UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON SENIOR ASSOCIATE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR (Odds)

Gary Barta is in his seventh year year as a Senior Associate Athletic Director for External Affairs and Sports Programs at Washington. Barta joined the Husky staff in November of 1996.

Since his arrival, Barta has directed Washington's "Campaign for the Student-Athlete," which includes a $100 million upgrade of five athletic facilities.

No ties to the KU family.

The Bank of America Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion opened to rave reviews in November of 2000 and was the first building to be completed. In September of 2001 construction was completed on Dempsey Indoor, a 100,000 square-foot multi-purpose practice facility that provides critical training space for the UW's 650 student-athletes. The final three buildings are in the design and planning stages and include the Crewhouse/Student-Athlete Life Center, Baseball Stadium and Soccer Stadium.

Barta's responsibilities include the management of all external relations including the Tyee program, marketing and promotions, corporate sponsorships, ticket operations and community relations. Barta also oversees the department's men's and women's crew and men's and women's swimming programs.

In addition to serving on the athletic department senior staff, Barta is also a member of the cabinet of the University's Vice President of Development.

Washington has had success in football and some in basketball, so Barta has a background at a multisport university. KU may be looking for someone with a little more experience at the top level, though.

Barta is well-respected among his peers nationally. He is an active participant in the National Association for Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) and is currently serving on the Executive Board for the National Association for Athletic Development Directors (NAADD).

A native of Minneapolis, Minn., Barta served as the director of athletic development and external affairs at the University of Northern Iowa for six years before coming to Washington. Barta began his career in fund development at North Dakota State from 1988-90. During that same time he was also a sportscaster for WDAY Radio/Television in Fargo.

Barta earned his bachelor of science degree in mass communication from North Dakota State in 1987. He was an option quarterback for the Bison football squad that won Division II NCAA national championships in 1983, '85 and '86.

He and his wife, Connie, live in Lynnwood and have a son, Luke (four), and a daughter, Madison (two).

—Courtesy of University of Washington.