ESPN.com article on the hire

[CalallenStang]

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/news/story?id=2382389

Updated: March 24, 2006, 11:20 AM ET
SMU names Orsini as its new athletic director

Associated Press

DALLAS -- Steve Orsini, the athletic director at Central Florida, was named the new AD at SMU on Friday.

Orsini will replace Jim Copeland, who announced in February he will retire in May after more than 11 years with the Mustangs.

"Steve Orsini has the right combination of skills to continue moving SMU's athletics program forward," said R. Gerald Turner, SMU president. "In addition to his experience building an athletics program similar in size to ours, he brings a love of Dallas and business expertise that will help us build resources and fan support."

Orsini, 49, was named UCF athletic director in June 2002. During 2004-05, six UCF teams advanced to NCAA play, including the men's basketball squad, which made its second consecutive trip to the NCAA Tournament. The football team had its first bowl appearance in 2005.

He also initiated plans and secured financing for a new on-campus football stadium, a softball stadium complex, a rowing boathouse and a convocation center and arena, all of which are set to open by fall 2007.

Orsini, who played football at Notre Dame, is a former senior associate athletic director at Georgia Tech and ticket manager for the Dallas Cowboys.