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Peter Sauer Named Athletic Director of the Year

UVI Athletic Director Peter Sauer was named the Under Armour Athletic Director of the Year by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics. The award was presented June 20th at the Orlando World Center Marriott Resort during the James J. Corbett Awards Luncheon at the NACDA's 44th annual convention.

Sauer, who has served as UVI's athletic director since 2000, was one of 29 honorees the NACDA named Athletic Director of the Year from various regions of the country. Sauer is the only honoree for work outside the contiguous United States, Alaska and Hawaii.

"I am deeply honored to receive this prestigious award," Sauer said. "This award is a reflection of the work of the student-athletes, staff and university administration, for which I am very grateful."

Sauer has made it possible for Basketball Travelers Inc. to bring the NCAA Division I basketball tournament Paradise Jam to the territory each year since 2001. He is also responsible for bringing the San Antonio Spurs to UVI's St. Thomas campus to hold their training camp and an exhibition game in the spring of 2005. The level of UVI's athletic competition was increased in 2006 when Sauer spearheaded an effort to get UVI admitted to the LAI University League.

"The University is proud to have the efforts of Athletic Director Peter Sauer recognized on a national level," UVI President Dr. LaVerne E. Ragster said. "He has grown the athletic program and contributed significantly to sports tourism in the territory."

Sauer's next goal is to complete the University's $2.1 million wellness center , which is under construction on St. Thomas near the Sports and Fitness Center.

"It's really important for the University and the community to have a first class wellness center," Sauer said.

Originally from Washington, D.C., Sauer was assistant athletic director of basketball operations at the University of Maryland before moving to the Virgin Islands in 2000.