This just in from Troy's athletics department, and I'm pretty surprised since I just heard him speak last Thursday and would never have guessed this so soon.. (Story is also being updated on dothaneagle.com HERE)
Dennis has been at Troy since March 2005.
Statement from Steve Dennis. Will work more to update this
Troy University is a special place and I have been privileged to play a role in the growth and development of its athletic program over the past seven-and-one-half years. The University will always hold a special place in my heart and my family will always be a TROY family.
I have presented my resignation as Director of Athletics to Chancellor Hawkins effective September 30. Our athletic department has accomplished a great deal at TROY, and I believe this is the right time in my life to explore other opportunities. In announcing my departure, I thank the members of the coaching and support staffs of the Department of Athletics and I cannot thank Chancellor Hawkins enough for giving me this opportunity. He is a tremendous leader but most of all he is a great human being and it has been a privilege to work for and learn from him. I am sure that great things lie ahead for Trojan athletics and I look forward to watching the growth and maturity of the program in the years to come.
11:15 a.m. - Was told Steve wouldn't have any further comment and was standing by his statement. Not that it means I won't try, but that's where it is now. Steve informed the staff this morning that he was stepping down.
11:40 a.m. - Spoke with Larry Blakeney, who was on the way to speak at a Kiwanis luncheon in Montgomery. He was surprised by the news as well and Steve told him this morning.
"I was surprised, totally," Blakeney said. "I know this job is not an easy job and one that will wear on you, I'm sure. Steve is a hard-working guy and a high-energy guy. He is a friend and he and I have been shoulder to shoulder before."
"More than anything, I'm there for Steve. The timing element is never perfect or never good, really. I've got to try to support him and help him do what he wants to do. The powers that be, I'm sure, will get a search committee going."
I did ask Blakeney on what kind of qualities he'd want in an athletics director.
"Whoever it is, Steve's pretty good," Blakeney said. "He's been in it seven and a half (years) and I think the average is five (years). We need someone that can find a way to raise money to do the things we need to do to grow. It also needs to be somebody who has the power to run the department. Those things are paramount. We have good people who are super in their jobs, especially Tony Ferrante and Sandy (Atkins) and everyone else over there. I don't know where it'll go. I care where it goes and I'll only do what I'm asked to.
"My No. 1 is to be there for Steve, Lisa (wife), his boys and his little girl."
11:45 a.m. - Figured I'd place a call to Johnny Williams, who was the athletics director before Steve. He was on vacation and found out when I told him. Williams runs Creative Marketing and Management and has done so since 2007.
"I've got a lot of projects going on and I certainly hope it all works out," Williams said. "Troy has a lot going on and has a bright future."
Would Williams be interested in the position at this point in his professional career?
"Never say never," he said. "I don't know what their situation is. I've got a lot of projects going on with my business. I wish them well."
12:20 p.m. - Spoke with Don Maestri. He had this to say about Steve Dennis:
"Steve was a hard worker and anybody that takes this position has to be a hard worker. He was traveling a lot and always on the road fundraising. His positive attitude was another thing that Steve brought. He always thought you were going to win the next game, no matter what."
Dennis always had positive support for Maestri.
"We had a few good years and when we made that run in 2009, he battled to get us in the CBI Tournament (postseason)," Maestri said. "Then in 2010 we won the conference, but I always evaluate people by how they treat you when things aren't going well. In 2008, we had a tough year. Steve always backed us in the tough times and that's one thing that will always stand out in my mind. He never changed in terms of his support and always asked how he could be of help."
11:15 a.m. - Was told Steve wouldn't have any further comment and was standing by his statement. Not that it means I won't try, but that's where it is now. Steve informed the staff this morning that he was stepping down.
11:40 a.m. - Spoke with Larry Blakeney, who was on the way to speak at a Kiwanis luncheon in Montgomery. He was surprised by the news as well and Steve told him this morning.
"I was surprised, totally," Blakeney said. "I know this job is not an easy job and one that will wear on you, I'm sure. Steve is a hard-working guy and a high-energy guy. He is a friend and he and I have been shoulder to shoulder before."
"More than anything, I'm there for Steve. The timing element is never perfect or never good, really. I've got to try to support him and help him do what he wants to do. The powers that be, I'm sure, will get a search committee going."
I did ask Blakeney on what kind of qualities he'd want in an athletics director.
"Whoever it is, Steve's pretty good," Blakeney said. "He's been in it seven and a half (years) and I think the average is five (years). We need someone that can find a way to raise money to do the things we need to do to grow. It also needs to be somebody who has the power to run the department. Those things are paramount. We have good people who are super in their jobs, especially Tony Ferrante and Sandy (Atkins) and everyone else over there. I don't know where it'll go. I care where it goes and I'll only do what I'm asked to.
"My No. 1 is to be there for Steve, Lisa (wife), his boys and his little girl."
11:45 a.m. - Figured I'd place a call to Johnny Williams, who was the athletics director before Steve. He was on vacation and found out when I told him. Williams runs Creative Marketing and Management and has done so since 2007.
"I've got a lot of projects going on and I certainly hope it all works out," Williams said. "Troy has a lot going on and has a bright future."
Would Williams be interested in the position at this point in his professional career?
"Never say never," he said. "I don't know what their situation is. I've got a lot of projects going on with my business. I wish them well."
12:20 p.m. - Spoke with Don Maestri. He had this to say about Steve Dennis:
"Steve was a hard worker and anybody that takes this position has to be a hard worker. He was traveling a lot and always on the road fundraising. His positive attitude was another thing that Steve brought. He always thought you were going to win the next game, no matter what."
Dennis always had positive support for Maestri.
"We had a few good years and when we made that run in 2009, he battled to get us in the CBI Tournament (postseason)," Maestri said. "Then in 2010 we won the conference, but I always evaluate people by how they treat you when things aren't going well. In 2008, we had a tough year. Steve always backed us in the tough times and that's one thing that will always stand out in my mind. He never changed in terms of his support and always asked how he could be of help."
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