2009.07.12
UVa has just announced
the passing of Michael Collley. Here is the news release:
Charlottesville, Va. Michael Colley, a long-time assistant director in
the University of Virginia athletics media relations office, died Saturday
(July 10) during a walk while vacationing with friends in Virginia Beach. He
was 46.
"Whether it was one of our future professionals or a walk-on, Michael viewed
any student-athlete who wore orange and blue as a friend," said Virginia
Athletics Director Craig Littlepage. "Michael¹s knowledge and respect of the
history of UVa sports was unequaled. Our program has lost a friend, a
colleague and our No. 1 fan."
Colley worked for 18 years at Virginia with his primary responsibilities
involving the football and men¹s lacrosse teams. His duties with both
programs included compiling and distributing information to media,
facilitating interviews between media and student-athletes and coaches,
coordinating game-day press operations at all home games as well as other
sport-related media activities.
He previously worked with the men¹s basketball program and directed
publicity efforts for the men¹s golf, men¹s and women's soccer, and men¹s
and women¹s tennis programs.
"There was no one more passionate about Virginia athletics," said Jim Daves,
assistant athletics director for media relations. "Michael was a tireless
worker who made so many contributions in the department. He was a walking
history vault when it came to UVa athletics. He took great pride in serving
the media, our coaches, administrators and mostly our student-athletes. His
passing is a huge loss for all of us."
A native of Charlottesville, Colley received his bachelor's degree from
UVa's McIntire School of Commerce in 1985.
Following graduation, he worked three-and-a-half years as a sales
representative for NCR Corporation in Norfolk, Va.
From 1989-90, Colley worked in the UVa athletics media relations office as a
volunteer assistant. He then completed a one-year internship with the
Atlantic Coast Conference Media Relations Office in Greensboro, N.C., before
returning to UVa in 1991 as an assistant sports information director.
He served as the chief statistician at UVa football, men's lacrosse and
men's and women¹s home basketball games and at various NCAA Championship
events. He also worked on the statistics crew at the NCAA Division I, II and
III Men's Lacrosse Championships and was a primary contributor to the
first-ever NCAA Men¹s Lacrosse Statistics manual released in 2009.
"Michael loved the University of Virginia and Virginia athletics," said Rich
Murray, associate athletics director for public relations. "I believe he
found his calling when he came to work in the athletics media relations
office. Michael was a presence in the office and had a positive impact in
many areas. In addition to his outstanding professional work, he was a huge
fan of Virginia athletics. He will be missed in many ways, but especially as
a good friend."
Colley was a member of the College Sports Information Directors of America
and the Virginia chapter (VaSID) of that group as well as the Football
Writers Association of America (FWAA).
He is survived by his parents, Bert and Don, who reside in Charlottesville.
Very sad. Tragic! My condolences to him, his relatives, and the athletic department.
Comment by Nelson — July 12, 2009 @ 7:11 pm
Michael was a true Wahoo. His love of of the University
and its sports programs was special. He will be sorely
missed.
Comment by jimhoo — July 13, 2009 @ 7:36 am