Kirby became Guilford’s athletic director in 2002 and has since brought a great deal of growth to the department. The number of varsity teams has increased from 12 to 16 under his guidance and student participation has risen as well. “Our coaches started actively recruiting,” Kirby said. “The best teams have competition for position. I’m pleased that we’ve been able to become more competitive.”

Kirby spearheaded many projects improving Guilford’s athletic facilities, the latest of which was the $1.15 million construction of the Armfield Athletic Center. The center consists of a new press box, stadium seating, and lights for evening competitions.

“There has been tremendous renovation of facilities,” said Sports Information Director Dave Walters. “Nearly every athletic facility has received significant renovation in the past five years.”

Before coming to Guilford, Kirby coached football at Page High School and Edenton High School, and also founded the Greensboro College football team. The News and Record named him as one of the Triad’s most of important figures in sports in the past 20 years.

“I’ve seen all the positive changes Marion made,” Palombo said. “Right now I’m just trying to feel my way and keep up the positive changes.”

Walters highlighted improving departmental budgeting as one of Palombo’s immediate goals.

“The number of athletes has increased, so we have had to be creative in the way we manage our budgets,” Palombo said.

This move comes in Palombo’s fifth year at Guilford, but is not the first position he’s held outside of coaching. He began directing the Quaker Club in 2004 and became the Departmental Budgeting Assistant in 2006, according to an online press release.

Palombo’s past successes include leading the men’s basketball team to their first NCAA Division III tournament, where they finished in the quarterfinals with a 24-5 record; the Quakers’ best in thirty years.

“We want our student athletes to be visible on campus, not just at athletic events,” said Palombo emphasizing the need for athletes to be well-rounded; “but at things like music and art, and (to) become exposed to things that they might enjoy.