RELEASE COURTESY MANSFIELD ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS

MANSFIELD, Pa. - Andrew Petko, a college athletics veteran, has been selected as the next director of athletics at Mansfield. 
 
"I'm honored by the trust placed in me to lead the Mountaineers into an ambitious future. With immense respect for tradition and history, I'm excited to unlock new opportunities, drive growth, and elevate our athletic department while staying true to the mission and core values." Petko stated. "The Mountaineers' commitment to student-athlete success and their reputation in the PSAC and CSFL inspire me. With the proud history, close-knit community, and untapped potential, I'm thrilled to lead this program to new heights and amplify its national visibility." 
 
"I'm deeply grateful to Andy Carter, Director of Athletics at Missouri Western State University, and Dr. Dennis Francois, Director of Athletics at Central Washington University, for their mentorship. Their guidance shaped my leadership and prepared me to elevate Mountaineers Athletics to national prominence. My time at Central Washington University showed me that academic and athletic excellence go hand in hand. The people there taught me what it takes to win at the highest level, and I'm eager to bring that insight to Mansfield to build something exceptional." 
 
"We are thrilled to welcome Andrew Petko to the Mountie family as our next Athletic Director." Gretchen Sechrist, Interim Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Education and Mansfield Campus Administrator stated. "His experience, knowledge, and vision are what we need to grow our athletics program.  I know the entire Mansfield community will feel that momentum from day one as we continue to build on our tradition of excellence both on and off the field." 
 
Petko joins the Mountaineers from Central Washington University where he has served as Deputy Director of Athletics since 2022. At Central Washington, Petko oversaw facilities projects, including the completion of a $60.5 million renovation project. He directed the expansion, modernization, and renovation of the Nicholson Pavilion Arena, while also overseeing the construction of new classrooms and meeting spaces in Purser Hall.  
 
At CWU, he coordinated with academic departments to schedule classes and practices for all programs across three on-campus athletic facilities. Petko worked with student-athletes, parents, and university partners to support prospective, current, and former student-athletes with admission, financial aid, housing/dining, academics, orientation, and scholarships. 
 
Prior to Central Washington, Petko was the assistant athletic director for internal operations/CFO for athletics at Minot State in North Dakota from 2019-22.  He oversaw the department's $3 million budget, revenue generation, concessions, marketing, and sports information. Petko was also responsible for the oversight of internal operations, including human resources, financial, enrollment, facilities, marketing, information technology, and camps.  

Petko was at Division I Loyola Marymount from 2011-19. He served as a business affairs assistant from 2011-15 and director of business affairs, athletics from 2015-19.