Thank You 'Jack Nation - From the AD
3/8/2024 9:00:00 AM | General
Dear Jack Nation,
As you may or may not know, recently it was announced that I accepted the Vice President and Director of Athletics position at Louisiana Tech University, and will be stepping down from my role as the Athletics Director at Stephen F. Austin. As such, I wanted to be able to take a moment to send a final note before I transition out. A sincere 'Thank You' to each and every one of you for your support and commitment to our University, athletics department and, most importantly, our student-athletes. Your support continues to be the heartbeat of this department, and we would not have been as successful without you. Please continue to support these great student-athletes, coaches and staff members, as I know they will continue to work tirelessly to represent SFA to the best of their abilities, on and off of the competition surface.
When I arrived on campus in July of 2018, we set out with a bold vision of elevating our athletics department as a primary function and mission to enhance our institutional profile. Over the last five years and eight months, I believe we have certainly made good on that vision. During that time frame we have won 24 conference championships, one national championship, two women's conference all-sport trophies, one commissioner's cup trophy and have participated in numerous national post-season appearances in all but five sports. During that time frame our average finish in the Learfield Director's Cup standings increased by 50 spots to be included in the top 120 (top 33% of NCAA Division I institutions).
Externally, with your gracious support, we have been able to increase the operational resources needed to continue to compete at a high level. Your generosity fueled our ability to invest in the experience of our student-athletes. From increased summer school funding, to enhanced nutritional supplements, to once in a lifetime experiences like foreign tours and enhanced tournaments; you have truly made a difference with our student-athletes.
From a facility standpoint, with your assistance, we have been able to complete the following facility enhancements:
While there are certainly more to do with facilities, I believe the foundation is set for the next leadership and administration to make a significant impact.
As I wind down my time in Nacogdoches, I look back with fond memories and pride about what we were able to accomplish. While I may not have not gotten everything right, I believe SFA athletics is better and has evolved from when I arrived. My family and I will always look back on our time in Nacogdoches with happiness and great memories. I know the future is bright for this institution and athletics department. I will always be cheering and pulling for the 'Jacks and Ladyjacks!
Axe 'Em!
Ryan Ivey
Director of Athletics
Stephen F. Austin State University
As you may or may not know, recently it was announced that I accepted the Vice President and Director of Athletics position at Louisiana Tech University, and will be stepping down from my role as the Athletics Director at Stephen F. Austin. As such, I wanted to be able to take a moment to send a final note before I transition out. A sincere 'Thank You' to each and every one of you for your support and commitment to our University, athletics department and, most importantly, our student-athletes. Your support continues to be the heartbeat of this department, and we would not have been as successful without you. Please continue to support these great student-athletes, coaches and staff members, as I know they will continue to work tirelessly to represent SFA to the best of their abilities, on and off of the competition surface.
When I arrived on campus in July of 2018, we set out with a bold vision of elevating our athletics department as a primary function and mission to enhance our institutional profile. Over the last five years and eight months, I believe we have certainly made good on that vision. During that time frame we have won 24 conference championships, one national championship, two women's conference all-sport trophies, one commissioner's cup trophy and have participated in numerous national post-season appearances in all but five sports. During that time frame our average finish in the Learfield Director's Cup standings increased by 50 spots to be included in the top 120 (top 33% of NCAA Division I institutions).
Externally, with your gracious support, we have been able to increase the operational resources needed to continue to compete at a high level. Your generosity fueled our ability to invest in the experience of our student-athletes. From increased summer school funding, to enhanced nutritional supplements, to once in a lifetime experiences like foreign tours and enhanced tournaments; you have truly made a difference with our student-athletes.
From a facility standpoint, with your assistance, we have been able to complete the following facility enhancements:
- Loddie Naymola Basketball Performance Center
- Beach Volleyball competition facility
- Volleyball, beach volleyball locker room enhancements
- Baseball indoor pitching and hitting facility
- Indoor golf practice facility
- Joe and Frances Atkinson Family soccer grandstands
- Soccer locker room enhancements
- Softball facility enhancements
- Tennis court resurfacing
- Jimmy Murphy football field installation and Garner track enhancements
While there are certainly more to do with facilities, I believe the foundation is set for the next leadership and administration to make a significant impact.
As I wind down my time in Nacogdoches, I look back with fond memories and pride about what we were able to accomplish. While I may not have not gotten everything right, I believe SFA athletics is better and has evolved from when I arrived. My family and I will always look back on our time in Nacogdoches with happiness and great memories. I know the future is bright for this institution and athletics department. I will always be cheering and pulling for the 'Jacks and Ladyjacks!
Axe 'Em!
Ryan Ivey
Director of Athletics
Stephen F. Austin State University
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