Updated: Wednesday, 1:02 p.m.
Cowley College will hire from within to fill its open athletic director position.
According to Monday’s board meeting minutes, the college will hire Jeff Fluty as its new AD, effective June 1.
Fluty has been Cowley’s head athletic trainer for the past 18 years.
“What an outstanding opportunity to work with an athletic department so rich in historical success over the years,” Fluty said in a press release from the college Wednesday about his promotion. “Over the past 18 years as the head athletic trainer here I have served along-side many past and current coaches and staff members. You do not experience success in athletics without exceptional student-athletes and a great core group of people leading the way. We have that here.”
Cowley College President Dr. Michelle Schoon said Fluty has what it takes for continued success.
“Jeff has strong leadership skills and brings a new perspective to Cowley College athletics,” Schoon said. “I am looking forward to working with Jeff in his role as athletic director.”
Fluty earned a degree from Southwestern College in health and physical education with an emphasis in athletic training in 2002. He also earned an M.Ed in sport management from Wichita State University. He graduated from Eastern Hills High School in Fort Worth, Texas.
After graduating from Southwestern, he spent a year as an athletic trainer at Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield, Mo., where he worked with the baseball and football teams.
He returned to Winfield in August 2003 to be the Southwestern’s head athletic trainer, and held the position until 2005.
Fluty replaces Jason O’Toole, who resigned earlier this year following tension with former Cowley College President Randy Smith.
In the aftermath of O’Toole’s resignation, Smith was fired by the board.
Although O’Toole rescinded his resignation letter following Smith’s termination, the board still allowed his resignation to stand during its Feb. 21 meeting.
Rama Peroo was named the interim AD during that time.
During his time at Cowley, Fluty has received KSBHA State Licensure, BOC licensure, and was the recipient of the Ben LeClair Staff Excellence Award.
Cowley says Fluty believes meeting the needs of student-athletes and supporting staff through participatory service is paramount.
“He wants to incorporate a value-based culture within the athletic department that aligns with the core values of the institution to develop a successful and distinctive group identity, establishing trusting professional relationships,” Wednesday’s press release stated. “Fluty is excited for this new challenge and role within the athletic department. His vision is simple really, focus on the pride of academic and athletic success and advance the Tiger Way.”
Cowley College was recognized for its athletic success by finishing fourth in the 2021-2022 Daktronics NATYCAA Cup standings with more than 200 community colleges figured in the scoring.
So far this spring, the Cowley College cheer team was named national champions in the college coed division at the Cheer America Nationals held in Galveston, TX.
The Cowley College men’s tennis team is ranked No. 1 and the Lady Tiger tennis team is ranked second in the national polls.
The Tiger softball team has won 22 of its past 23 games and is 10-0 in the Jayhawk Conference. The Tiger baseball team is currently 17-3 in the Jayhawk East, and the Tiger men and women’s track and field teams are each ranked in the top 10 nationally.
Fluty is the son of Mike and Theresa Fluty. He is married to Janci Ramirez, together they have six children and eight grandchildren.
Cowley also has hired Justice Circle as its permanent head wrestling coach. Circle was the interim head coach.
