DALLAS (AP) -Fred Jacoby, former commissioner of the defunct Southwest Conference, died Saturday at his home following a lengthy battle with cancer. He was 80.
His death was announced in statements issued by the American Southwest Conference and the Lone Star Conference, smaller-school divisions he served before retiring in 2006.
M, Texas Tech and Baylor bolted for the Big 12.
Jacoby spent more than 50 years in coaching and athletics administration, including 10 years in high schools and eight years as an assistant football coach at the University of Wisconsin.
He became the first commissioner of the Wisconsin State University Conference (now WIAC) in 1966 and was commissioner of the Mid-American Conference from 1971 until taking the SWC job in ’82.
Jacoby, a native of Logan, Ohio, took over the LSC job in 1994 and added the American Southwest Conference job in 1996. He was the first commissioner of the ASC.
“Fred was a thoughtful and dedicated leader in intercollegiate athletics throughout his career, influencing the lives and careers of student-athletes, coaches, administrators and staff at the many schools, conferences and organizations he was involved with,” ASC commissioner Amy Carlton said. “He maintained a passion for college athletics and a keen interest in the ASC and Division III throughout his struggle with multiple myeloma.”
Survivors include his wife of more than 50 years, Marcia; sons Tom, Steve and Bob; and two grandchildren.
Funeral arrangements were pending.
Add A Comment