Bilsky to step down as Penn athletic director
Steve Bilsky announced he will retire, effective June 30, after 20 years at the post.
MANY PEOPLE will always remember Steve Bilsky as the guy who paired with fellow senior Dave Wohl in the Penn backcourt on one of the great teams in Big 5 history - the 1970-71 squad that went 28-0 and was ranked No. 2 before losing to Villanova in the East Regional final.
For the last 2 decades, Bilsky has been the athletic director at his alma mater. But that run will end in 7 months. Yesterday, he announced his retirement, effective June 30.
"It's been a privilege to serve," Bilsky said in a statement. "I am proud of our many achievements for which I would like to thank the coaches, staff and student-athletes whom I have had the honor and pleasure to represent. My association with Penn . . . is responsible for many of the wonderful personal and professional joys I have had in my life."
Bilsky is the second Big 5 AD to step down this year. In May, Bill Bradshaw retired after a decade at Temple. Saint Joseph's Don DiJulia is the longest-tenured AD in the Big 5. He has held the job since 1988, in his second stint in that position (33 years total).
During Bilsky's time, Penn had 21 sports win 71 Ivy League championships, including the most in football (eight) and men's basketball (nine).
"He has been one of the most distinguished and admired leaders of his profession and a wonderful ambassador for our institution," Penn president Amy Gutmann said.
Added provost Vincent Price: "Every member of the Penn community has been the beneficiary of Steve's extraordinary vision and leadership. We are grateful for his immeasurable impact . . . His legacy will continue to be felt for many decades to come."
The school said it will soon announce the formation of a consultative committee to advise on the selection of a successor.
"I take great satisfaction that we have been able to achieve such broad-based success," Bilsky said.