HICKORY, NC - A new era of Lenoir-Rhyne Athletics has begun, as Daron Montgomery was introduced as the new Vice President for Athletics during a press conference held in the Neill McGeachy center. 

"I am excited and humbled for the opportunity to lead this athletics program and to be an active and involved member of this campus and community," said Montgomery. "30 years ago when I went to school here this was a special place, and I truly believe it is even more special today. Lenoir-Rhyne is one of the premier NCAA DII institutions in this country. We are going to work hard every day, bring a positive attitude, and we will do the little things well."

Montgomery, a 1995 graduate of Lenoir-Rhyne, joins the Bears after spending the previous nine years leading the charge at Saint Anselm, another NCAA DII school in Bedford, New Hampshire. Montgomery's tenure at Division II Saint Anselm saw him guide 23 varsity teams and more than 600 student-athletes to success within the Northeast 10 Conference. Under his leadership, the Hawks achieved numerous successes, including a Field Hockey National Championship, multiple conference championships, NCAA tournament appearances, and academic honors. 

"We wanted to make sure our next Athletic Director was all-in, and from the moment I met him I could tell that was Daron," said President Fred Whitt. "During the interview process I got numerous messages letting me know Daron was a top choice. He truly wants to be here and I believe we hit a home run with this hire."

Montgomery officially starts his Lenoir-Rhyne tenure on Monday, January 13th.