Eastern Washington deputy athletic director Marc Hughes steps down

After nearly 20 years at Eastern Washington, deputy athletic director Marc Hughes is resigning to pursue other interests, the school announced Wednesday.

Hughes’ fundraising efforts at Eastern were highlighted by facilitating and raising funds for the school’s signature red turf at Roos Field.

It was Hughes who in 2009 secured the lead gift of $500,000 from former Eagles star Michael Roos that led to additional funding. The turf was installed in time for the 2010 season, when the Eagles won the FCS national title.

“I think Marc epitomizes what EWU is all about, and I believe the red turf would not have happened had it not been for him,” Roos said.

Hughes plans to stay in Cheney, where he will take over the Farmers Insurance Agency.

“While I’m leaving EWU, I’m not leaving Cheney,” said Hughes, who originally started at the school in July 1998.

Hughes’ last day is April 16.

As the school’s deputy athletic director for external operations, Hughes has provided oversight of all external operations, including development, marketing, communications, ticketing, sponsorships, licensing, special projects and special events.

Hughes is also the sport administrator for women’s golf, a program he coached for 11 seasons.

“Marc will always be a great friend, and we are all indebted to him for what he did for our football program and the entire athletic department,” said former coach Beau Baldwin, now the offensive coordinator at Cal.