Tim Wheaton, who has spent the last 30 years as a coach and administrator at Harvard University, has been hired as the athletic director at Colby College in Waterville.
“Tim’s strong character, principled philosophies, and record of success led us to determine that he is the right person to lead Colby athletics during this important time,” Colby Provost and Dean of Faculty Lori G. Kletzer said in a press release.
Wheaton, who will begin his appointment as the Harold Alfond Director of Athletics on Jan. 26, 2015, takes over for Marcella Zalot, who resigned from the position in September after 13 years.
Wheaton has served as associate director of athletics at Harvard since 2007. He arrived there in 1985, first as an assistant coach for women’s soccer and men’s lacrosse, then as head coach of women’s soccer. He guided that team to eight NCAA tournaments and four Ivy League championships in 18 years.
“Tim helps motivate people and remove the impediments to their success,” Harvard’s Nichols Family Director of Athletics Robert L. Scalese said in a press release. “He is a smart, hardworking and respectful individual, and he will be a very good colleague of everyone as you pursue the opportunities that are in front of Colby athletics.”
In his capacity as Harvard’s associate athletic director, Wheaton oversaw seven varsity teams and the entire club sport program, was responsible for department-wide fundraising efforts, and served as lead administrator on major capital projects. He worked with the Harvard Varsity Club and was the athletic department’s primary liaison with the Harvard Alumni Association.
In his role as athletic director, Wheaton will provide leadership, direction, and operational management for Colby’s Department of Athletics, which manages 32 intercollegiate varsity athletic teams, recreational athletics, intramural sports, club sports, and a wide range of health and wellness activities. He will champion the support of Colby’s student-athletes as the College honors effort and perseverance, rewards self-discipline, encourages interpersonal exploration, and promotes mutual understanding in an effort to reach the highest levels of achievement and excellence.
“I am humbled by and grateful for the opportunity,” said Wheaton. “I am thrilled to be joining the Colby community and its talented students, faculty, coaches, administrators, and alumni. I want to thank President David Greene, Provost Lori Kletzer and the entire search committee for this opportunity. This is an exciting time for the College, and I look forward to building on current success towards what I know is a bright future.”
UMaine offers ticket deal
The University of Maine is offering a special ticket deal involving the Black Bears’ Jan. 7 America East home game against Vermont at the Portland Expo.
Fans who purchase two tickets to that 7 p.m. game will receive two free tickets to UMaine’s Jan. 17 home game against Stony Brook at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor.
Tickets are available at the gate or in advance by calling 581-BEAR (2327).
UMaine plans basketball bus trip
The Friends of UMaine Women’s Basketball group is organizing a bus trip to the Black Bears’ game at New Hampshire on Sunday, March 1, 2015.
The bus will leave Old Town at 7:30 a.m. and make stops in Bangor and Newport. If needed, other stops will be added along the way.
The cost of the trip is $50 per person which includes motorcoach service and a ticket to the game.
Maine and New Hampshire will tip off at 1 p.m. the Bears’ regular-season finale.
Contact Evie Smith by email at evie.smith3@roadrunner.com or by phone at 207-356-1811 for more information.