Wildhack Puts Student-Athletes First

New Syracuse University Athletic Director John Wildhack made it clear during the July 12 press conference announcing his hiring – he plans on putting Syracuse student-athletes first.

"My staff and I will build on our strengths," said Wildhack when speaking to the media. "Our objective is to have an environment where our student-athletes maximize their performance and their potential in the classroom and on the playing field.

"We want to prepare them for future success in whatever field or whatever they choose and wherever they choose to do it. We want them to be proud alumni of Syracuse University and be great representatives of Syracuse University."

Chancellor Kent Syverud referenced the emphasis Wildhack puts on the Syracuse students.

"From our conversations, it was clear that he understands the difficulties and challenges faced by student-athletes in this century," said Chancellor Syverud. "He wants their experience to be one in which they learn first, in which they grow, in which they become better human citizens and better human beings."

Wildhack noted the great results the Syracuse athletic program enjoyed in the 2015-16 academic year. The Orange captured NCAA Championships in men's cross country and field hockey and made Final Four appearances in men's basketball, women's basketball and women's lacrosse. The men's soccer program reached the College Cup.

"Equally as impressive and equally as important is that we had a great year academically," Wildhack noted. "Sixty-three percent of our student-athletes had a GPA (grade-point-average) of 3.00-or-better. Sixty-three percent! Eleven of our teams had a perfect APR (academic progress rate) of 1,000.

"I've learned quickly that we have a remarkable group of student-athletes on this campus. We should be incredibly proud of their accomplishments."

Women's basketball player Brittney Sykes, who served on the search committee, recognized the importance Wildhack placed on the student-athletes.

"While we were interviewing John, he treated me as an equal," said Sykes. "He heard what I had to say, valued my input and respected my role in the search committee as much as any of my fellow committee members."

Wildhack comes to Syracuse after 36 years with ESPN, most recently as the executive vice president for programming and production. He is a native of Buffalo and a 1980 graduate of Syracuse.

"We have a terrific staff in the athletic department," he added. "Our department will be defined by integrity, a passion for all things Syracuse – the University, the student-athletes, all students, the community and region. It's a group that collaborates amongst each other in all facets and all branches of the University. We want our program to be a point of pride for the entire University -- our students, our alumni, the community and Orange fans worldwide.

"When we win and when we have success, the credit will go to the student-athletes and the coaches."

Wildhack was joined at the press conference by his wife, Amy, and two sons -- Tommy and James. Another son, M.J., was unable to attend because of work commitments.

Syracuse University Athletics

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