May 30, 2008

PITTSBURGH--University of Pittsburgh Executive Associate Athletic Director Donna Sanft announced the appointment of Zac Saunders as the school's Assistant Director of Compliance on Friday.

As Pitt's Assistant Director of Compliance, Saunders will aid in monitoring NCAA legislation for each of Pitt's 19 varsity sports in the areas of in-and-out of season playing and practice limitations, camps and clinics, promotional activities, recruiting and eligibility. He will also manage the Compliance Assistant internet program and assist with the administration of the Student Athlete Opportunity and Special Assistance Funds as well as the overall administration of the compliance rules education program.

"We are thrilled to welcome Zac to our staff in the Student Life and Compliance Office," Sanft said. "Zac is a bright and well prepared professional whose service oriented approach fits well within our Compliance office philosophy."

Saunders served the previous three years (2005-08) as a Graduate Assistant with the Pitt Football Program. His many duties included assisting in team budget, team travel, practice and game day operations, recruiting activities, equipment operations, football clinics/camps and alumni/donor/community relations. He has spent the previous eight seasons affiliated with the Pitt Football Program, serving in several different capacities including Assistant to the Camp Director (2001-08) and Head Student Manager (2000-05).

"I am extremely excited about my new opportunity at the University of Pittsburgh," Saunders said. "Pitt has provided me with an amazing education as well as outstanding work experience. I am appreciative of the many great people who have helped and supported me, especially Tim Enright, Chris LaSala and Coach Wannstedt."

Saunders is a 2005 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with degrees in both economics and psychology. He recently earned a master's degree in higher education administration in April 2008 and plans to pursue a doctorate at Pitt this spring. A Monaca, Pa. native, Saunders is the recipient of Pitt's prestigious George I. Carson Graduate Fellowship Award.

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