Patrick Colbert Elevated To Deputy Commissioner Of The WAC
DENVER – Western Athletic Conference (WAC) Commissioner Brian Thornton announced on Thursday the promotion of Patrick Colbert to the position of deputy commissioner of the conference. Colbert’s most recent title was senior associate commissioner, internal operations since joining the WAC in December of 2021.
“Patrick has been a huge asset to our league,” Thornton said. “His knowledge base and work ethic have proven to be immensely valuable. Our focus continues to be on elevating the WAC as one of the strongest mid-major conferences in the country. I trust Patrick immensely and look forward to his continued service to this league’s future success.”
As deputy commissioner, Colbert will continue to serve as the primary administrator to the league’s athletic directors while working as a staff liaison with the WAC Board of Directors. Colbert will oversee the internal operations of the conference office and work to ensure conference governance processes and operational procedures are being adhered to by the membership.
Colbert is also the tournament director for the WAC Basketball Tournaments in Las Vegas and is the staff liaison to the conference’s medical advisory and external committees.
“I am honored to continue to serve the WAC membership and its outstanding collection of administrators, coaches and student-athletes,” Colbert said. “During my time thus far on the conference staff it has been evident that there is a true commitment on each campus to elevate the profile of the league from both an athletic and academic standpoint. With that comes a zest for being innovative, aggressive, and forward-thinking, which makes our jobs that much more rewarding.
“None of this would be possible without the leadership of Commissioner Thornton, who is a true servant leader that has led our league so diligently during his tenure. I am especially grateful to him for his continued trust in me as we continue to push things forward.”
Colbert first arrived at the WAC after spending the previous eight years at the American Athletic Conference (2012-21) working with the sport administration and championships staff, rising to the position of assistant commissioner, sport administration & basketball operations. Colbert was the primary sport administrator for men’s soccer, swimming and diving, tennis, women’s lacrosse and softball at The American, along with serving as the primary tournament manager for the conference’s men’s and women’s basketball tournaments at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas. In addition, he oversaw The American’s licensing and merchandising partnerships.
Before joining The American, Colbert served in a variety of capacities at the Eastern College Athletic Conference from 2008-12, with a focus on directing preseason and postseason events for Division I, II and III institutions. He joined the ECAC staff in 2008 as a marketing assistant, was named coordinator of operations and officiating in 2009 and was elevated to director of special events in 2011.
Colbert earned a bachelor’s degree in exercise and sports science in 2008 from Colby-Sawyer College, where he was a four-year starter as a soccer player. He added a master’s degree in sports leadership from Northeastern University in 2013.
Colbert and his wife, Lindsay, are the proud parents of three daughters - Brooke, Paige and Reese.
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