Augusta University welcomed its new Athletic Director Ryan Erlacher at a press conference on the Summerville Campus Monday morning.
Erlacher replaces AU Interim Athletic Director and softball coach Melissa Brocato and begins his journey as the official new athletic director.
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Russel Keen, Executive Vice President of Administration and Chief of Staff to AU President Brooks A. Keel, introduced Erlacher at Monday’s press conference.
“When Dr. Keel asked me to serve as the chair as part of the search committee, I knew we had some big shoes to fill after the retirement of Clint Bryant. We had over 87 applicants from across the country that we went through and after going through the entire candidate pool, we were able to unanimously narrow our finalists to four. After their visits, we had a unanimous clear front runner, who we all agreed who would be the best fit for Jag Nation,” Keen said. “I’m proud to say we found someone who is dedicated to expanding the growth of AU athletics, who’s enthusiasm is contagious and who can take our program to the next level. Today is a celebration of what’s to come for AU athletics. It is a historic day for Jaguar nation and our entire community.”
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Erlacher will not only take over for Brocato, but steps in after longtime coach and athletic director Clint Bryant, who retired in June. Erlacher thanked Bryant at the press conference.
“I want to thank someone who has left a lasting legacy at Augusta University, who I have known for over 12 years working in the Peach Belt Conference, who I have looked to for answers and advice over the years. And someone who obviously I have some very, very big shoes to fill here at Augusta University,” Erlacher said. “What an unbelievable career you’ve had and the legacy you’ve left here. I hope to have the chance to fill just a small portion of your shoes your leaving behind. Just an honor being able to follow in your footsteps and congratulations on an amazing career.”
Erlacher was previously the AD at Clayton State University and was there since 2018.
During the press conference, Erlacher spoke on some goals for AU and stressed the importance of not just his involvement to fulfill them, but the community as a whole.
“This program is not broken. This an unbelievable athletic program. My goal for us is what can we do to elevate all of the amazing things your already doing,” he said. “My goal is to hear what everyone in this room and everyone who is not in this room has to say and help us map out the future of Augusta athletics. It’s not my vision, it needs to be our vision.”
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Not only does Erlacher hope to elevate in athletics, but in academics as well. During his tenure at Clayton State, the athletics department saw great academic success achieving above a 3.0 grade point average for the past eight semesters.
“We’re going to build culture, will continue to define our core values, we are going to continue what we are offering our student athletes, students, our campus and community,” he said during the press conference. “We are going to continue to be leaders in the community and engage in the community. We are going to excel in the classroom. Everywhere we can get involved with, we want to be great.”
Brocato praised Erlacher and excited for his vision at AU.
“We had a gift in Clint with his history and legacy and I really just saw myself at bridge in the gap from one great to the to the next great and I think Ryan is going to do an amazing Job,” Brocato said.
As of today, Erlacher begins his tenure at AU.
“I can’t tell you how excited I am for the future of Augusta athletics. The sky is the limit here and I truly, truly believe that” he said. “I can’t wait to get started and can’t wait to set the standard in the NCAA when it comes to Augusta University Athletics.”
Chris Rickerson is a staff reporter covering Columbia County government and general assignment topics for The Augusta Press. Reach him at chris@theaugustapress.com.
