Sept. 25, 2003

FORT COLLINS, Colo. - Colorado State University Director of Athletics Mark Driscoll today announced an administrative staff plan that will assist the school in addressing the needs of its student-athletes, donors, alumni and fans as the Rams continue the program's growth and success. "We are in the midst of the most successful athletics period in school history," said Driscoll. "As we move forward, it is imperative that we continue the growth and the excitement that surrounds the entire program. I am confident that the changes we have put in place will help our program continue to grow."

"Intercollegiate athletics across the nation is facing numerous challenges now and in the immediate future. This plan positions our department to face those challenges and continue our growth. It is extremely important that we meet the needs of our student-athletes, our coaches and staff, and the donors and fans of our program."

Driscoll said that Christine Susemihl and Gary Ozzello will become senior associate directors of athletics, and that Doug Max will become an associate athletics director. They join current associates Phil Goldstein and Marsha Smeltzer to form the administrative staff under Driscoll.

Susemihl will become the senior associate for internal operations, while Ozzello will oversee external operations. Max will oversee operations and game management including the renovation and expansion of Sonny Lubick Field at Hughes Stadium. Smeltzer is the department's senior woman administrator and supervises student support services while Goldstein handles the department's business operations. "We are blessed to have an experienced and talent administrative staff," Driscoll said. "This will allow us to take advantage of the skill and expertise that each of our administrative staff members bring to the program."

Susemihl most recently served as the school's interim athletics director last summer during a search that eventually led to Driscoll's appointment in August. She joined the staff in 1973, and had been the school's associate athletics director for compliance, which oversees the school's conformity with NCAA and Mountain West Conference rules and regulations. In addition to compliance and human resource management, Susemihl will oversee and coordinate all internal operations in the department.

Ozzello joined the media relations staff in 1978 and became the director in 1980. He was named assistant athletics director in 1986. In the position of senior associate for external operations, he will supervise media relations, tickets, marketing and promotions for the department.

Max has been an athletics department staff member for more than two decades, including 19 as the school's track and field coach. A former track athlete at Colorado State, Max coached multiple All-Americans during his career including NCAA champions Casey Malone and Bryan Berryhill. After retiring from coaching, he joined the school's administrative staff and has been actively involved in game management, football operations and travel, and game operations. Later this fall, he will also receive the school's Hall of Honor Award presented by the Former Athletes Association at a banquet to be held Oct. 17.

Goldstein is in his fifth year at Colorado State and handles the school's business operations and is the fiscal supervisor. He develops and administers the department's operating budget and financial plans.

Smeltzer has been the school's SWA and an associate athletics director since 1993. She plays a vital role sport administration, student-athlete services, and game and event management at Colorado State and is also actively involved in several MWC and NCAA committees and panels.