Jack Denholm Named BVU's Next Director of Athletics

March 22, 2016

Buena Vista University has announced the hiring of Jack Denholm, to replace Christyn Abaray as the university's next Director of Athletics. He is scheduled to begin his duties on campus on or around June 15.

Denholm, who brings over 20 years of experience as an administrator, has been serving as the Director of Athletics at Valley City State University in Valley City, North Dakota, since 2010, where he oversees 14 sports. The Vikings have won conference championships and landed spots in national tournaments in multiple sports during his tenure. He's also been instrumental in building stronger fundraising and community relations opportunities, and collaborated with the administrative team to garner over $1 million in donations and budget allocations to install new field turf at its football field. He's also been heavily involved with strategic planning, game management, campus-committees and compliance.

"Jack is an experienced athletics director, student affairs professional and coach," says Frantz. "His career has been spent supporting the student-athlete through academic excellence, athletic competitiveness, community engagement, and personal and professional development. I very much look forward to working with Jack and raising the quality of Beaver athletics even higher."

Prior to Valley City State, Denholm, a 1990 Wartburg College graduate, had served as Director of Athletics and Dean of Students at Ellsworth Community College in Iowa Falls, Iowa from 1999-2010. He was also the head wrestling coach until 2006 and led the team to six top-10 finishes at the national tournament. He helped spearhead a $7.5 million building project that included an indoor track, multi-purpose gym, weight room, fitness room, coffee shop, student lounge and classroom space.

"I am very excited to join the Buena Vista University team and look forward to embarking on a new venture in Storm Lake," says Denholm. "It's always been my goal to be at this level, and it's great to come home to Iowa! I am ready to start working with the coaching and athletics staff, student-athletes, faculty, administration and community."

"The Iowa Conference is one of the best conferences in Division III and it will be very rewarding to set competitive goals and see how we can improve," he says. "BVU has such a rich tradition and it will be exciting to bring my ideas and experience to the table."

Denholm, who was also a two-time All-American in wrestling while at Wartburg, began his professional career at Ridgewater College in Willmar, Minnesota where he served as both Director of Athletics and head wrestling coach from 1992-99, while also teaching a variety of classes in physical education. A total of 24 wrestlers during his tenure there earned All-American status, including one national champion.

"We are delighted to welcome Jack Denholm as our new athletic director," says BVU President, Fred Moore. "His demonstrated track record in building teams whose students are successful in the classroom and on the playing surface, combined with his deep knowledge of the Iowa market place, make him extremely well suited to lead our sports programs."