Headed for the Heights
BC hires Temple’s Kraft as school’s new athletic director
Boston College announced on Wednesday that Patrick Kraft has been named the William V. Campbell Director of Athletics effective July 1.
Kraft, 43, succeeds Martin Jarmond, who assumed the AD’s job at UCLA in May after three years at the Heights. JM Caparro will remain as interim AD through June.
Kraft enhanced his administrative resume at Temple, where he is credited with transforming the Owls’ athletic programs through coaching hires, investment in facilities, student-athlete welfare and improved classroom performance.
“Pat understands intercollegiate athletics and has extensive experience as a player at Indiana University, as well as an administrator at Loyola University Chicago and Temple,” said BC President Fr. William P. Leahy in a prepared statement.
“He brings with him his obvious passion and a desire to be a part of the BC community. I look forward to meeting him.”
Kraft’s name surfaced within hours after Jarmond decamped for the West Coast. The other names floating on the wire were UMass AD Ryan Bamford, Virginia Commonwealth AD Ed McLaughlin, Tulane AD Troy Dannen, Penn AD Grace Calhoun and Clemson associate AD Graham Neff.
“I am truly honored to be selected to serve Boston College as the steward of such a great intercollegiate athletics department,” said Kraft.
“The core values of Boston College are in alignment with how I live my life and how I approach my job, creating world-class experiences for student-athletes with the utmost integrity and character, faith and love.
“We will compete for championships. We will continue to graduate young men and women who will go on to change the world and we will represent BC with pride.”
Kraft was a successful fundraiser at Temple, a skill he will need to continue Jarmond’s many ambitious programs. Jarmond was a charismatic leader, tenacious fundraiser and the creator of
Greater Heights, an elaborate strategic plan to raise $150 million in capital for BC athletics.
Kraft led planning and fundraising efforts for more than $55 million in construction and renovation projects, including the Temple Sports Complex for men’s and women’s soccer, field hockey, lacrosse and track and field.
The project featured enhanced locker room facilities for 19 sports, a student-athlete lounge, multiple nutrition centers and updated practice facilities.
“Pat distinguished himself in our search with his commitment to the mission and values of Boston College,” said Vice President for Human Resources David Trainor, who led the search process.
“His efforts and results as the athletics director at Temple are notable and impressive. I wish Pat a long and successful career at Boston College.”
Kraft has a football background and that knowledge will be useful as the Eagles’ program enters a new phase in turbulent times under first-year coach Jeff Hafley. He is an established member of the NCAA football oversight and football competition committees.
Kraft is a native of Libertyville, Ill., who played football at Indiana while earning three degrees. He obtained a Ph.D. in sports management, a master’s in sports marketing administration and a bachelor’s in sports marketing management.