BC Athletic Director Gene DeFilippo To Retire
BOSTON (CBS) - Boston College Athletics Director Gene DeFilippo will retire from the position he's held since 1997 on September 30, the school announced Friday.
"My wife Anne and I have been discussing this decision for some time and we agree that this is the right time for me to retire," DeFilippo said. "It is also the right time for Boston College to have new leadership in the athletics director's position. In light of my recent bout with melanoma, which is treatable, this decision became clearer to me this summer. After the intensity of 40 years of intercollegiate athletics, this change will enable me to spend more time with Anne, my three children, and our granddaughter, Katherine. I look forward to this next stage of my personal and professional life."
During DeFilippo's tenure as athletics director, Boston College won four national championships in men's ice hockey, 11 national team and individual championships in sailing, and 12 consecutive winning seasons in football.
He also oversaw the transition to the Atlantic Coast Conference, with the football team earning back-to-back trips to the ACC Championship game in 2007 and 2008.
"Gene devoted himself to building a strong, successful athletics program, one that reflected BC's commitment to quality academics and institutional integrity," said Boston College president William Leahy. "Doing that has been his passion and joy, and the BC community, particularly our student-athletes, have benefitted immensely from his care, advice and hard work."
"Gene has been a great boss and an outstanding leader for our athletics program," said football head coach Frank Spaziani. " Beyond that, he has been a great friend. The school and I will miss him. I wish him nothing but the best."
"We have had an outstanding run at Boston College and Gene has been terrific for our hockey program," said Men's hockey coach Jerry York. "We've had a remarkable working relationship. I wish him the best of luck as he begins a new chapter in his life."
DeFilippo will take a brief sabbatical following his retirement, but plans to teach courses in sports management as well as work as a consultant.
Senior Associate Athletics Director John Kane will serve as interim director until a successor is named.
