Bio

Bob Birrenkott, was instrumental in Tampa's acceptance into the Sunshine State Conference in 1981. He served as athletic director at Tampa from 1976 to 1985. The graduate of Black Hills State College (SD) earned his master's degree at Eastern New Mexico and his doctorate degree from the University of Mississippi. There were no full time coaches, a limited amount of scholarships and poor athletic facilities when he became Tampa's AD. He brought men's basketball back, added or gained varsity status, and or funded to national prominence, sports such as soccer, swimming, baseball, crew, volleyball, golf and basketball. Dr. Birrenkott, who now directs Tampa's undergraduate program in Sports Administration, led the way for renovation of Pepin/Rood Stadium and the athletic department moving into the new Martinez Sports Center.