NCAA
Andrea Adelson, ESPN Senior Writer 9y

Former Virginia Tech AD Jim Weaver dies at 70

NCAA, Men's College Basketball, College Football, Virginia Tech Hokies, Virginia Tech Hokies, Virginia Tech Hokies

Former Virginia Tech athletic director Jim Weaver, who helped guide the Hokies into the ACC and their most successful era ever, passed away Thursday morning, the school announced. He was 70.

Weaver suffered from Parkinson's disease, a condition he was first diagnosed with in 2004. He stepped down as athletic director in 2013, citing health reasons. In addition to suffering from the disease, he had multiple surgeries on his hips and back.

"Jim Weaver made a tremendous impact upon our institution, and we are deeply saddened to hear of his passing," Tech president Dr. Timothy Sands said in a statement. "He was dedicated to making our athletics enterprise among the best in the country, while always being true to the principles and values of this university. We will always be inspired by his legacy."

Weaver arrived in Blacksburg in 1997, overseeing the program for 16 years -- the second-longest tenure in school history. The football program blossomed under his watch, with one national championship game appearance and regular spots in the AP Top 25. Perhaps his most triumphant achievement came in 2004, when Virginia Tech moved from the Big East to the ACC, ensuring its future in a power conference. Virginia Tech made five ACC championship game appearances with Weaver in charge, impressive considering Miami was the Big East team many pegged to lead the Coastal Division.

"I greatly appreciate what Jim Weaver meant to Virginia Tech, and what he meant to me personally," football coach Frank Beamer said in a statement. "He was a former player and coach who understood those challenges as he served as athletics director. I respected that he was always organized, straightforward and was never afraid to make the tough decisions.

"When Jim took the job, he pledged to greatly upgrade our facilities, and that's exactly what he did, and we're all the better because of it. Virginia Tech Athletics made tremendous strides during his tenure, and much of the credit goes directly to Jim due to his vision and leadership."

In all, Virginia Tech won 16 ACC championships during Weaver's tenure.

Facilities were also a driving force. With Weaver leading the department, Virginia Tech committed $200 million to facilities and upgrades. Weaver helped get a new indoor football practice facility approved -- it has just been completed. Upgrades were also made to Lane Stadium, a new football locker room and lounge were built and a new practice facility was completed for the basketball teams. In addition, Weaver negotiated lucrative deals with Nike and IMG College, setting Virginia Tech on the path it is on today.

Weaver played for Joe Paterno at Penn State, and graduated from there in 1967. He started his career as a football assistant at Penn State, eventually spending one year as Villanova head coach before moving into athletics administration.

Weaver is survived by his wife, Traci, and four sons.

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