WORCESTER, Mass. - College of the Holy Cross today named Marcus Blossom as its new director of intercollegiate athletics, announced Rev. Philip L. Boroughs, S.J., president of the College. Blossom, currently the senior associate athletics director for business and finance at Boston College, will assume his new role July 1.

Blossom will be publicly introduced at 10 a.m. Wednesday at a press conference on campus in the Doran Auditorium inside the Hart Center at the Luth Athletic Complex. The press conference will be streamed live on the Patriot League Network.

“Marcus distinguished himself from an impressive pool of candidates with his strategic vision, demonstrated leadership, and commitment to the development of a successful athletics program that values academic excellence and integrity,” said Fr. Boroughs. “Marcus' demonstrated experience in engaging students, faculty, staff and alumni, combined with his positive energy, business management expertise and commitment to Jesuit education made him a perfect fit.”

In 2014, Blossom, 39, joined Boston College, where he has been responsible for all budget and financial operations, and served as a member of the department of athletics executive team assisting with all aspects of strategic planning and vision execution. He was also the sport administrator for Men's Basketball and had oversight of technology, interactive media and broadcast services.

“I want to thank Fr. Boroughs, John Mahoney and the entire search committee for their trust in me. I am honored to be named director of athletics at the College of the Holy Cross,” Blossom said. “Holy Cross is one of the nation's leading academic institutions and has a rich history and tradition of athletics success. It is my goal to work alongside our exceptional student-athletes, coaches, faculty and administrative staff to build on that tradition and expand our winning culture grounded in Jesuit values.”

Prior to his time in Chestnut Hill, Blossom spent two years as the associate athletics director, business operations at Providence College, and two years at Brown University as the associate athletics director, finance. He also previously worked with the NCAA as an assistant director of championships and at Central Michigan as the athletics business manager before being promoted to assistant athletics director, business operations.

Blossom earned his bachelor's degree in business administration with a concentration in finance at Northeastern University, where he was a three-time GTE District I Academic All-American and three-time all-conference selection for the Huskies' men's basketball team. He also has a master's degree in sport management from West Virginia University and an MBA from the University of Rhode Island.

“I am happy for Marcus and his family for this tremendous opportunity at Holy Cross,” said Martin Jarmond, William V. Campbell Director of Athletics at Boston College. “His leadership skills are exceptional. I've enjoyed working alongside Marcus at BC, and it was clear he had all the attributes to become a successful athletics director. He is a rising star in our industry and he will be missed.”

Blossom takes over a Holy Cross athletics program which features 27 NCAA Division I teams as members of the Patriot League, Atlantic Hockey Association and the Women's Hockey East Association. This year, 18 of those teams received Division I Academic Progress Rate public recognition awards from the NCAA, tied for best in the nation.

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT MARCUS BLOSSOM:

“Holy Cross has hired an exceptional person and outstanding administrator in Marcus Blossom to lead its athletic department. In his five years at Boston College, I've been thoroughly impressed with his knowledge of college athletics, leadership qualities, and charismatic personality." - Jerry York, head men's hockey coach, Boston College

"Kudos to Holy Cross for this sensational hire. Marcus Blossom is a rising star in intercollegiate athletics and every stop along his brilliant career has prepared him for this moment. His commitment to the holistic development of student-athletes and values-based leadership aligns perfectly with the mission of the college. I look forward to watching him propel Holy Cross athletics to new heights!" - Lee Reed, director of athletics, Georgetown University

“Marcus is one of the most talented young athletics leaders in the nation. Holy Cross is getting a great AD and better man.” - Bob Driscoll, vice president for athletics, Providence College

"I am so excited for Marcus, his family and the entire Holy Cross community. Marcus's character, passion and commitment to excellence was evident the first time I met him over 20 years ago as a high school basketball player outside of Chicago. Those values have never changed in his journey to this moment. There is no one more ready to lead than Marcus." - Jay Young, head men's basketball coach, Fairfield University

“Congratulations to Marcus Blossom on his new position as athletics director at Holy Cross. I had the opportunity to mentor Marcus through the NCAA's Pathway Program this past year and I have witnessed firsthand his hard work and dedication to supporting college athletes. I'm proud to have supported his development as he moves on to do great things at Holy Cross.” - Stan Wilcox, NCAA executive vice president of regulatory affairs

ABOUT HOLY CROSS

The College of the Holy Cross, in Worcester, Massachusetts, is among the nation's leading liberal arts institutions. A highly selective, four-year, exclusively undergraduate college of 3,100 students, Holy Cross is renowned for offering a rigorous, personalized education in the Jesuit, Catholic tradition. Since its founding in 1843, Holy Cross has made a positive impact in society by graduating students who distinguish themselves as thoughtful leaders in business, professional and civic life.

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