Search For Next Athletic Director Will Have to Wait (Fall, 2005

Search For Next Athletic Director Will Have to Wait (Fall, 2005)

Looming budget cuts have prompted a committee to suspend its nationwide search for the Ragin

Cajuns’ next athletic director. Hunter Trahan, chairman of the 12-person group, said it probably won’t

convene again before January. By that time, state leaders are expected to have a better projection for the

state’s finances.

Nelson Schexnayder, who holds a law degree, resigned as athletic director in July to accept a position in

the university’s Research Division. UL Lafayette President Dr. Ray Authement named David Walker, the

university’s director of auxiliary services, as interim athletic director. “Both Nelson and I have a high

regard for David’s ability and knowledge of the university and the community. He will operate the Athletic

Department in a very aggressive and effective manner,” Authement said.

As director of auxiliary services, Walker has been involved in athletics related budget, legal and personnel

matters, as well as facilities development. He will continue to serve as director of auxiliary services

Schexnayder had been UL Lafayette’s athletic director since 1994. During his tenure

• Louisiana’s Ragin’ Cajuns baseball team competed in the College World Series for the first time in the school’s history, tying for third place

• the Lady Cajuns softball team reached the College World Series four times

• the Cajun’s women’s basketball team won its first conference title in the university’s history

• the men’s basketball team went to the NCAA Tournament in 2004 and 2005, the first back-to-back appearances since 1983

• the Ragin’ Cajuns football team defeated nationally ranked Texas A&M 29-22; an

• men’s and women’s track teams swept indoor and outdoor conference titles, a first in Sun Belt history

Schexnayder played football for the Ragin’ Cajuns from 1968-71. After graduating from Loyola University

School of Law in New Orleans in 1976, he entered private practice. A former president of the USL

Alumni Association, he became associate athletic director in 1993

Courtesy of La Louisiana, Fall 2005