In early October (month after furloughs started), the NCAA announced a number of staff where leaving the National Office (buyouts & departures). One name didn’t seem to become publicly aware.

It saddens us to say #NCAAD3 Vice President Dan Dutcher has announced he is retiring.

Dutcher ( @ddutcher2000) has been leading @NCAADIII since 1996. He’s been a strong advocate and an incredible cheerleader of the division while also being a strong leader. He has been well respected in Indy & around the country. We’ve heard nothing but compliments for the man.

Dutcher has also been so generous with his time despite an incredibly busy schedule as liaison for the Presidents & Management Councils and overseeing a number of other governance cmtes. He’s been incredible open as well during a number of #Hoopsville interviews over the years.

While being a D1 grad (Notre Dame), Dutcher has truly loved DIII & has advocated to make the student-athlete experience better while also being open and honest about the challenges. Our opinion is his upbringing in Maine allowed for him to appreciate those outside the spotlight.

Little known facts: Dutcher practiced general law in Maine before coming to NCAA in ‘86 (HQ was in KC); he loves international travel; recently became a citizen of Ireland ( @GlobalIrish).

Dutcher has also not only been a friend of the show, but become a personal friend as well.

Dutcher is the only @NCAA VP taking a retirement package. He will officially retire at the end of January after the Annual NCAA Convention. He is one of three (of six) in the DIII governance office who have or will depart. If or who will replace him is not known at this time.

A sure-fire pick to replace Dutcher is Louise McCleary (Managing Director for DIII), but we are not sure if that happens or if McCleary’s ( @McClearyLou) position would be replaced should she be promoted. Plenty of questions and not a lot of answers.

The one thing known for sure: Dan Dutcher will be missed.

We will get him back on #Hoopsville before he departs and we hope he pops in from time to time.

What he has done for #NCAAD3 cannot be measured.

Thank you, Dan, from all of us associated with DIII. You embodied #whyd3.