GOLDEN, Colo., March 18, 2013 – Tom Spicer, Colorado School of Mines’ director of athletics since 2004, has resigned his position with the university to become director of athletics at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction, Colo. Coincidentally, Brandon Leimbach, associate athletics director, has resigned to accept the athletics director position at Dominican University of California.
As the university launches a national search for new leadership, Marv Kay, former athletic director and 2005 Faculty Senate Distinguished Lecturer, will serve as interim director. Kay is a 1963 graduate of Mines and was head football coach for 24 years and Mines athletic director for nine. Since retiring in 2004, he has worked part-time for Colorado School of Mines and the Colorado School of Mines Foundation. Kay was inducted into the Colorado School of Mines Athletics Hall of Fame in 2008.
“This was a difficult decision for me at this point in my career,” Spicer said. “There are so many exciting things on the horizon including the new Clear Creek Athletics Complex. It is my hope that the students, student-athletes, coaches, support staff, faculty and all those associated with Colorado School of Mines continue to enjoy success on all fronts,” said Spicer.
Leimbach, a California native, has the opportunity to return “home” and continue his career.
“I have loved working at Mines and with our outstanding student athletes,” Leimbach said, “but I am looking forward to moving my wife and kids closer to family and building a premiere NCAA Division II athletics program at Dominican University. I have had the privilege of working with great coaches, athletes and donors and I believe Mines athletics will continue to be an outstanding RMAC program for years to come.”
Both individuals have been instrumental in Mines athletics success. Some highlights from the past several years include:
- First-ever RMAC All-Sports Cup Championship in 2011-12
- 18th-place finish in the 2011-12 Learfield Sports Directors' Cup Standings. Mines finished 18th in the rankings in 2010-11 and a school-best 15th in 2009-10. The Orediggers were ranked No. 1 (out of 286 NCAA Division II institutions) in the standings through the completion of the fall season this year
- Development of the Student Recreation Center, which opened in 2007-08
- Developing, expanding and upgrading athletics facilities and announcing plans for the Clear Creek Athletics Complex, which will provide additional improvements designed to support student athletes through new and improved training facilities with a focus on health, safety and student recruitment
Contact:
Karen Gilbert, Director of Public Relations, Colorado School of Mines / 303-273-3541 / KGilbert@mines.edu