Westmont Magazine New Leadership for Athletics
In June, Westmont announced significant changes to its leadership structure in athletics. After serving as head coach of the Warrior baseball team for 13 years, Robert Ruiz has become the new director of athletics, replacing Dave Odell ’89, now executive director of athletics. Odell had served as part-time director of athletics since January 2009.
“Dave Odell has been an amazing athletics director and a great friend,” said President Gayle D. Beebe. “He never shied away from tough issues, he insisted on excellence, and he did it all while being guided by our twin commitments of rigorous academics and deep love for God. Dave’s tenure as athletics director will be the standard for all athletic endeavors at Westmont. I’m pleased Dave will continue in his new role as executive director of athletics.”
Odell will focus on athletics strategic planning, fundraising and developing coaches. He also plans to continue his work with the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.
“While always full of unique challenges, my time as director of athletics has been truly joyful,” Odell said. “I’ve always believed that the college-athlete experience develops the teamwork and individual self-sacrifice that contributes to success. Adding the missional aspect of developing Christian faith and commitment made this opportunity at Westmont particularly special. I’m happy that President Beebe has made it possible for me to continue working toward our long-term goals as an athletic program.
“For my first hire as athletics director, I asked Robert Ruiz to join Westmont and turn around our baseball program, which the college had considered eliminating a few years earlier. Robert essentially saved the program through his commitment to leadership and character development.
“He has demonstrated that he knows the blueprint for how we want all our athletic programs to flourish. He has established himself as a strong leader in our department. Robert was an easy choice to oversee the day-to-day, full-time responsibilities as athletics director as required by our application for NCAA Division II membership. I’m excited to see how Robert will advance Westmont’s athletics department and lead our transition.”
“I’m delighted Robert Ruiz has accepted the role as our new director of athletics,” Beebe said. “During his time at Westmont, he has transformed our baseball program into one that pursues excellence in everything. We look forward to his leadership and service in this new capacity, and we’re grateful for his commitment.”
Ruiz arrived to lead the baseball team in the summer of 2009. In the previous eight years, the program had averaged fewer than nine wins per season. Since then, he has transformed the baseball squad into a perennial top-25 team and a postseason contender. This year, the Warriors reached the NAIA World Series for the first time in the history of the program. Ruiz leaves the position with a record 397 wins.