Friday, Feb. 15, 2008


Bismarck, ND — Al Bortke, known among fellow athletic directors across the country for his fiery, hard-nose style as a basketball coach and respected administrator, announced today he is stepping down as the University of Mary’s athletic director and assuming an associate role in the program.

“It has been a privilege not only to have been associated with several generations of some of the finest student-athletes in the country, but also to have had the opportunity to help shape what has developed into one of the most comprehensive athletic programs in the Upper Midwest,” said Bortke. “Being a part of the program’s and the university’s growth has been very rewarding. These are exciting times at the University of Mary, and I look forward to continuing to serve in this new role.”

“No person has done more for the University of Mary athletic program than Al Bortke,” emphasized Sister Thomas Welder, president. “Beyond what he has meant to this university, his strong values have touched the lives of so many coaches and student athletes and people in the Bismarck-Mandan community, as well as his own family. His dedication to the University of Mary is heartfelt; but more importantly, we are forever grateful for his contribution to society as a servant leader.”

Bortke’s legendary 35-year tenure began in 1973, when he assumed the dual role of University of Mary’s athletic director and head men’s basketball coach. His 335-156 collegiate record (1973-1989) places him second in career wins among all college men’s basketball coaches in North Dakota. During that time, Bortke demanded a lot from his student athletes in their sports and even more from them in the classroom.

“Coach Bortke made sure his athletes graduated and were outstanding citizens in their communities,” noted Doctor Tom Johnson, faculty athletic representative at the University of Mary. “He insisted that his athletes be students first and that they put academic achievement above athletics. This was a philosophy he held his coaches accountable to during his term as athletic director.”

As athletic director, Bortke developed, oversaw and led what is regarded by many in college ranks to be one of the top college athletic programs in the Upper Midwest and one of the most respected in the nation. First, he helped launch the University of Mary into the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), where the Marauders became a national power in several women’s and men’s sports. During this period, he received many honors including several athletic director of the year awards, became the first inductee into the Marauders Hall of Fame, and in 2006, was enshrined in the NAIA Hall of Fame. The University of Mary athletic program started with one sport — the one he coached, basketball — and then grew to the present-day total of 19 under his direction. Most recently, Bortke helped pioneer the University of Mary entrance into Division II of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) — a step considered even more impressive when the NCAA waived the school’s final two transitional years allowing the University of Mary to become one of the quickest to achieve active membership in NCAA history.

Bortke leaves a legacy of more than just accomplishments and awards. He has become a lasting role model for coaches, administrators, students and those who have challenges in the athletic arena. His devotion to helping Special Olympics of North Dakota has earned him membership into their hall of fame and also a spot on the United States Leadership Council of Special Olympics.

A national search for a new athletic director will begin immediately. The University of Mary plans to have the position filled by July 1, 2008.

Al Bortke

Feb. 18, 1937 — Born in Hettinger, ND
1956 — Graduated high school, Hettinger
1973-1989 — U-Mary’s second head men’s basketball coach/first athletic director
1989 — Named full-time athletic director
1991 — Inducted into the University of Mary Hall of Fame/First class of inductees
2000 — North Dakota Collegiate Athletic Conference, Region III AD of the Year
NAIA Athletic Director of the Year
NACADA Central Region AD of the Year
2000-2001 -- NAIA National Athletic Director of the Year
2001 — Valley City State University Distinguished Alum
2004 — Special Olympics of North Dakota Hall of Fame
2004-2005 — Dakota Athletic Conference Athletic Director of the Year
2006 — Dollars for Scholars Celebrate North Dakotans
Inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame
2007 — U-Mary approved for active membership in NCAA (one of the quickest in NCAA history)








—30—