Catawba College Athletic Director Larry Leckonby has announced the promotion of Jeff Childress to Associate Athletic Director for Athletic Development. Childress has been serving as an Assistant Athletic Director and the Head Coach for Men’s and Women’s Tennis.
“Jeff is a perfect fit for this position with his ties to the community,” stated Leckonby. “He has already been working with our Hall of Fame Committee and has a great knowledge of our athletic alumni having over 20 years of history here at the College.”
Catawba President Brien Lewis also spoke in support of Childress’ new responsibilities saying, “Jeff has consistently demonstrated his affection for and dedication to the College. I am confident he will do an outstanding job in this role.”
Childress first came to Catawba in 1991 as the men’s tennis coach. In 1998, he left to become the Director of Athletics at Pfeiffer University. He returned to coaching tennis at Pfeiffer in 2003 and came back to Catawba the following year to become the Director of Tennis. Before Leckonby joined the college, Childress was tapped to serve as Acting Athletic Director at Catawba.
“After 27 years in college athletics with 20 of those at Catawba College, I am very excited about this new opportunity to lead the Catawba Chief’s Club and Athletic Development to generate support for the 20 Catawba athletic teams,” said Childress.
“We are very thankful and appreciative for the many individuals who have given generously of their time and resources in the past to the Catawba Chief’s Club. Now our challenge is to renew and grow the Chief’s Club, the successful foundation that supports Catawba Athletics.”
Recently, as an assistant athletic director, Childress has coordinated the Golf Marathon Fundraiser and the Hall of Fame Committee. He has also worked to secure items for the Silent Auction Fundraiser and has served as game day operations supervisor for football.
Childress coached the Catawba men’s tennis team for 21 years and posted 274 wins. Over 13 years at the helm of the women’s program the team won 169 matches. During his first stint at Catawba, Childress coordinated the intramural program, worked with athletic compliance and coached the cross country teams for six years from its inception in 1992.
