Oberlin College announces the hiring of Zachary Pretzer as the new Assistant Athletic Director for External Affairs and Media Relations. Pretzer, the current Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Information and Compliance at Bryn Mawr College, began his duties July 1.
Delta Lodge Director of Athletics and Physical Education Joe Karlgaard captured the coaching staff's excitement in bringing an alumnus back to campus. "We are very fortunate to have someone of Zach's caliber joining our administrative staff. Throughout the interview process, Zach demonstrated an understanding of Oberlin, the challenges faced by the department of athletics, and a willingness to meet those challenges with creativity and diligence. We could not be happier to welcome him back to the Oberlin family."
Pretzer, a 2003 Oberlin graduate, has distinguished himself as a leader in athletics administration over the last several years. The 2003 recipient of the NCAC / John Stern Award, Pretzer spent two years as a graduate assistant at the University of Tennessee. While a member of the Volunteers staff, Pretzer worked with the adidas Partners in Sports Program, organized speakers and special events, taught physical education courses, and served as the webmaster for for the program's site. Hired as Bryn Mawr's Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Information and Compliance in July, 2005, Pretzer has revamped the institution's athletics website, created new avenues for the promotion and marketing of athletics, served as the chief compliance officer and primary sports information contact, and represented the College at Centennial Conference, Haverford Group, and NCAA meetings.
"I am absolutely thrilled to be able to return to my alma mater and once again be a member of the Oberlin athletics team," Pretzer said. "Oberlin is an outstanding academic institution, and its athletic program has a bright and promising future. This position will be challenging and rewarding, and I am eager to help take the department to new heights."