Commissioner

"This is a tremendous hire for Utah State. Randy has demonstrated a true capacity for dealing with all aspects of intercollegiate athletics. Superseding everything, he is a great person and will be a tremendous asset for the Aggies."

Karl Benson, Western Athletic Conference Commissioner

"Randy is a proven leader who understands the Western Athletic Conference and the region. I believe great things are in store for Utah State under Randy Spetman's leadership. I look forward to renewing a working relationship with Randy and welcome Randy and Becky back to the WAC. They were valuable members of the WAC. I consider Randy a good friend and close colleague. He certainly brings leadership ability and is certainly the right person to bring Utah State into the WAC. Under his leadership and President Hall's leadership, I expect Utah State to be a contributing member to the WAC immediately."

Fisher DeBerry, Air Force Head Football Coach

"Utah State is getting a tremendous individual as athletic director. Randy Spetman is one of the finest people I've ever been around. He cares so much about young people and their development. His vision and compassion about the Academy have been key in our success here. Our new athletic facility became a reality because of him and his vision. I couldn't be happier for him and his family and for Utah State University."

Chris Mooney, Air Force Head Men's Basketball Coach

"Randy Spetman is a natural and strong leader who will enhance Utah State's athletic program. His vision, work ethic and ability to unite people will help to create a winning atmosphere among all of the programs at Utah State. His impact on athletics at the Air Force Academy will be felt for years to come. I wish him, Becky and their family the very best in Logan."

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Utah State Athletics Director History (1955-present)

1955-63	HB. Hunsaker
1964-72	Frank Williams
1973-82	Ladell Andersen
1983-84	Dave Kragthorpe
1985-92	Rod Tueller
1993-97	Chuck Bell
1998	Bruce Van De Velde
1999-2004	Rance Pugmire
2004-	Randy Spetman

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Excerpt From Air Force Press Release Regarding Randy Spetman Retirement Oct. 15, 2003

Spetman is in his eighth year as the director of athletics at the Academy, taking over on March 1, 1996. During his tenure at the Academy, the athletic teams have enjoyed unmatched success. The football team has gone to four post-season bowl games and become one of the top 15 programs nationally since 1997 in total wins with 57. The men's basketball team under the direction of Joe Scott enjoyed its best season in over 10 years with a 12-16 mark in 2002-03. The team set a school record for non-conference wins with nine. The women's basketball team with Ardie McInnelly is rapidly improving while the ice hockey squad with Frank Serratore at the helm of the team has enjoyed consistent success. Spetman was responsible for hiring all three head coaches.

Spetman was at the helm when the Academy left the Western Athletic Conference to join the Mountain West Conference for the 1999-2000 academic year. A move that has improved the program's national exposure and kept traditional conference rivals like Wyoming and Colorado State on the schedule annually. Spetman has been an active member of the MWC, serving as a member of the championship committee, handbook committee and television committee.

The athletic department has enjoyed unparalleled success in all areas due to Spetman's vision. The athletic department just moved into the new Falcon Athletic Center, which is on par with the finest athletic facilities in the country. The state of the art complex is the first major addition completed for the athletic department in 30 years and includes a new weight room, training room, locker rooms and administrative offices. Several improvements to Falcon Stadium have also occurred during Spetman's tenure, including a new scoreboard, a new playing surface and permanent lights.