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FHSU Athletics Bickley Promoted To Associate Athletic DirectorMay 19, 2008
Fort Hays State Athletic Director Curtis Hammeke announced the promotion of Cody Bickley to Associate Athletic Director at Fort Hays State University. Dr. Mark Pahls announced his resignation as Associate Athletic Director at FHSU earlier this month. Bickley, the head wrestling coach at Fort Hays State, will step down from his current post.
Bickley spent the last eight seasons as the head coach of the Fort Hays State wrestling program. In his eight seasons, Bickley posted an overall dual record of 57-42-5. He became the all-time wins leader for coaches in FHSU Wrestling history with his 55th win over Newman University during the 2007-2008 season. The highest finish for the Tigers at the NCAA Division II Championships under Bickley was 10th, coming during the 2003-2004 season. In his time as coach, the Tigers qualified 39 individuals for the national tournament and Bickley coached 13 NCAA Division II All-Americans, including two national runner-up finishers. Bickley also coached 38 NWCA Division II All-Academic Team members, including eight this past season.
“I am very excited about the opportunity to advance my professional career, while at the same time remaining at my alma mater,” said Bickley. “It was an extremely hard decision to get out of coaching, but this helps move me in the direction of my own professional goals. We’ve had a lot of success on the wrestling mat, as well as in the classroom, and I am thankful to have been surrounded by a great group of student-athletes. I look forward to working more with all the people in the athletic department and helping Fort Hays State University Athletics.”
Pahls will step down as Associate Athletic Director in mid-June. Pahls became the Associate Athletic Director in the fall of 2000 and spent the last eight years in the position. Pahls will be taking the position of Vice President for Institutional Advancement for Thomas More Prep-Marian High School and Holy Family Elementary School in Hays for the 2008-2009 academic year.
“Professionally speaking, these are great opportunities for Mark and Cody,” said Hammeke. “I am grateful to Mark for his years of service to Tiger Athletics. I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to promote from within an individual of Cody Bickley’s status as a replacement for Mark.”
The search for a new head wrestling coach will begin immediately.
