Ohio University announced the newest addition to its athletics department yesterday -former University of Oklahoma associate athletic director Kirby Hocutt will begin his tenure as the university's athletics director in August.
The 33-year-old Hocutt, who agreed to a multi-year contract with a base salary of $170,000, replaces Thomas Boeh, who left OU in the spring for Fresno State University. Boeh earned $138,300 last year.
OU President Roderick McDavis said he and Hocutt were still working on the contract, which has not yet been signed. We have agreed to go forward with some items
McDavis said, in a real firm handshake.
The president said the contract would include incentives and that it should be signed sometime today.
According to figures from the athletic department, Hocutt increased annual giving at Oklahoma 312 percent -from $3.4 million in 1998 to $14 million in 2004.
We just want part of that at Ohio University McDavis said.
Speaking to the media at a news conference yesterday at The Convo, Hocutt outlined four goals for his tenure at OU: that the department and the university work as a team; that student athletes remain the program's focus; that the department develop a strategic plan in line with that of the university; and that the department and teams conduct themselves with class.
In all endeavors and when we win we will win with class
he said. We will strive to be the model by with all MAC programs are compared.
He said the university's athletics could work to increase its visibility.
A successful athletic department provides a front porch
he said. Not only for Athens
but for Ohio and the entire nation to see the great things that are going on at this institution.
I think the challenge on us will be twofold
Hocutt said in reference to the department's $14 million budget. One
we must continue to spend each dollar appropriately and that we stretch each dollar as far as it will go. But I see tremendous opportunity to grow our annual operating budget.
