ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y. — St. Bonaventure Director of Athletics Steve Watson has accepted the same post at Loyola University in Chicago, according to multiple sources Tuesday evening.
Watson, who took over his post at St. Bonaventure in 2006, had been rumored to be a finalist for the job mere hours earlier.
Watson will replace Dr. M. Grace Calhoun at Loyola. Calhoun left for the same position at the University of Pennsylvania on March 25. Susan Malisch had been serving in the role on an interim basis following Calhoun’s departure.
Perhaps Watson’s biggest move during his time at St. Bonaventure was hiring Mark Schmidt as men’s basketball coach in 2007. Schmidt guided the Bonnies to the 2012 NCAA Tournament and was rewarded with a contract extension after the 2012 season.
The women’s basketball team has also seen tremendous success recently, reaching the Sweet 16 for the first time in program history in 2012.
During his tenure, Watson also oversaw a $2 million upgrade for the University’s multi-purpose field for soccer, lacrosse and club rugby.
Calls to both the Universities athletic departments seeking comment Tuesday evening were unsuccessful.
