The University of Texas appears to have found its new Athletic Director in TCU’s Chris Del Conte, as reported first by Kirk Bohls of the Austin American Statesman. Del Conte has spent the last eight years as the Director of Intercollegiate Athletics at TCU, where he oversaw $300 million worth of donor-funded renovations to the program’s football and basketball facilities. He was also responsible for negotiating the school’s entry into the Big 12 Conference. In its opening five years of Big 12 play, the Horned Frogs have captured conference championships in football, baseball and men’s tennis.
Prior to Del Conte’s work at TCU he served as Athletic Director for the Rice Owls from 2006 – 2010. His accomplishments at Rice include successful fundraising campaigns that allowed for renovations to Autry Court, Reckling Park and the opening of Tudor Fieldhouse, which included a new academic center, training facility, locker rooms and administrative offices.
Del Conte spent five-plus years in the athletic department at the University of Arizona, joining the staff in December of 1999. At Arizona he oversaw all aspects of athletic fund development.
Interim University of Texas Athletic Director Mike Perrin’s contract expires in August, 2018, allowing plenty of time to acclimate Del Conte to the position. On tap for Del Conte will be the construction of a new basketball facility for the Longhorns, as well as continuing the solid work Perrin has put in place to build goodwill with the alumni, donors, state legislature and City of Austin.
Del Conte announced his acceptance of the position at Texas in a Twitter post.
“I would first like to thank the TCU Board of Trustees, Chancellor Boschini, the student-athletes, coaches and staff and all TCU constituents for the wonderful opportunity to serve them these past nine years. The time has come to take on a new challenge,” Del Conte said. “After being with President Fenves and hearing his vision for the future of The University of Texas, I couldn’t be more honored to join his leadership team. I can’t wait to get down to Austin and meet all the student-athletes, coaches, staff and fans.”
Del Conte and UT President Greg Fenves will appear at a joint news conference on Monday.
