Long Beach State Athletics Director Vic Cegles was recently named the 2014-2015 Under Armour Athletic Director of the Year just as the school’s graduation approaches, according to a statement released by the school last week.<\/p>\n
The release said the honor\u2014awarded by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA)\u2014recognizes athletic directors across seven divisions who have demonstrated administrative excellence and commitment to student-athletes within a campus and\/or college community.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve been in the athletics business for almost 40 years, so it\u2019s nice to be recognized by your peers for those years that you put into learning about the business and working with athletes and coaches,\u201d Cegles said in a statement. \u201cBut this award is not just about me. It\u2019s about the institution, my colleagues here at Long Beach State and all the people who\u2019ve influenced me throughout my career,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
Cegles, who has been at The Beach since 2006, has significantly increased fundraising efforts at the school each year, reaching over $2 million in total gifts toward athletics in 2014, school officials said.<\/p>\n
He was also named one of the top 10 best fundraising athletic directors in the country by CollegeAd.org earlier this year.<\/p>\n
Dedan Brozino, senior associate athletic director for external relations and communications at CSULB, said the honor is long overdue for someone who helps the school continue to succeed with limited resources with respect to bigger schools in the country.<\/p>\n
\u201cJust having the opportunity to learn from someone like Vic with so much experience is a huge thing,\u201d Brozino said.<\/p>\n
Under Cegles\u2019 leadership, various enhancements have been completed or are currently underway at the Walter Pyramid, George Allen Field and Blair Field. Academic success has improved with all NCAA-sponsored teams at Long Beach State scoring above the required 925 on the Academic Progress Rate (APR), school officials said.<\/p>\n
Cegles has also helped the 49ers claim the Big West Commissioner\u2019s Cup\u2014awarded to the top athletics program in the conference\u2014for four consecutive seasons.<\/p>\n
Last Friday Cegles\u2019 wife Bonnie and members of the Beach Athletics Club recognized his efforts by throwing a surprise party that doubled as a birthday celebration at Blair Field.<\/p>\n
According to Cegles\u2019 Twitter account, supporters also gifted him a champagne bottle and basketball in honor of his recognition.<\/p>\n
\nCelebrating @NACDA<\/a>@UnderArmour<\/a> AD o\/t year @VicCeglesAD<\/a> w\/ Mari Hooper, Collie Conoley. #LBSU<\/a> proud! @LBSUAthletics<\/a>pic.twitter.com\/1YmsfBdyEw<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Jane Close Conoley (@PresConoley) May 16, 2015<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n