Yurachek Introduced as New Leader of CCU Athletic Program
By Lenore McKenzie-Morris
Photos by Keith Jacobs
Brimming with enthusiasm, Hunter Yurachek accepted the challenge to propel Coastal Carolina University's athletic programs into a new era.
"We cannot wait to get here," Yurachek said. "There is potential for a lot of growth. We are excited to be a part of Dr. DeCenzo's team and his vision for the university."
Introduced by University President David DeCenzo to the Myrtle Beach community at a press conference yesterday, Yurachek will officially take the post in January when Warren "Moose" Koegel moves on to the Chanticleer Athletic Foundation. Koegel's efforts will be directed toward fundraising for the athletic department.
Leadership, vision and experience were among the qualities DeCenzo identified that CCU sought in a new athletic director.
"Coastal is now at the beginning of a new era for athletics," said DeCenzo. "After a decade of solid growth we've seen the birth and growth of a new football program, the rise to national prominence of our baseball and the men's golf programs, and numerous Big South Championships and NCAA appearances.
"And, most importantly, the success of student athletes is impressive," he continued, noting that Coastal has bragging rights to 15 All-American students who were recognized nationally over the last 10 years for their academic excellence.
"The athletic director's position has a diverse set of priorities," DeCenzo said. "The department will need quality leadership and vision that staff and coaches can rally behind, and much greater visibility of our athletic leadership throughout the community. We will need resources to establish scholarships and enhance the yearly operations, as well as new facilities now as well as in the future."
Yurachek brings to his new role experience from five colleges and universities. Currently the executive senior associate athletics director at the University of Akron, he has served on the athletics staffs of the University of Virginia, Western Carolina University, Vanderbilt University and Wake Forest University.
http://www.mbsun.com/assets_c/2009/12/300_0947-thumb-350x231-2543.jpgA basketball player at Guilford College in his undergraduate years, Yurachek went on to earn a master's degree at the University of Richmond in 1994.
Now a father of three, Yurachek introduced his children at the press conference, where they were presented with ball caps bearing the Coastal Chanticleer.
"They were Demon Deacons, Commodores, Catamounts, Cavaliers and Zips, and I had to explain to them this week what a Chanticleer was," Yurachek said. "They are going to be Coastal's biggest fans.
"I believe Coastal Carolina is truly a rising star in college athletics," he continued. "I think there are great things ahead for this university ... As we move ahead, this department will be centered on the student athlete's education experience.
"Academically, we will have all the tools in place to make sure that our student athletes graduate from this university. Athletically, we need to make sure we have and retain great coaches, we need to make sure that we build and maintain great facilities and our operating budget for recruiting for travel, for equipment - all those things need to be first-class and top notch.
"We need to fix some of the facilities. I know that we have some coaches that are in trailers, and that's not representative of how we want to be represented to coaches. I know there is a convocation center on the books that will help with the basketball programs along the way, but again, we'll build that vision."
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