RANGELY, Colo. (March 30, 2023) – Take the title of 'interim' off Eric Benedick's job title.
 
Monday, Colorado Northwestern announced Benedick as the program's full-time Athletic Director, after he simultaneously served as the Interim Athletic Director and full-time Women's Basketball coach since November. 
 
"Being chosen as CNCC's Athletic Director is an honor, and one I'm extremely grateful for," he said. "I had vast amounts of support within the CNCC community and in my own circle showing encouragement and belief in me. I'm thankful for the opportunity, and to all those involved allowing this to come to fruition."
 
Benedick has coached CNCC since the 2021 season, where he was elevated as the program's head coach. He has overseen a steady improvement in the Lady Spartans WBB program, going 9-17 overall in the 2022-23 season.
 
CNCC's campus culture played a significant role in the interest in the administrative role, according to Benedick.
 
"CNCC is filled with great individuals who truly will go out their way to help you," he said. "The close-knit work community that's shared at CNCC is unique, and an aspect of CNCC that makes it a special place to be. The college is filled with caring, friendly, knowledgeable people in every department that are all working together to achieve the same common goal."
 
The newly minted CNCC Athletic Director said he is confident he can manage both coaching and administration well.
 
"I have a great support system at CNCC that is willing to help me with the challenges that await," he said. "Seeking their input and advise, as well as the feedback from my coaching circle and fellow Region 18 Athletic Directors, will guide me in facing the challenges that will arise. A key component on the coaching side is having a great group of players that handle their business outside of the basketball court, academically and behaviorally."
 
Opportunity for growth and culture change are things Benedick noted in the interview process, despite the challenges that exist in taking over the CNCC program.
 
"Growth will constantly be occurring in many different aspects for me," he stated. "There's always room to improve, learn, and develop. The Athletic Director role will require me to grow in areas I previously haven't been tasked with, and I look forward to growing from those challenges as they arise."