The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has appointed Muskingum University Athletic Director Larry Shank to the NCAA Division III Infractions Appeals Committee. 

The Infractions Appeal Committee consists of only five people and shall hear and act upon appeals of the findings of major violations by the Committee on Infractions involving member institutions. The committee includes members who not only have experience with the administration of a Division III athletics programs, but also members that have experience with and/or understanding of administrative hearing processes and procedures.

Shank, the immediate past President of the Ohio Athletic Conference, has been the director of athletics at Muskingum since 2001. Under Shank’s leadership, Muskingum’s athletic facilities and programs have undergone unprecedented growth.  Furthermore, he has increased the amount of departmental resources, which have significantly enhanced athletics at Muskingum.  

“It’s a true honor to be appointed by the NCAA to serve on the Division III Infractions Appeals Committee,” said Shank. “I look forward to representing Muskingum and the Ohio Athletic Conference on a national stage.” 

Shank was instrumental in the fundraising campaigns to bring ProGrass Turf to Sherman Field and the multi-million dollar renovations to the Recreation Center and John Glenn Gymnasium.  The renovations feature the Cooper Wing, a football locker complex and the Kalnow Center, a state-of-the-art athletic training center, the Sherman Gateway and custom-made basketball, soccer, lacrosse and volleyball locker room facilities. 

Shank is a native of St. Clairsville, Ohio, and graduate of Shepherd College and Western Michigan University where he earned his master’s degree.  Shank’s strong background in athletics expands across all NCAA Divisions and encompasses more than 38 years of experience.  Prior to arriving in New Concord, Shank was assistant athletic director and head football coach at Heidelberg University.  He also guided Heidelberg’s wrestling program to 104 wins which are the most in Heidelberg’s history, and he was named OAC Wrestling Coach of the Year in 1981, 1982 and 1987. Shank currently ranks 45th all-time in Division III wrestling with 194 career wins. Shank is married to the former Barb Meyer; and the couple has two grown children, Gretchen and Chris.