South Dakota State University Athletics
Costello named AD at Montana State
5/11/2016 11:00:00 AM | General
South Dakota State University Deputy Director of Athletics Leon Costello has accepted the Director of Athletics position at Montana State University. He will begin his duties at the Bozeman-based institution in June.
"Leon has an incredible track-record of success in a land-grant institution. He cares passionately about the student-athletes and is a collaborative leader who will inspire coaches, staff, alumni and fans," Montana State University President Waded Cruzado said.
Costello has served as a member of the senior athletics staff at SDSU since his arrival in 2010. He began as the senior associate athletic director for external affairs, overseeing a number of areas including ticket operations, marketing, sports information and broadcast services, as well as serving as sport supervisor for men's basketball, wrestling and volleyball. He also served as department liaison to Under Armour and Jackrabbit Sports Properties – a division of Learfield Sports – along with assisting in fund-raising and facility development for the recently completed Sanford-Jackrabbit Athletic Complex and Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium, which is currently under construction.
Promoted to the deputy athletic director position in August 2014, Costello has overseen the day-to-day operations of the department and has directed the implementation of an aggressive five-year strategic plan.
"While it is tough to see Leon leave SDSU, we know that he is more than ready to take on the challenges of being a Division I athletic director. His dedication and hard work in a number of different areas have helped move Jackrabbit Athletics to the top of The Summit League and a leader among peer institutions. He will bring tremendous energy, vision and a passion for enhancing the student-athlete experience to Montana State," said SDSU Director of Athletics Justin Sell.
Prior to coming to SDSU, Costello worked in a variety of roles for the University of Northern Iowa Athletic Department for eight years.
A native of Fairbank, Iowa, Costello graduated from Loras College (Iowa) with a bachelor's degree in physical education and sport science in 1998. While at Loras, he also played for the Duhawk men's basketball team. He completed a master's degree in sport management at Western Illinois University in 2002.
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