Rider University announced major interim leadership adjustments within its athletics department, naming longtime Wrestling Head Coach John Hangey as deputy athletic director.
In his new role, Hangey will oversee day-to-day athletic operations and collaborate closely with Christine Brown & Partners—a firm assisting the university with leadership consultation, operational assessment, and strategic planning. To dedicate his full attention to the transition and department-wide evaluation, Hangey will temporarily step away from his coaching duties.
Associate head coach Nic Bedelyon will step in to lead the wrestling program, backed by assistant coaches Doug Umbehauer and Tyler Klinsky.
Additionally, the university appointed Liz Sapudar as the interim senior woman administrator for athletics. Sapudar will absorb the expanded administrative responsibilities while maintaining her current role as the department’s academic coordinator.
“We are grateful to John, Liz and Nic for their willingness to take on these expanded responsibilities and for their continued commitment to our student-athletes, coaches and staff,” Rider University President John Loyack, said. “We will continue to keep the Rider community informed as our work to shape the future of Rider Athletics moves forward.”
