Richard F. Ordyna, assistant athletic director at Weber State University, was appointed Tuesday to serve as interim athletic director while the university conducts a national search for a new athletic director.

Ordyna will temporarily replace Richard F. Hannan, who resigned Jan. 4 to become athletic director at Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas. Hannan will leave Weber State on Feb. 3.Ordyna (pronounced or-DEE-nah) has served as assistant athletic director at Weber State since 1976. In 1989, he acted as athletic director for five months while the university conducted a search that led to Hannan's appointment as successor to Mike Price.

"I think Rich Ordyna is the logical choice for this interim assignment," said E. Jeffery Livingston, chief administrator of athletics. "He's been involved in every aspect of our athletic program and will provide continuity as well as continued success."

Ordyna said he hasn't decided whether he'll be a candidate for the permanent post of athletic director. He did not apply for the position when Price resigned three years ago.

"I need time to evaluate the situation," Ordyna said.

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"Meanwhile, I plan to provide pro-active leadership for the athletic department."

Ordyna, 49, was born and raised in Indiana. He graduated from Purdue University, earned a master's degree at Utah State University and received a doctorate in physical education administration from Brigham Young University.

During his career, Ordyna has coached cross country and basketball at the high school and college levels. He served as athletic director on the Calumet (Ind.) campus of Purdue University.

Ordyna joined the physical education faculty at Weber State in 1973. Three years later, he became assistant athletic director.

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