As Golden Bear Lair reported prior to Friday’s news conference, Sandy Barbour left her post as AD at Cal during what appears increasingly to be a transitionary period for the school’s Athletics department.
Multiple news outlets reported over the weekend her interim replacement will be H. Michael Williams, a former big business financier and a collegiate wrestler during his academic career at California in the 1980s.
“I am honored and humbled by this opportunity to give back to a university and intercollegiate athletics program that played such an important role in my life.”
— H. Michael Williams
Speculation has surrounded the web over who else may be on the Hot Seat.
For the most part, however, the good people of Berkeley have been pouring their love out for the former Director.
I appreciate the support of the #CalFamily these past 10 years. No one more passionate alumni & fanbase in America. #BarNone #GoBears
— Sandy Barbour (@TheBarbour_Shop) June 27, 2014
Here’s a list of Barbour’s accomplishments during her 10-year tenure, according to a press release by the University:
- 19 national team championships;
- A combined 92 national championships in individual events, relays, crew races and tennis doubles;
- A Pac-10 co-championship in football in 2006 (Cal’s first since 1975); a Pac-10 men’s basketball title in 2009-10 (Cal’s first in 50 years); a first-ever Final Four appearance in women’s basketball in 2013; and two trips to the NCAA national semifinals in volleyball;
- A combined 40 medals earned by the Golden Bears at the 2008 Games in Beijing and the 2012 Games in London, including record totals of 23 medals and 15 gold medals in London;
- More than $315 million raised in gifts and pledges toward scholarships, operations and facilities.
In other news,
Cal Football secured a commitment from native Californian Johnny Capra over the weekend.
The offensive tackle is the 71st-ranked recruit from California, and a 3-star recruit according to Scout.