Coast Guard Academy Again Seeking New Athletic Director

The Coast Guard Academy has again put out a call for a new athletic director after their chosen candidate chose to rescind his acceptance of the position.

The academy announced in June that it had picked , who previously served as deputy director of athletics at the University of Cincinnati. Arkeilpane also held other development and athletic positions at the university as well as the University of Miami in Ohio and the University of Buffalo in New York.

In a statement released by the school, Arkeilpane said, "After considerable reflection and in the best interests of my family, I have decided to decline the position at the Academy...This has nothing to do with the Academy or their athletic department. This was purely a personal decision that was very difficult but in the end the right one for me and my family.”

Rear Admiral Sandra Stosz, superintendent of the academy, replied in the statement, “I respect Mr. Arkeilpane's decision. As an organization that understands and values the importance of family in someone's career, we understand his position and wish him the very best in his future endeavors."

The school is looking for someone to replace Dr. Ray Cieplik, who retired this year after serving the Coast Guard Academy for over 40 years. Cieplik was the men's soccer coach for 31 years and athletic director for 12 years.

The athletic director will be responsible for overseeing 11 men's teams, nine women's teams, and three co-ed teams in the academy's intercollegiate sports program.