Arizona hires Central Michigan Athletic Director Dave Heeke to same position

According to the Detroit Free Press, the Arizona Wildcats have hired Central Michigan athletic director Dave Heeke to the same position.

Arizona confirmed the news about an hour later:

"I couldn't be more excited to be part of the Arizona Athletics family. It is truly an honor to be named the new Vice President for Athletics and have the opportunity to return to the prestigious Pac-12 Conference," Heeke said in a released statement. "I want to thank Dr. Hart and those involved with the search process for their confidence in my ability to lead one of the premiere athletics departments in the country. This program is about excellence and we will continue to focus on achieving at the very highest level athletically and academically, while creating the finest experience in the country for our student-athletes. I also want to thank all of the terrific people at Central Michigan University who have been so wonderful to our family during my time in Mount Pleasant. Arizona has developed a storied history and tradition and I'm looking forward to being a part of the next chapter in Tucson. I can't wait to Bear Down."

CMU has had Heeke at the helm of its athletic department since 2006. You can read about all of his accomplishments with the Chippewas in his bio.

"Dave Heeke is an outstanding hire for the University of Arizona," said former Arizona athletic director Greg Byrne. "His vast experience working with student-athletes, coaches, staff, fans and university communities at CMU and in the Pac-12 makes Dave the perfect selection. I want to commend President Hart, the Arizona Board of Regents and those involved in the search on bringing Dave to Tucson."

"I am pleased and excited that Dave has accepted the position. I was impressed by his sustained level of accomplishment in promoting superior academic and athletic achievements by their student athletes and his ability to rally record levels of fundraising for facility improvements in all sports," Hart said. "He has experience at the highest levels of competitive college sports and he is an acknowledged national leader among NCAA athletic directors. Dave is a perfect match for our Wildcat family."

Prior to his stint at CMU, Heeke was at Oregon for 18 years, where his primary role was to generate revenue through external operations. His primary sports at Oregon were football, men’s basketball, women’s soccer, and softball.

Heeke also has a history of playing sports at the college level. While attending Albion College, he was on the school’s baseball team as well as a club hockey team. He graduated from Albion in 1985, and received a Master’s degree from Ohio State in 1987.

We will have more on this as more information becomes available.