Athletic Director Larry Shank named Ohio Athletic Conference president

Muskingum University Athletic Director Larry Shank was named President of the Ohio Athletic Conference this past November after 10 years at Muskingum.

Shank, who has been working within the conference for almost 30 years, was approached to take head of the OAC because of his experience in the conference and the positive changes that he has made at Muskingum.

"I think it's based on your conference work [and] understanding of the conference rules, regulations, guidelines, and so forth," said Shank. "And when it came to the athletic director's turn, I think the commissioner [chooses who he] feels comfortable with, and who has experience. So he asked me and I accepted because of serving the conference, because I believe in the [OAC]."

His goals for the two terms during which he will be president are keeping stability throughout the conference and maintaining the high reputation and respect that the OAC has had for many years.

"The future in athletics is changing," said Shank. "It's changing by the season with social media [and] with texting."

Throughout the years of college athletics and the process of recruiting, coach contact with recruits has changed. Coaches are now allowed to text potential athletes.

Shank's progress in the conference has come from working at Capital University, Heidelberg University and Muskingum University, and his experience will aid him in his new position in the OAC.