Former Alaska-Anchorage athletic director Steve Cobb has passed away at the age of 55, according to the Alaska Dispatch News.
Cobb, who served as AD for nearly 13 years before he was fired in May 2013, died Monday in Pensacola, Fla., of unknown causes.
“It’s certainly been a difficult day,” UAA associate athletic director Tim McDiffett said to the Dispatch. “I know everyone — and I am — is in a little bit of shock today and numb. It’s a sad day for us. He did so much to advance our programs in so many ways.”
Cobb fired hockey coach Dave Shyiak after eight seasons following the 2012-13 season and shortly after, it was revealed that in 2011, Shyiak struck a player with his stick during practice. The fallout from those events led to Cobb losing his job at UAA.
“We are all tremendously saddened by the loss of Dr. Steve Cobb,” said WCHA men’s commissioner Bill Robertson in a statement. “And on behalf of the entire WCHA, we pass along our sincere thoughts and prayers to his family and friends and to the entire University of Alaska-Anchorage community at this most difficult time. Steve was passionate about the game of college hockey as well as the welfare of student-athletes and made many positive contributions to our association over the years while serving on numerous committees.”
There will be a Celebration of Life for Cobb at Southern Heritage Funeral Home in Pelham, Ala. (475 Cahaba Valley Road) on Saturday, Sept. 6 at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, interested parties are encouraged to make a donation to one of the following worthy causes that Cobb supported:
Reading is Fundamental
http://www.rif.org/us/donate/ways-to-give.htm
Little League International
http://www.littleleague.org/learn/about/donations.htm
