Northeastern State names Duckworth as Athletic Director

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. Northeastern State University has named Tony Duckworth as its Director of Athletics. Duckworth, who will begin his duties on June 13, will be formally introduced at a press conference May 31, 2011, in the Webb Center Tower at 1 p.m.

"I am delighted that Tony Duckworth will be joining the NSU family as our leader of intercollegiate athletics," said Dr. Don Betz, NSU president. "Tony's experience, attitude, energy and passion for encouraging student athletic and academic success are a solid fit with Northeastern's vision and values. Tony will be a valued addition to the NSU leadership team."

Since 2007, Duckworth has served as the Director of Athletics at Maryville (Mo.) University in St. Louis and was a valuable resource in helping the institution transition from NCAA Division III to NCAA Division II, while gaining membership in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. Also a former associate athletic director and head basketball coach at Huntingdon (Ala.) College, Duckworth says he is prepared to lead RiverHawks Athletics as the sixth AD in school history.

"I am humbled and honored to have been selected as the Director of Athletics at NSU," said Duckworth. "My family and I are excited about becoming a part of the RiverHawks family.

"I certainly want to thank Dr. Betz, Tim Foutch and the search committee for the level of professionalism shown during the entire process. I am looking forward to working with the university and the athletic staff during the upcoming academic year, especially as we prepare and implement strategies for membership in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) in 2012."

Duckworth brings a wealth of experience on NCAA committees and has been involved in intercollegiate athletics for more than 18 years.

"The Athletic Director search committee did an outstanding job of identifying the appropriate individual, Tony Duckworth, to lead RiverHawks Athletics," said Foutch, committee chair. "Tony and his wife, Amy, will be assets to the NSU family and to the communities we serve."

The Tony Duckworth File

Director of Athletics
Maryville University 2007-2011

Mens Basketball Head Coach
Huntington College 2001-2007

Mens Basketball Head Coach
Belhaven College 1997-2001

Mens Basketball Assistant/Recruiting Coordinator
Covenant College 1992-1996

American All-Star Basketball Coach 1992 & 1996
Memberships: NACDA (2 years), NABC (18 years)

Essay published in Chicken Soup for the Soul Inside Basketball