April 15, 2008

GREELEY, Colo. - University of Northern Colorado Head Wrestling Coach Jack Maughan has been named Director of Development for Athletics of the University of Northern Colorado Foundation. Maughan assumes his new role with the Foundation on April 1, but will continue as head wrestling coach at UNC. One of Maughan's first priorities is to reestablish the UNC Blue & Gold Club, a booster program that provides scholarships for UNC's student-athletes.

"UNC has some of the best and brightest student-athletes in the country," says Maughan. "They consistently allow us to provide a great product for our fans. We owe it to them to not only get the Blue and Gold Club back to where it used to be, but also build on past success . . . it's job number one."

As head coach of the wrestling team and former head coach of the men's and women's golf teams, Maughan has had to rely on fund- and friend-raising for program support. Under his leadership the wrestling program has established five separate endowment funds with a balance of $4.1 million. In addition, the wrestling program was able to build a $1 million practice facility through private funding. Maughan says he is thrilled to be able to extend his long-term connection with UNC through the UNC Foundation. "I'm excited about joining another great team," says Maughan. "The work of the Foundation is crucial as we increase funding to help student-athletes reach their educational and athletic goals and dreams."

UNC Foundation President Virgil Scott said, "Jack brings so much energy to the Foundation team. He has a wealth of knowledge, passion for UNC and dedication to helping our students. We're truly fortunate to have him as we continue to build private support for UNC throughout Colorado and beyond."

Over the course of 21 years at UNC, Maughan, in addition to coaching wrestling, has taught courses for the School of Sport and Exercise Science, directed wrestling camps and coached men's and women's golf. He received a master's degree from the University of Northern Colorado in Physical Education--Sport Administration. Maughan is past president of the National Wrestling Coaches Association, a member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame--Colorado State Chapter and was named Colorado Intercollegiate Coach of the Year in 1993, 1998, 2003 and 2006.

"Coach Maughan is not only a great coach, but has a great vision for success for Northern Colorado," said UNC Athletic Director Jay Hinrichs. "He is the right person, at the right time, to direct the wrestling program and our partnership with the UNC Foundation."

In addition to his new duties, Maughan will still be fulfilling his role as UNC's head wrestling coach. He says he's looking forward to the challenge.

"It's all about celebrating the accomplishments of our past student-athletes as we help secure scholarships for future UNC student-athletes who compete in the Big Sky, Western Wrestling, America Sky and Pacific Coast Conferences. Blue and Gold is the key."