By TOMMY REZAC
St. Joseph Post
Missouri Western State University saw a period of unprecedented change and turnover in its athletic department within the last year. But with a new school year not far off, the department is at full strength again.
Just in the last few months, Missouri Western has hired a new athletic director, new sports information director and two new associate A.D.s.
Missouri Western athletic director Andrew Carter, who was hired in early May, says he's excited about the team that's being assembled around him.
"We also hired, and you'll see a release coming out, a new compliance and academics person," Carter said. "Fantastic individual. Good human being. Very conscientious in doing his work. So, our team is starting to slowly form together. We'll be all hands on deck by August 15, and I'm excited about that."
Missouri Western also hired five new head coaches in less than a year's time in softball, volleyball, women's tennis, women's lacrosse and most recently in men's and women's golf. Matt Thrasher takes over for Greg Dillon, who just retired after nine seasons this summer.
Carter, who's been on the job for just over two months, says replacing long tenured employees like Dillon, Brett Esely or Ryan Menley, is not an easy task, but he's excited about the talent coming in.
"We're not trying to replace Brett, or Ryan Menley," Carter stated. "Those guys, it's rare that you have people stay in the same roles for 10-plus years at the same institution. Those people have the opportunity to mature and grow where they are. You can't replace that. So, we're going to find talented people."
Esely left his post as Missouri Western associate A.D. of external affairs last November after 14 years. Menley just announced this summer his departure after 13 years as the director of creative content.
Both Esely and Menley now work at the St. Joseph Convention and Visitors Bureau. Esely as Director of the St. Joseph Sports Commission, and Menley took over as V.P. of Communications.
One of the most recent hires announced by MWSU is a new senior associate athletic director of external relations. Paul Smith, who brings 18 years of experience in branding, communication and administration, was hired for that role earlier this month.
Carter says he and Smith got to know each other during previous career stops, and he's excited to work with him again.
"There was a connection there and Paul has grown," Carter said. "Eighteen years in the career. Started off on the sports information side and has evolved into the external side - branding, marketing and all of those things."
Missouri Western will soon announce its new senior associate A.D. for compliance and sports administration. That post was previously held by Eric Kramer, who left this past May for a new opportunity.
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