Ex-coach Graybeal gets Weber AD job

OGDEN — Weber State University announced today that Jerry Graybeal has been selected as the new athletic director for Wildcat Athletics.

Graybeal, who has served as the interim athletic director at WSU since April, emerged from a national search that produced 45 candidates for the position.

"During this interim period, Jerry has demonstrated his ability to do the job and his loyalty and dedication to Wildcat Athletics," said Norm Tarbox, vice president of Administrative Services and chair of the search committee. "His background and knowledge of the Big Sky Conference make him the right person to lead our program."

"This university and this community are my home and I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to lead Wildcat Athletics," Graybeal said. "The renewed enthusiasm for our programs makes this an exciting time for our department, our student athletes and our community."

The news received a warm reception from WSU coaches.

"For me, he's the perfect AD," said head football coach Ron McBride. "He knows what we do, he knows what we need and he'll help us get it done."

Men's track coach Chick Hislop echoed the sentiment.

"Jerry has always had an overriding interest in all the programs and athletes," said Hislop. "Since he's been the interim AD, he's worked extremely hard to help the coaches and programs succeed."

Graybeal is a familiar name to Wildcat fans, with more than 25 years of experience in the Big Sky Conference as an educator, coach and administrator. He served as head football coach for the Wildcats from 1998-2004 and was named the 2003 Big Sky Conference Coach of the Year following an 8-4 campaign. Prior to joining the Wildcats, he spent 17 years as an assistant professor of physical education and assistant coach for the Eastern Washington University football team, including nine seasons as defensive coordinator.

The AD position has been open since April when William J. Weidner accepted a position at the University of Central Florida.