Monday, August 1, 2005

Ryan Wronkowicz Promoted To Assistant Athletics Director for Media Relations

Bill Rogers, who has served as Valparaiso University�s Sports Information Director and Assistant Athletics Director for Media Relations for the past 18 years, has announced his resignation effective August 5. Ryan Wronkowicz, who has served as Assistant Director of Sports Media Relations for the last five years, has been promoted to succeed Rogers as Assistant Athletics Director for Media Relations, announced VU Director of Athletics Mark LaBarbera.

Rogers, who began his tenure at VU in July of 1987, has accepted a position as Sales/Marketing Representative for Microbac Laboratories Inc. in Merrillville, Ind.

In addition to directing the media relations operation for the 18-sport department, Rogers served as the primary contact for men�s basketball, football and baseball.

�I would like to thank the entire University for 18 wonderful years,� Rogers said. �As an athletics department, we have been able to enjoy a great number of championships and have brought national recognition to the University and to the Northwest Indiana region.

�The friendships and camaraderie that I had the privilege of developing with the athletics staff, students, administration, media, fans and other colleagues over nearly two decades have made me a better person. The experiences and memories of Valparaiso University will forever be a part of me as I embrace new and exciting challenges.

�Ryan Wronkowicz, who has been a tremendous friend and colleague, is clearly my best successor,� Rogers added. �The transition will be smooth because he is an outstanding professional who is well-respected by everyone.�

Rogers managed the press areas at all home men�s basketball and football games, and traveled with both programs to all road games. He also served as Valpo�s radio analyst during men�s basketball and football road games for eight years, including the men�s basketball team�s NCAA Sweet 16 season in 1998.

�This new opportunity will allow me the flexibility of spending more quality time with my family,� Rogers said. �My family has made numerous sacrifices for most of my professional career and I feel that I will now have the luxury of being a more significant part of their lives.�

�Bill Rogers has been Valpo Athletics for eighteen years,� LaBarbera said. �His presence will be greatly missed in the media room, on the sidelines, and throughout the department. We wish him nothing but the best in all of his future endeavors.�

Wronkowicz, who joined the Valpo staff in August of 2000, has been the primary contact for all of the women�s sports, as well as men�s soccer, cross country, tennis, swimming and track & field. The 27-year-old has worked in the athletics setting for 10 years beginning as a student at Bowling Green and also with the Southern California Golf Association.

�Ryan has been a very dedicated and skilled contributor to the Athletics Department,� LaBarbera said. �We are pleased that he will be running our media relations office.�