June 16, 2021

Ohio Christian's Dave Bireline Named RSC Athletic Director of the Year

MIDDLETOWN, Ohio -- Ohio Christian University Director of Athletics Dave Bireline has been named the 2020-21 River States Conference Athletic Director of the Year. Chosen by his peers in the RSC, Bireline just completed his fifth year at Ohio Christian.  Bireline's impact on Ohio Christian and also the RSC have been very important this year. He just concluded his first year as the chair of the RSC Administrative Council, which is made up of athletic directors in the conference. He guided the RSC through a very challenging year of COVID-19 and also serves the conference in a number of other capacities.  "Dave is one of the hardest-working athletic directors I have ever met," said Dr. Jon Kulaga, Ohio Christian University President. "He is both the "early bird" and the "night owl" combined! But he is most known for the way he loves the students and coaches under his care. While he loves athletics, loves competition and loves the collegiate work environment – more importantly – he loves the Lord and he loves people. I can't think of anyone more deserving of this recognition than Dave Bireline!" "The River States Conference has one of the best groups of Athletic Directors around," said Michael Schell, RSC Commissioner. "This group works together to overcome the many challenges our members each face. Dave is a class act and a true leader for his university and the conference.  With his dedication and commitment for student-athlete success, we could not have asked for a better leader during this past year." In addition to leading the RSC athletic directors as admin council chair, Bireline is the athletic director liaison to the the RSC men's and women's cross country and track and field coaches. That role is involved in six different championship events for men and women in fall, winter and spring. His role as chair also involves him with the RSC Financial Advisory Committee, Conduct Committee, Appeals Committee and Membership Committee.  The chair also represents the Administrative Council with the RSC Council of Presidents. This past year involved many meetings and updates of the RSC Administrative Council, which were led by Bireline. His effective communication and guidance kept the RSC operating its sports seasons and conducting championships in the safest and healthiest way possible amid the COVID-19 pandemic.  At Ohio Christian, Bireline oversees 18 varsity sports, which includes participation in all 17 RSC championship sports. He came to Ohio Christian in fall 2016 with previous stints as AD at fellow NAIA instituitions Concordia (Calif.) University and Taylor (Ind.) University. In the nomination of Bireline for RSC AD of the Year, one of his fellow RSC athletic directors had this to say: "As the president of the administrative council, Dave helped lead our conference through one of the most difficult years in its history. His constant and consistent communication was great in a year where the world was changing on a daily basis. He is a calm and charismatic leader who is great at connecting with his peers and has the ability to lead with a strong, decisive presence while still holding to the democratic nature of our organization."