Sept. 3, 2008
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - The University of Central Florida and its director of athletics, Keith Tribble, have announced a contract renewal that will keep him at the helm of the Knights' athletics program through 2013.
"By any measure, Keith has proven to be a skilled and capable leader of our athletics department," said UCF President John C. Hitt. "In addition to guiding UCF's successful transition to Conference USA, he has overseen conference championship teams and the construction and operation of world-class facilities. His commitment to excellence extends to the classroom, where our student-athletes continue to lead the conference in academic achievements."
"I am very appreciative and thankful for the confidence and support of Dr. Hitt and the University of Central Florida," said Tribble, who is in his third year at UCF. "I will continue to dedicate my efforts to leading the UCF athletics program to new heights.
"I am truly blessed to be a part of this great university and community. I praise the efforts of our coaches, staff and student-athletes for all of their successes on and off the field of play."
Since his 2006 arrival, Tribble has overseen $150 million in new construction and improvements to UCF athletics facilities. The growth has exceeded Bright House Networks Stadium and the UCF Arena to also include the renovation of what is now called The Venue at UCF, a multi-use facility that features the new home court for the volleyball program, practice courts for both men's and women's basketball teams, coaches offices, a weight room, locker rooms, film suites and team meeting rooms. Additionally, later in the fall, the UCF Intercollegiate Rowing Center will open at Lake Pickett and the men's and women's golf programs will open their own training building at the Twin Rivers Country Club.
Academically in 2007-08, the Knights placed the highest number of student-athletes on the Conference USA Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll with 194 representatives maintaining a 3.0 grade-point average or better. Outside the classroom, a new CHAMPS/Life Skills program was designed, to better prepare UCF student-athletes for life after college.
Much of UCF Athletics has gone from transitioning into Conference USA to competing for its titles in a short period of time. The football program has played for two C-USA titles since 2005, winning the championship in 2007. In 2007-08, other programs such as women's soccer and softball, and members of the women's track and field program, claimed C-USA titles. Over half of the program competed in NCAA postseason tournaments last year.
Football season ticket revenue increased from $1.08 million in 2005 to $3.6 million in the 2006 calendar year. Final numbers from 2007-08 put UCF Athletics ticket sales revenue at approximately $6 million. The season ticket base also increased from 9,872 in 2005 to 15,500 in 2006 to over 20,000 patrons in 2007.
With all of the increased interest in the program the past two years, the Golden Knights Club has flourished, setting records for annual giving contributions to $4.511 million, compared to $4.023 million in 2006-07. Over 800 new donors have joined the donor roster in the past year, with an additional 477 increasing their previous support to a higher donor level. The GKC roster now stands at 4,116, doubling its base since the end of the 2005 year. Overall gifts to UCF Athletics have totaled just over $13 million since the past two years.
For the latest news on the Knights, log on to UCFAthletics.com - the official site for UCF varsity sports. The site, which also contains ticket and Golden Knights Club donor information, is also the home of UCF's new online apparel store. Also visit UCFPhotos.com, the exclusive fan source for UCF action sports pictures.