William J. Weidner is in his third year as the Director of Athletics at the University of Texas-Pan American. The UTPA Athletic Director thrives on challenges. Throughout his career, he has been a coach and administrator willing to meet every problem and challenge head-on. Bill Weidner views those challenges as opportunities – opportunities to make something happen.

Since his arrival on the UTPA campus in 1998, Weidner has introduced a number of changes and new programs that have transformed the UTPA Department of Intercollegiate Athletics in significant ways: goals, attitudes, new approaches and tangible results. Weidner’s first project was the restructuring of the department.

One of his top priorities was the creation of an Executive Staff for the department, a group that meets weekly to address issues, ensure communication and plan proactively for the future. A Coaches’ Council has also been initiated in which all head coaches have an opportunity to share ideas and work together toward the advancement of the Athletic Department. In addition, the Student-Athlete Advisory Council has been elevated to a more visible role to ensure that the needs and concerns of the student-athlete are addressed in a timely manner.

Of special significance during Weidner’s first year at UTPA was the attainment of full NCAA Certification status by the athletic department in July of 1998. The development of a state-of-the-art compliance system that features an ongoing educational seminar series is further evidence of the athletic department’s commitment to having a compliance driven program that places a priority on integrity and student achievement.

The Athletic Department’s commitment to the attainment of a successful student-athlete graduation rate is evidenced by the creation of a new academic coordinator position, the development of a new ongoing student-athlete orientation program, the enhancement of existing academic support systems and the opening of the new Student-Athlete Academic Learning Center. Results of the department’s initiatives regarding academic achievement are evident in that one-third of UTPA student-athletes have earned a 3.0 GPA or higher.

Another priority of Weidner’s is the establishment of a solid marketing and promotions strategy, as well as enhancing the department’s fund-raising and development efforts. New corporate sponsorship packages and increased advertising opportunities have been introduced that enable the business community throughout the Rio Grande Valley to become a viable partner in the success of UTPA Athletics. The revitalization of the Bronc Athletic Foundation has seen the appointment of a Board of Directors, the establishment of the Foundation’s By-Laws, a renewed recruitment effort to increase the BAF membership and significant results from the BAF’s fund raising efforts. These efforts have enabled the BAF to triple it’s donor revenue since the programs revival and have laid a solid foundation upon which to build future successes.

The goal of making every home contest "an event" is evident to followers of Bronc Athletics, as the department has developed a "total involvement" program that includes an upgraded game promotions concept. In addition, the UTPA Athletic Department has initiated new and exciting Community Involvement endeavors such as the "Adopt-a-School" and "Speakers Bureau" Programs, which enables the UTPA Athletic Program to develop a true partnership with the local community.

This "Total Involvement" concept helped contribute to a remarkable turnaround in attendance at all UTPA athletic events. Men’s Basketball attendance improved 127% from the preceding season and was highlighted by one of the largest home crowds in the history of Bronc Athletics. Women’s Basketball also saw a great improvement as their attendance doubled from the previous year. In addition, the baseball program produced a 132% increase in ticket revenue from two years ago. All told, Bronc and Lady Bronc athletics experienced their best attendance since 1989.

In addition to developing radio and internet broadcast partnerships, the Athletic Department secured a television broadcast contract with the FOX Network for all Bronc Men’s Basketball home games during the 1999-2000 season. This exciting development, a first in UTPA’s athletic history, enabled UTPA Athletic contests to be televised in South Texas and Northern Mexico to a viewership of over 800,000.

During Weidner’s tenure, the athletic department has made a commitment to undertaking endeavors to improve existing athletic facilities. The Jody Ramsey Baseball Stadium playing field was resurfaced and a new irrigation system was installed. The tennis facility has been renovated, as has the track and field complex. The UTPA Fieldhouse also saw improvements that will benefit all of UTPA’s student-athletes. Of special note is the expansion and remodeling of the athletic department’s administrative offices that present a modern professional atmosphere.

Further evidence of the continued growth of UTPA Athletics will be the September, 2000, groundbreaking for a $6.5-million state-of-the-art baseball complex. A direct result of a partnership between the City of Edinburg and UTPA, this facility will feature a chairback seating capacity of just under 5,000, have 13 skyboxes, team lockerooms, batting cages, athletic training facilities and offices to house coaching staff and personnel.

Weidner came to UTPA after serving for three years as the Director of Athletics at Ashland University, an NCAA Division II powerhouse in northern Ohio. During his tenure at AU, the athletic department enjoyed tremendous success, both on the athletic field and in the academic arena.

The Eagle Athletic Program earned 17 Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Team Championships and swept three consecutive GLIAC All-Sports President’s Cups. In addition, Ashland won the MIFC Football Conference title for the first time ever. On the national level, AU was ranked 11th, 16th and 22nd in the USA Today/Sears Director’s Cup points race. All told, AU produced 171 All-Americans, 30 Academic All-Americans and 12 National Champions during his three-year stay. Proving that excellence in athletics and academics can coexist, AU student-athletes achieved a 2.88 cumulative Grade Point Average in which 140 had a GPA that exceeded 3.0 and 48 had a 3.5 or higher.

Prior to being named Athletic Director at AU, Weidner served seven years as an Assistant Athletic Director at Southern Methodist University. Having arrived at SMU in 1988 shortly after SMU had received the NCAA "Death Penalty," Weidner gained tremendous experience as part of a team of athletic administrators that faced the challenge of rebuilding an entire athletic department. During his stay at SMU, the athletic program restored its reputation and developed into an NCAA compliance-driven program that experienced impressive results in the classroom and on the playing field. SMU athletics were ranked as high as 23rd in the nation by the USA Today/Sear’s Director’s Cup standings for overall athletic excellence with many programs earning high national rankings. Also significant was the attainment by the SMU Football Team of being recognized by the College Football Coaches Association as one of only five Division I programs to graduate over 90 percent of its student-athletes.

Weidner has over 20 years of experience in intercollegiate athletics as a coach and administrator. He has an extensive background that includes a wide range of experiences at some of the finest institutions in the country. In addition to his AU and SMU experiences, he also served at Ohio State University (1985-86), Stanford University (1983-85), Murray State University (1986-88, 1982-83), Southern Connecticut State (1981-82) and the University of New Haven (1980-81).

Weidner earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education from Springfield College in 1979. He received his Master of Arts Degree in Education from Stanford in 1984.