March 19, 2002

CLEVELAND - Cleveland State University today announced that John Konstantinos, Director of Athletics for the past 12 years, will retire on June 30.

"After more than 35 years in intercollegiate athletics as a coach or administrator, it's time for me to be with my family," he said. "But I'm leaving with mixed emotions. I will miss the wonderful athletes, coaches, faculty, staff and administrators that I've met and worked with at Cleveland State over the past 12 years."

President Michael Schwartz said he accepted Konstantinos' resignation with regret. "I've known John for more than 20 years, since we were at Kent State University. He was the associate athletic director and I was the provost," he said. "He's always been a man of integrity, determined to play and win by the rules. He also keenly understands the role of intercollegiate athletics in the context of an academic institution."

Konstantinos is proud of a number of accomplishments during his tenure, including:

· The Academic Achievements of Student-Athletes. "My first year, just 36 student-athletes had grade point averages of 3.0 or better. This year, the number is 107 - that's approximately 45 percent of all our student-athletes. Not only does this show the caliber of young men and women on our teams, it's a tribute to our coaches who stress the importance of achievement both in the classroom and on the playing field."

· Bringing five NCAA championship events to Cleveland State - women's volleyball in 1996, wrestling in 1998, the first and second rounds of men's basketball in 2000 and 2005, and women's basketball in 2007 (games to be held at Gund Arena). "Hosting these major championships shows Cleveland State's growing national reputation as a quality institution."

· Growing the Athletic Department. "When I came to CSU, there were only four full-time coaches - one in women's basketball and three in men's basketball. Today, all but two sports (fencing and cross country) have full-time coaches. We've also added two trainers, a compliance officer, a marketing director and a director of ticket sales. All are indicative of how CSU's Athletic Program has matured."

Konstantinos wishes success to his successor - whoever it may be. "Cleveland State is a wonderful institution that provides students with an excellent education, and it will only continue to get better under President Schwartz's direction. The Convocation Center is one of the nation's premier sports facilities. Our overall athletic program has made tremendous strides over the past 12 years. I'm sure there will be many excellent candidates who are eager to become CSU's next director of athletics," he said.

A native Ohioan, Konstantinos holds bachelor's and master's degrees from Kent State University. A college football player, he went on to play pro football, then taught math and coached at high schools in Ohio and New Jersey for eight years.

He also was a coach at five colleges - Temple, William and Mary, North Carolina State, Eastern Illinois, and the University of Arkansas. From 1980-90, he was the associate director of athletics at Kent. He came to Cleveland State in July 1990.