TOLEDO, Ohio -   University of Toledo Deputy Director of Athletics Dave Nottke announced today that he will retire from his position on Aug. 31, 2022.

            Nottke has served at UToledo for 33 years, beginning as a student manager on the men's basketball team in 1989 and then in various roles with the Rockets over the years, culminating with his appointment as deputy athletic director in 2016.

             "This was a very difficult decision for me," said Nottke. "It has been my absolute privilege to serve at my alma mater for the past 33 years, but the time is right for me to move on and do something different. I became eligible for retirement in December, but I made a commitment to (Athletic Director) Mike O'Brien to stay on through the end of his tenure on April 30. I also wanted to stay on beyond that date to help (incoming athletic director) Bryan Blair with his transition. I know Bryan will do a terrific job here, so I want to do everything I can to help him get off to a good start."

            UToledo Vice President and Athletic Director Mike O'Brien praised Nottke's dedication to the Rockets.

            "I cannot thank Dave enough for all that he has done for our department and our student-athletes," said O'Brien, who is retiring on April 30 after 20 years as the leader of the Rockets. "Dave has devoted his life to The University of Toledo and shown unwavering loyalty to the Rockets. He truly bleeds Midnight Blue and Gold. On a personal note, I consider Dave one of my very closest friends, and I am grateful that he agreed to delay his retirement in order to help our department throughout the transition process over the next few months. I know he will do a terrific job in helping Bryan get settled into his new role."

"Dave Nottke is a stalwart of the Toledo community, and he has been a tremendous asset to both the Department of Athletics and to me, from the moment I was named the director of athletics," said Bryan B. Blair, who assumes the role of vice president and director of athletics on May 1. "I am grateful that Dave has agreed to stay on for the next four months to assist with my transition. We look forward to celebrating Dave and his selfless commitment to UToledo over the coming months as we work together towards our bright future."

            A native of Bellevue, Ohio, Nottke earned two degrees from The University of Toledo, a bachelor's degree in education in 1994 and an MBA in 1997. He served as the men's basketball manager throughout his undergraduate years from 1989-94 before beginning his career in athletics administration.

While pursuing his MBA, Nottke worked as the athletic marketing and development graduate assistant for two years. After graduation, Nottke worked as the development officer for special projects in the Toledo Central Development Office for one year. Next, he spent three years as athletic development officer. Nottke then served as assistant athletic director for development and major projects for eight years beginning in 2000.

Nottke was promoted to associate athletic director for development and major projects in 2008, and then to senior associate director of athletics for development and external affairs in 2013. He was promoted to his current role as deputy director of athletics in June of 2016.

In his current role, Nottke oversees a broad range of development and fundraising responsibilities for the department, including: departmental fundraising efforts; major gifts and campaign fundraising; the Rocket Fund, the athletic department's annual giving program; Suite, Loge, and Club seat sales at both Savage Arena and the Glass Bowl; major gifts; team fundraising; booster group activities; special events; courtesy car program; and donor and alumni relations.

Nottke also oversees the marketing & promotions department, ticket office operations and ticket sales, and has oversight responsibilities over Rocket Sports Properties/Learfield Sports operations (Toledo's multi-media rights holder) and the Aspire Group (Toledo's ticket sales and service team). Nottke is also the sport administrator for the Rocket baseball program and assists the vice president and director of athletics with other administrative duties. In 2019, he was tabbed by then-President Sharon Gaber to join O'Brien as a co-director of The University of Toledo's Ready to Launch capital campaign.

Nottke said he plans to work in the private sector in the Toledo area. He added that he will continue to support the Toledo Athletic Department and plans to always be a part of Rocket Nation.

"I will truly miss being so closely involved with this great program, but I am excited to begin the next phase of my life," said Nottke. "The best part of my job has been working with some incredible student-athletes, coaches, administrators and supporters of the program. I made countless friendships over the years, and I hope to maintain those special connections. I want to say thank you to everyone who made working at The University of Toledo so special. I especially want to thank Mike O'Brien, who has been a tremendous mentor and friend to me for the past 20 years.

"I also want to wish Bryan Blair nothing but the best as he takes over the reins of the program. We are fortunate to have another excellent leader who will do a great job for Rocket Athletics!"