Gabbard leaving UNLV

Is the old gang getting back together?

It appears former UNLV athletic director Jim Weaver is rebuilding his senior staff at Virginia Tech with some familiar faces. Tom Gabbard, UNLV's assistant AD for Administration, will be leaving Las Vegas to accept a position on Weaver's staff in Blacksburg, Va.

Virginia Tech is expected to make an official announcement later today on Gabbard's hiring.

"Tom will be joining us as associate athletic director for internal affairs," Weaver said late Wednesday. "He will oversee our facilities and our game operations. He did an excellent job for me at UNLV and that's why I'm bringing him here (to Virginia Tech)."

Gabbard, an original member of Weaver's senior staff at UNLV in 1992 whose main tasks have been handling the financial side of athletics as well as overseeing the construction and operation of the Lied Athletic Complex, has been in Virginia the past five days finalizing the deal. He was returning to Las Vegas late Wednesday and could not be reached for comment.

UNLV athletic director Charles Cavagnaro said he expected to hear from Gabbard today that he was resigning his position to leave for Virginia Tech. Cavagnaro said he has not spoken to Gabbard since Gabbard left Las Vegas last week. Cavagnaro said he would reserve comment until Gabbard notifies him officially.

Sources indicate Wendy Myers, who works in the athletic business office, would be promoted and take over most of Gabbard's financial duties. UNLV probably would hire someone to oversee the running of the Lied.

Gabbard's departure would leave Lisa Kelleher as the lone holdover from Weaver's UNLV senior staff. Kelleher has been the Senior Women's Administrator since 1992 and also oversees UNLV's Olympic Sports program.

David Chambers, another member of Weaver's senior staff, resigned his position as associate AD back in late April. There are reports that Chambers is being considered for a spot on Weaver's staff to oversee the school's NCAA compliance office. Weaver said the position has not been filled at this point and would not speculate publicly on candidates for the job.

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