Jan. 24, 2007
OXFORD, Ohio - Former Miami University offensive lineman (1973-77) and current Associate Director of Athletics Mike Watson has been named the Director of Athletics at Saginaw Valley State University. Watson will be taking over for interim athletics director George Eastland.
Brad Bates, Director of Athletics - Miami University
"Mike Watson has contributed greatly to Miami University as a student, coach, athlete, alum, administrator, mentor, colleague and friend. His legacy is immeasurable and is seen daily in the thousands of lives he has nobly touched and inspired. While he may not be daily proximate to us going forward, Mike, Cindy, Tory and Brady will always be a big part of the Miami family! Saginaw Valley State University is getting an extraordinary administrator and gaining an entire institution of Cardinal fans."
Joel Maturi, Director of Athletics - University of Minnesota
"I could not be more excited for Mike, Cindy and the kids. Mike has worked very hard at Miami in many different capacities preparing himself for this opportunity. I am confident that he will make a great athletics director."
Bill Mallory, Former Miami University Head Football Coach
"First I am pleased that Mike has this opportunity. He has a lot of potential to be an athletics director. I know this is something he has been hoping to do. Mike is very conscientious, organized and hard working individual who without question has good people skills. In his new role, he will be a perfect fit. Miami does an excellent job at generating good people and Mike has had the pleasure of working with great mentors such as Brad Bates, Joel Maturi (University of Minnesota) and Eric Hyman (South Carolina). In hiring an athletics director it is always important to find someone that has been in the arena of athletics before and Mike's experience as a student-athlete, coach and administrator definitely gives him the ability to relate to both the athletes and coaches."
Dick Crum, Former Miami University Head Football Coach
"As an assistant coach, I recruited Mike and we have always had a close relationship. One thing about Mike was he always did things the right way. He never cut corners. He is a conscientious person and Saginaw Valley is getting a top-notch administrator."
Floyd Keith, Black Coaches Association
"Mike will make a fantastic athletics director at Saginaw Valley State. With his understanding of college athletics and his time with Miami's program, I think Mike is going to be a shining star as an administrator there. I am happy for him and the school."
