Utah State To Begin ‘National Search’ For Athletic Director After Hartwell’s Departure

LOGAN, Utah – Utah State University president Noelle Cockett issued a statement regarding the resignation of former Athletic Director John Hartwell.

Hartwell’s departure was first reported by College AD on Tuesday, November 1.

Utah State President Noelle Cockett issues a statement on the departure of John Hartwell:
https://t.co/nVotAO1m5M

— Scott Garrard (@ScottyGZone) November 1, 2022

“We have made great progress at USU building a positive and supportive culture throughout the university, including within USU Athletics, and we will stay focused on that goal,” said President Noelle E. Cockett. “This change in leadership will continue the momentum we have already built.”

President Cockett will announce an interim athletic director soon. A national search will begin imminently.

“In this search, we will be looking for an experienced leader who believes in collaboration with university leadership to advance the mission and vision of the institution through athletics and will continue to actively engage in USU’s work to improve the campus culture,” said President Cockett.

Utah State Under John Hartwell

There have been ups and downs for the Aggies football team during Hartwell’s time with the school, both on and off the field.

Since he began in 2015, the football team has seen four coaches; Matt Wells, Frank Maile (interim), Gary Andersen and Blake Anderson.

Spoke to Utah State AD John Hartwell. He said he resigned from Utah State last night to move his family back to the South. “We had a great run at Utah State,” he told ESPN. “It’s time to make sure my family comes first.”

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) November 1, 2022

Most recently, Blake Anderson‘s time with the school has been tumultuous. On the field he led them to Mountain West title in 2021, the program’s first Mountain West conference title.

Recently, a lawsuit was filed by former Utah State football player Patrick Maddox, accusing the school and coach Anderson of blackmail and retaliation for trying to help his friend in a lawsuit against the school for mishandling a previous sexual assault allegation.

Lawsuit Against Utah State & Blake Anderson

Anderson responded to the lawsuit, saying he will vigorously defend himself and Utah State University against false statements.

“I look forward to providing facts, context and clarification of the allegations against myself. I love and appreciate all of our players, past and present. Besides respecting each other like family, we work to foster good character and social responsibility. We strive to build a culture our fans, community and University can be proud of, and that respects all people,” Anderson wrote on his personal Twitter account.

pic.twitter.com/Gad3YaACHA

— Blake Anderson (@CHbanderson) October 29, 2022

“I care deeply about Patrick Maddox, as I do about all of our players. Both before and after the incidents at issue lawsuit, I supported Patrick as a player and in his goals for the future. I wish him nothing but the best,” Anderson finished.

Maddox quit the team in February. He had been an Aggie since 2019.

Coverage of Utah State University Athletics from KSL Sports can be found here. 

 

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