Austin, Texas – University leaders announced Tuesday that Stan Bonewitz has been named the Director of Athletics at Concordia University Texas. Bonewitz, who will also continue in his role as the school's head men's basketball coach, accepted the position after serving on an interim basis for the past eight months and overseeing what has been by far the institution's best year in school history for athletics.

“Our athletic programs are thriving under Stan's leadership this year,” said Tom Cedel, president of the University. “It's been a banner year for the University in many areas, and following the record successes of our athletes has been an exciting adventure.  We're very proud.”

Under Bonewitz's leadership, Concordia won a school-record three American Southwest Conference championships in the sports of women's cross country, women's basketball and baseball during the 2011-12 academic year. Seven of the 12 varsity teams that have completed their respective seasons – men's and women's soccer, women's cross country, women's basketball, men's and women's track & field and women's golf – experienced record campaigns. Furthermore, the baseball team has been ranked as high as fourth in the country this season and will begin its quest for a College World Series appearance as a national title contender next week. The Tornados' three ASC crowns this academic year ranked second among the 15 member institutions in the conference.

Concordia student-athletes have also received a record amount of accolades for their efforts in the classroom. A program-best 29 Tornados made the ASC Fall Academic Honor Roll, while two student-athletes – women's soccer's Lauren Browning and volleyball's Kevyn Jackson - have been named the Distinguished Scholar-Athlete for their respective sport. Only one student-athlete had won the award in previous years. In addition, five of the school's 10 student-athletes who have been named a Capital One Academic All-District honoree earned the honor during the 2011-12 academic year, and several more are up for the same award in the sports of women's golf, women's cross country and women's track & field in the coming weeks. The grade point average for all student-athletes is above a 3.1.

The CTX Athletic Department also completed its most active year in the community, which was highlighted by the volunteer efforts with Special Olympics. The department received the 2012 Special Olympics Texas Area 13 award for “outstanding service from a civic/service organization.” The partnership has involved Concordia student-athletes going to support and volunteer at SOTX events in Austin and SOTX athletes coming to Concordia home sporting events to support the Tornados and participate in activities.

The CTX men's basketball team has consistently been one of the school's most successful programs since Bonewitz took over before the 2004-05 season. The Tornados used the league's most prolific offense to qualify for five straight American Southwest Conference tournaments under his direction from 2007-11, which matched the longest such streak that was put together by any of the school's nine sports that had to earn their way into the postseason. CTX has led the ASC in scoring the last six seasons and advanced as far as the championship game before falling to Mary Hardin-Baylor by an 82-73 decision in 2008 to cap a 19-9 campaign that year. The 2010-11 squad ranked second in the country in scoring for averaging 92.3 points per game, while the 2011-12 team finished third nationally in the same category (91.4 ppg).

“I am really honored and thankful that President Tom Cedel and Provost Alan Runge have given me the opportunity to lead our department,” said Bonewitz, who has also served as an assistant athletic director for compliance during his tenure at the school. “We have a great group of coaches, staff and student-athletes who have collectively been responsible for all of the record-breaking success we had this past year. I look forward to seeing the department continue to grow in conjunction with the university moving forward.”

A native of San Antonio, Texas, Bonewitz was a decorated basketball player at Texas Tech University and graduated as the school's all-time assist leader with 435 helpers until it was broken by John Roberson during the 2009-10 season. He most notably helped lead the Red Raiders to a 30-2 ledger, Southwest Conference title and NCAA Sweet Sixteen appearance in 1995-96. Bonewitz graduated from Texas Tech with a bachelor's degree in English and literature in 2000 and earned a master's from the same institution in interdisciplinary studies in 2002.