The Oregonian has also now confirmed that Jim Bartko is coming back to the University of Oregon Athletic Department starting on May 14.
EUGENE -- University of Oregon Athletic Director Pat Kilkenny confirmed Tuesday that Jim Bartko has agreed to a position as senior associate athletic director, a hiring that could turn plans for a basketball arena into reality.
Bartko, who left Oregon less than a year ago for a similar position at the University of California, will be in charge of men's and women's golf and lacrosse and will assist in the fundraising efforts for the 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials for track and field. But his main focus will be securing the help of key contributors in efforts to build an arena to replace 80-year-old McArthur Court.
"He will certainly help provide a lot of energy to that relationship," Kilkenny said of Bartkos close ties with Nike and co-founder Phil Knight. "It's a significant advance over my relationship."
Bartko served as liaison between Knight and then-athletic director Bill Moos before leaving UO for Berkeley, Calif., in July 2006.
Bartko's starting date is May 14.
Oregon Athletic Director will also hire an additional fund raiser:
Kilkenny said there will be a job opening posted within a week for another fundraising position. He hopes to fill that spot by July.
(To read the rest of the Oregonian news story click on the title for a link)
