Duckworth To Lead RiverHawks

TAHLEQUAH, Okla.  --- Tony Duckworth, announced May 17 as the new athletic director at Northeastern State University, was introduced to the media May 31 at a press conference in the Tower Room of the W. Roger Webb Educational Technology Center.

Duckworth formally assumes his duties June 13.

"While Northeastern was searching for a new athletic director, it was very important that the individual embrace our mission and vision in word and deed," said NSU President Don Betz. "We wanted someone to become part of the NSU family. Tony Duckworth values the history and values of this great university while looking forward to help us create an environment for our student athletes to be outstanding on the fields and courts and walk across the stage as graduates."

Previously the athletics director for Maryville University in St. Louis, Duckworth said he pursued the NSU position for several reasons, including the presence of an experienced cabinet and staff, athletic programs positioned to enhance their tradition and a premier conference affiliation.

"Athletics may not be the most important part of a university, but it is certainly the front porch," he said. "Those who may not know so much about the daily operations of NSU may judge it by the successes or failures of its athletic department."

At Maryville, Duckworth was guiding the school through the NCAA Division II membership process and had secured membership in the Great Lakes Valley Conference.

He will also oversee a transitional period at NSU, which is leaving the Lone Star Conference to join the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association. The RiverHawks will compete independently during the 2011-12 academic year.

In addition to his administrative experience, Duckworth has coached basketball, baseball and golf. He earned his master's degree from the University of Tennessee - Chattanooga and his bachelor's degree in financial management from Bob Jones University.

"I'm excited about the direction NSU and its athletics department are moving," he said. "This university values the student-athlete experience. On a daily basis the coaches, athletic director and support staff must make the decisions that improve that experience. With that set of values in front of us, it will allow us to make a significant impact in the lives of those we serve."

Duckworth is only the sixth athletic director in Northeastern's 102-year history as a state institution. Previous athletic directors are D.M. "Doc" Wadley, Dr. Jack Dobbins, Gil Cloud, Eddie Griffin and Jeff Konya.

A video of the press conference is available online: http://www.nsuok.edu/News/Story/1424/Default.aspx