UMW Athletic Director To Retire

After 36 years, Edward Hegmann is retiring from the University of Mary Washington where he is the athletic director.

Hegmann plan's to leave at the end of the school year.

“Ed Hegman will long be remembered for the creation of a first class, Division III athletic program here at Mary Washington. He has always been a respected professional both within and outside the institution. His shoes will be hard to fill," said said UMW President Richard V. Hurley.

Hegmann came to the school in 1976 and said he immediately saw how special of a place it is, not just because of its architectural beauty, but also because of the friendly staff.

“As I prepare to depart the University of Mary Washington in 2012, the ‘bricks and mortar’ are reaching new heights of excellence each year, the student athletes are still very bright, highly motivated and success oriented in academics as well as athletics and the faculty and staff, particularly in athletics, remain an extremely loyal and hard working group of colleagues, determined to sustain the highest standards of achievement at UMW, in spite of extreme funding challenges," he said. "Mary Washington Athletics staff members and student athletes have given me 36 years of thrilling memories that will bring a smile to my face and warmth to my heart forever."

Hegmann is from Pittsburgh and earned his Bachelor's degree at Bucknell University and his Master's degree at Springfield College. His doctorate is from Temple University. Under his leadership UMW has grown from six sports to 23 and all but one of the programs reached national championship competitions. He also led the Eagles women's tennis team to three national championships over 23 years. He was named the NCAA Division III National Coach of the Year in 1988 and 1999. He played a role in the construction of the school's indoor tennis facility in 2005, which has hosted the six past national championships. Hegmann also oversaw the construction of the William M. Anderson Center, a basketball/volleyball arena.

The school wil conduct a national search for a new athletic director.

Brynn Boyer with UMW originally reported this news on the school website.