Northwestern University Athletics
Athletic Director Rick Taylor Announces Retirement
3/6/2003 12:00:00 AM | General
March 6, 2003
EVANSTON, Ill. -- Charles F. (Rick) Taylor, director of athletics and recreation at Northwestern University, announced his retirement today, effective August 31, 2003. Taylor, 61, started his tenure at Northwestern on January 24, 1994.
"I have very much enjoyed working with Rick," said Northwestern president Henry S. Bienen. "He has provided an environment that has enabled our athletic teams to be successful. I appreciate the outstanding leadership and dedication he has given to the athletic department and to the entire University. We will form a committee in the near future to begin a search for his successor."
During his nearly 10-year tenure, Taylor has directed a remarkable turnaround of Northwestern athletics, in terms of success on the playing field and in its facilities. Since his arrival in Evanston, the Wildcats have won 17 conference titles, and 16 of the 19 varsity teams have participated in postseason competition.
In addition, 13 of his teams have been ranked in the Top 25 nationally, with field hockey and men's golf garnering No. 1 status, and fencing and football being voted No. 2 and No. 3, respectively. Additionally, The Sporting News tabbed NU as the 17th-best overall athletic program in the country, and numerous athletes and coaches were selected as national player/coach of the year.
Facilities prior to the Taylor era were substandard for a Division I athletic program. NU now proudly boasts some of the best in the country. Taylor's most notable achievement in this area was the $35-million renovation of the football stadium, Ryan Field. He also is responsible for the creation of Trienens Hall, the multi-purpose indoor practice facility; the Gleacher Golf Center, the top indoor collegiate golf center in the country; the state-of-the-art Combe Tennis Center; the Lakeside Field Complex, which houses playing fields for the field hockey, lacrosse and soccer programs; and the north end zone facility, which encompasses the football locker room, equipment and athletic training rooms.
In addition to the renovation of all varsity locker rooms, Taylor also oversaw the expansion of the Byron S. Coon weight training facility and the student recreational center. Also, a groundbreaking ceremony was recently held for a new Anderson Hall which will house the Ron Burton Academic Advising Center, the Ken Kraft Wrestling Complex and offices for the majority of the athletic administration as well as the Olympic sport coaches.
"I've been involved in college athletics in one form or the other for every year but one since 1960," said Taylor. "In a few short months, I will be 62 years old and the simple reason for retirement is that I want to do it while I'm healthy and can afford to do so financially. I feel blessed to have worked at a school like Northwestern, an institution that recognizes and adheres to the concept of the true student-athlete.
"I am content to let others judge what we have accomplished, knowing that we have a wonderful staff in place and a great group of coaches, and that I have done my best," continued Taylor. "In a sports world where second-guessing by people who have neither responsibility for decisions nor have ever been in the arena has become an art form, I can honestly say I have always tried to do right by the institution I have worked for and the people with whom I have been associated.
"I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge my wife, Janet, my partner and best friend for more than 38 years," concluded Taylor. "I never once had to worry about her support or love as she was always there, and there was never a need to look."
Prior to his time at Northwestern, Taylor served as the athletic director at the University of Cincinnati from 1988 to 1993. During his reign, the Bearcats made a Final Four and Elite Eight run in the NCAA men's basketball tournament. Before his appointment at Cincinnati, Taylor was associated with Boston University for 12 years, first as the head football coach and then as director of athletics. His eight-year coaching mark for the Terriers was a school-best 55-32-1.
A native of Camp Hill, Pa., Taylor was an assistant football coach at Dartmouth College (1971-76), Lehigh (1968-70) and Hofstra (1966-67). He received a bachelor's degree from Gettysburg College in 1964 and a master's degree from Montclair State College in 1966. Taylor has three grown children and three grandchildren.
"I want to congratulate Rick on the completion of his tenure at Northwestern," said Jim Delany, Commissioner of the Big Ten Conference. "His leadership in college athletics at Northwestern and his earlier career stops is regarded as first-rate. Whether it was hiring quality coaches, building first-class facilities or standing up for issues or principle.
"On behalf of the Conference office, we wish Rick and Janet all the best and many years of health and happiness," concluded Delany.
Reaction from Northwestern Head Coaches
Bill Carmody, head men's basketball coach: "I owe a lot to Rick, as he is largely responsible for bringing me to Northwestern. I will miss his direction and guidance and wish him the very best in retirement."
Marisa Didio, head field hockey coach: "Personally, I am sad. I will more than miss his leadership and counsel. Northwestern can compete legitimately in elite forums because of Rick. Take a look at our coaches, our facilities and our athletic administration...he is solely responsible for making NU's athletic program top-notch. Many more people will miss Rick besides myself."
Pat Goss, head men's golf coach: "When the Northwestern community reflects back on Rick Taylor's tenure as athletic director at NU, he will be held in great regard. Rick has shown an unwavering commitment to improving each and every program and we have seen great growth under his direction. Every team at Northwestern, and the athletic department as a whole, is in far better shape now than when Rick took over, particularly in the way of facilities.
"Rick demonstrated a strong belief in me when I was hired as a young head coach. For that opportunity, I will always be indebted to him. Since my hiring, he has been a great mentor, both professionally and personally. I feel honored to have coached under him and am thankful for the support he has shown me, my family and the men's golf program. His interest in me was always genuine, and much more than as just a coach."
Randy Walker, head football coach: "It obviously goes without saying that in his tenure here, Rick Taylor has done an amazing job in improving every aspect of Northwestern athletics.While he will be greatly missed, we all wish him and Janet the very best. I will always remain grateful and appreciative for the opportunity he gave me."
