Duane Sheldon Appointed Interim Athletic Director

Heidelberg College men’s basketball coach Duane Sheldon has been appointed the interim director of athletics, effective July 2.        

Sheldon will replace Jerry McDonald, who resigned as the director of athletics in May following five years of overseeing the athletic department. McDonald will continue to serve the Heidelberg community as assistant professor and chairman of the Health and Physical Education Department.
          

“Duane has shown a great commitment to Heidelberg through his position as our men’s basketball coach and we are excited for his enthusiasm he brings to the department,” stated Heidelberg’s Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Jim Troha. “He is very well respected by his colleagues and we are looking forward to the many contributions that he will bring.”
           

Heading into his appointment as interim director of athletics, Sheldon is excited about his opportunity and looks to continue to further develop the department. “I am excited about this opportunity to help lead the athletic department and I am looking forward to working with a great coaching staff. The athletic department has made some positive strides and we want to do everything we can to continue that momentum.”
           

Sheldon recently completed his fifth year at the helm of the men’s basketball program at Heidelberg. He led the Berg to an overall record of 13-13 and a 9-9 mark in the Ohio Athletic Conference. Sheldon guided Heidelberg to its 45th appearance in the OAC Tournament and first since 2004. Aside from the team’s success in 2006-07, Ron Higgins became the 24th player in the history of the program to score 1,000 points. Higgins was the first recruit who Sheldon brought in after taking over the reigns during the 2002-03 season.
           

In August of 2002, Sheldon was appointed the 18th head coach of the men’s basketball program. In five years, Sheldon owns an overall record of 42-87 and a 25-65 record versus OAC foes.   
           

Prior to coming to Heidelberg, Sheldon was an assistant basketball coach at Baldwin-Wallace College from 1999-2002. He helped lead the Yellow Jackets among the nation’s elite, ranking as high as eighth.
           

Sheldon continually strives to improve the men’s basketball program and will carry the same winning attitude through the entire athletic department. “We will not be complacent and will strive to improve in as many areas as possible until a new athletic director is announced.”