Basil Hughton to retire after 9 years leading Huskie Athletics

After nine years as the University of Saskatchewan's director of athletics, Basil Hughton has announced he will retire in June2017.

Speaking to reporters at the university on Monday, he said it was a difficult decision but he felt the timing was right.

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"I looked at 'Where am I? How much time and energy do I have to give to this,' and it seemed appropriate," he said.

"It seemed timely to allow someone else to take the reins now and take Huskies forward."

With hopes for a new ice facilityand athletics at the university taking a"new direction,"Hughton said it was an exciting time for someone new to take over.

Huskiesachievements

Hughton joined Huskie Athletics in the 2008-2009 season, leading them to win two national basketball titles and 15 Canada West championships.

With Hughton as director, Huskie Athletics also won its bid to host the 2013 and 2014 University Cup men's hockey championshipsand the 2015 men's volleyball championship.

Hughtonwas also a member of the Huskie football team in the '70s.

'Tremendous commitment'

Dean of the College of Kinesiology, Dr. Chad London,said Hughton had been instrumental in the development and growth of Huskie Athletics.

"He has shown tremendous commitment and leadership within the college, our university, the Canada West and to our student-athletes," said London.

His retirement on June30,2017,will end a career of almost 40 years in education.

The university said it would start looking for a new athletics director some timein the New Year.