University of Alaska Fairbanks
Department of Athletics & Recreation
211 Patty Center
PO Box 757440
Fairbanks, Alaska 99775-7440
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 12, 1999
Contact: Karen Jones
907-474-6812
After weeks of intense searching, University of Alaska Fairbanks Director of Athletics & Recreation Randy Pitney today announced the hiring of Guy Gadowsky as head coach of the Nanooks' Division I men's ice hockey team.
Gadowsky, who visited UAF in April and was one of the top candidates for the position as recommended by the search committee, brings to the program a reputation as a disciplined, hard driving, energetic coach with an intense work ethic. Pitney drew particular attention to the fact that Gadowsky has been head coach for the Fresno Falcons professional hockey team and a collegiate all-academic team member while team captain at Colorado College.
"I am very pleased with the final outcome of the search. The search committee comprised of John Burns, Mike MacDonald, Eric Drygas, Gerald Shields, Alan Head, Tom Robinson, Jim Sedinger, Ian Perkins, Wayne Sawchuk, Steve Thompson, Kevin Turnbough and search chair Kip Harmon did a superb job. It was a major task of utmost importance to UAF and I am extremely thankful to each and every one of them," said Pitney. "I know it was frustrating to some that the process was not completed sooner, but I was intent on getting the very best possible person to commit to be UAF's next ice hockey coach. There were several excellent candidates. The search, evaluation and final decision were taken very seriously by both the committee and myself. There were several criteria we considered: providing a safe positive environment for student-athletes; ability to prepare a team to excel on the ice, in the classroom and represent themselves, UAF and Alaska well in the CCHA; a coach committed to rule compliance, a proven recruiter, and an individual capable of interacting well with the team, staff, UAF and the community."
In announcing the hiring of Gadowsky, Pitney emphasized that the University of Alaska Fairbanks is committed to the goal of producing high quality teams with the desire to achieve excellence. "We expect that Gadowsky will lead the Nanooks to new levels of excellence," said Pitney. "This university has a rich tradition of participation in this great sport for over 50 years. The people of Interior Alaska have also developed the sport with passion and energy and thousands of people in Fairbanks play and enjoy hockey year round. We recognize the integral part that this university and this team should play in the Interior of Alaska. We therefore invite the entire community to join with us in welcoming Coach Gadowsky and his family. Not only is he the head coach for UAF, but he is also the symbolic head coach for all of the Interior ... for the Nanooks are truly Fairbanks' team, as much as they are UAF's team ... it is time to begin the journey to excellence," added Pitney.
Phone: (907) 474-7205
Fax: (907) 474-5162
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