UNM ATHLETIC DIRECTOR DAVALOS MAKES SPORTS ILLUSTRATED LIST

May 2, 2003

UNM ATHLETIC DIRECTOR DAVALOS MAKES SPORTS ILLUSTRATED LIST

Davalos University of New Mexico Athletic Director Rudy Davalos is among the 101 most influential minorities in sports in the May 5 issue of Sports Illustrated (SI).

The article cites Davalos' oversight of 21 sports programs, $20 million budget and fundraising capabilities that bring in more than $6 million annually.

Davalos, ranked 94, is a San Antonio native and son of Mexican-born parents and one of six athletic directors on the list.

"This is a tremendous honor for me personally and I'm very happy about it. I've never been one to use my minority status to my advantage or disadvantage. I want to be recognized for the person I am, not skin color," said Davalos.

Davalos said the recognition comes to UNM because of its diversity. "This is a compliment to UNM. We provide a place that welcomes and acknowledges personal ability and experience. We've been successful in intercollegiate athletics to be a diverse group of people," he said.

Athletics has many minorities on staff at all levels, said Davalos. Among those are Janice Ruggiero, senior women's administrator; Rich Alday, head baseball coach; Mark Martinez, assistant baseball coach; Ritchie McKay, head men's basketball coach; Duane Broussard, assistant men's basketball coach; Danny Trujillo, assistant athletic director for academics; Dave Flores; assistant director of athletics for compliance; and Hazel Tull Leach, director of the Lobo Legacy program.

"Our diversity is not by design, but rather because we hired the best people for those positions. We are proud of that and proud of those individuals," he said.

The Sports Illustrated story indicates that even a few years ago there would not have been 101 influential minorities in sports. This particular feature comes 35 years after it published a groundbreaking report on race and sports. The article states that the people on the list are "reshaping the sports industry and opening doors through which others will follow."

Number one on the SI list is Robert Johnson, owner of the new Charlotte, N.C. professional expansion basketball team and founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET). Second is golfer Tiger Woods followed by tennis player Serena Williams.

"I hope that the list will be an inspiration to young people of all backgrounds to pursue their goals," said Davalos.