ABERDEEN, S.D. (Press Release) –Presentation College is pleased to announce the hiring of Athletic Director, Steve Gast.
Gast has more than a decade of experience working with the NAIA (National Association of Collegiate Athletics) and GPAC (Great Plains Athletic Conference). His most recent Athletic Director position was at Briar Cliff University, from 2007-2016. After that, he consulted in a support role for the GPAC, assisting in several administrative areas.
Gast believes his time at Briar Cliff made him especially well-suited for the PC Athletic Director position, and is looking forward to another opportunity to integrate a faith-based Mission with athletic programs.
“During almost a decade at BCU, I learned the ‘ins and outs’ of collegiate athletics in a small, Catholic college setting” Gast said. “In particular, the NAIA Champions of Character program provides opportunities to help young people excel while upholding the values of integrity, respect and responsibility. I’m looking forward to seeing how well these values can integrate with the PC Saints.”
Presentation College’s coaching staff this year includes a number of new faces. Gast says he doesn’t see that as a negative; he believes it’s a great opportunity to build a strong coaching team that will shape the future of PC Athletics.
“From my first day on campus, the dedication of these coaches has been very obvious. They clearly care about their programs, and care about their athletes.”
Gast says he looks forward to supporting the staff – “coaching the coaches,” as he describes it.
Vice President for Student Affairs, Bob Schuchardt, says Gast is a great fit for the PC Saints. “Steve has extensive experience not only in the NAIA, but also working with teams across the Midwest. With those connections already in place, he’ll be able to jump right in as volleyball, men’s and women’s soccer, and football get underway this fall.”
So far, Gast says, he’s been impressed by the people of Aberdeen.
“I’m really looking forward to getting out there and meeting Saints fans and Boosters. It’s going to be a busy, but exciting, season.”
Gast will introduce himself at the annual PC Saints Booster Kickoff, planned for 5:30pm on Thursday, August 29th at the AmericInn. The event is free and open to the public.
Gast has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology/Human Factors from the U.S. Air Force Academy, a Master of Science in Public Administration from the University of Southern California, and a Master of Science in Space Operations from the Air force Institute of Technology.