Area’s top 20: No. 4 Mueh learned on the job
Early on, the road was a tough go for Hans Mueh.
It was learning on the job because Mueh had little experience in being an athletic director before taking the job at Air Force.Ultimately, an athletic director’s tenure is defined by the success of the coaches he or she hires – success, that is, in the program’s major sports.
At Air Force, that major sport has been football. In recent years, basketball and hockey have garnered attention. But football remains king.
And Mueh was the athletic director who hired coach Troy Calhoun, who in one season has given new life to the program and, through it, the athletic department.
The Falcons were 4-8 in 2006. They finished 9-4, 6-2 in the Mountain West Conference in 2007. They were undefeated at home. The five-game turnaround was among the nation’s best.
“He can tackle a problem and move forward,” Colorado Springs Sports Corp. CEO Tom Osborne said. “I’m very impressed with Hans.”Mueh was on the selection committee that hired hockey coach Frank Serratore. Mueh also hired the past two basketball coaches – Jeff Bzdelik and Jeff Reynolds – who have posted a 66-20 record.
Serratore has guided the hockey team to two consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances.
In 2006-07, Air Force, Boston College and Michigan State were the only universities to advance to the postseason in football, men’s basketball and men’s hockey.
“The AFA is a truly national university and Hans is in charge of all of their programs,” USA Hockey executive director Dave Ogrean said. “In recent years, to an increasing degree, Air Force basketball and Air Force hockey are really known, recognized and respected coast to coast.”
But remember, football is king at most colleges and universities. Mueh’s success will be directly related to Calhoun’s and, if 2007 was any indication, Mueh will continue to have success.Contact the writer: 636-0252 or milo.bryant@gazettedev.gazette.com
US Soccer team member Carli Lloyd, left is fouled by Brazil’s Erika in the second half of the US team’s 1-0 win over Brazil in the Gold Medal Soccer game Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette