Dave Heeke will be introduced as Arizona's new athletic director in a press conference on Thursday morning. Heeke's hiring was announced on Saturday.
The UA issued a press release on Monday that included quotes from a number of prominent names in college athletics who crossed path with Heeke over the years. He spent 11 years as the athletic director at Central Michigan after 18 years in the athletic department at Oregon.
Here's some of what they had to say.
* Butch Jones, Tennessee football coach, who Heeke hired to replace Brian Kelly at CMU in 2007: "The University of Arizona hired one of the premier athletics directors in the country. Dave has the ability to connect with people and has a vision that is second to none. Above all else, he and his family are great people. Dave will be a tremendous asset to the University community, city of Tucson and the entire state of Arizona."
* Tad Boyle, Colorado men's basketball coach. Boyle was an assistant coach at Oregon when Heeke worked there: "Simply put, Dave Heeke is the complete package as an athletics director. The University of Arizona hit a home run with this hire."
* Mike Bellotti, former Oregon football coach: "I've known Dave Heeke for nearly 30 years. I've always been impressed with his ability to communicate ideas, energy and excitement to people. I think it's infectious when you're around him. He loves and understands athletics and what makes it go; the people, the facilities, and the energy that is necessary to have a program continue at a high level. I'm very excited to hear that he will take on this role. It will be great for Arizona and the Pac-12. He's a wonderful person with a wonderful family, and he has the right outlook on life to be very successful at Arizona."
* Bill Moos, Washington State athletic director. Heeke worked for Moos at Oregon: "Great hire! I'm very happy for Dave and Liz. I believe he will bring a lot to the University of Arizona and will be a great addition to the Pac-12. Dave was an integral part of my administration at Oregon and is one of the premier ADs in the country. He has outstanding character and integrity and I'm happy for the UA. It will be great to see him out in the west again."
* Mark Hollis, Michigan State athletic director: "I've known Dave for some time and he is an incredible individual, very dedicated, and engaging with the student-athletes and the community. He brings outstanding assets to the university and the entire community. I'm very happy for him, Tucson and the University of Arizona."
* Chris del Conte, TCU athletic director: "Arizona is in good hands with Dave at the helm. I've known him for over 25 years and he is one of the best in the business."
