DEFIANCE, Ohio – Defiance College and Dick Kaiser announced on Friday that he will be stepping down as the school’s athletic director to take the same position at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in Rapid City, South Dakota.

Kaiser will remain on staff at DC through June 30, before ending his successful 10-year tenure with the Yellow Jackets. During his time at Defiance Kaiser initiated multiple projects within the athletic department, which most recently included additions to the soccer complex and a new softball press box.

Among the many lasting impressions Dr. Kaiser will leave at Defiance College, perhaps none will be more important than the staff he is leaving behind. “I have hired all but one person currently on staff here at DC,” stated Kaiser. “So I feel very close to them and it will be hard to leave this group.”

Kaiser said the opening at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology was too good to pass up however. “This is a tremendous opportunity for me at this stage of my career to be able to finish what will be a 40 year career and to do it at a highly academic institution so close to my original home. Moving back west to the mountains is like coming full circle for me. These jobs do not come around very often and I feel very privileged to have been offered the position.”

Kaiser’s goals for his new job will be similar to those he implemented at DC. “This is an opportunity for me to grow and build another athletic program”, added Kaiser. “We will look to add sports and increase roster sizes, while also exploring a potential move up to NCAA Division II. These are all the things I really enjoy doing and feel that I do best.”

When asked if he has any regrets over his 10 years at Defiance College, Kaiser offered, “I will leave disappointed that we have been unable to complete the process of getting a field house built here on campus.” He remains optimistic however, that the current plans and progress will be continued by the next athletic director at DC. “Hopefully that will come to fruition because it would be so beneficial to the college as a whole and specifically the athletic programs.”

Finally Kaiser wanted to express his appreciation for all those who have helped him during his time with Defiance College. “I really want to thank the administration, faculty, staff and all the members of the DC community for their support over the past decade. I also want to thank the Purple and Gold Club, the Alumni Varsity “D” Club and the various other boosters for allowing us to do what we have been able to accomplish here at Defiance through their continued funding of the athletic programs. They have all done so much and I am truly thankful.”

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