BETHLEHEM, Pa. – The Patriot League mourns the passing of Carl Ullrich, who served as the League’s first Executive Director from 1989-1993.
 
Under Ullrich’s leadership, the Patriot League transitioned from a six-team I-AA football league to a seven-member multi-sport Division I conference, initially sponsoring 22 sports, 11 for women and 11 for men. He also welcomed Navy to the League in 1991, helping the Patriot League grow to eight full-time members.
 
“Carl Ullrich was an accomplished leader, who set the tone for what the Patriot League is today,” Patriot League Commissioner Jennifer Heppel said. “Every member of the Patriot League family is a beneficiary of his service and vision, and our sincere condolences go out to his family, friends and those fortunate enough to cross paths with him through his impressive life.”
 
Ullrich was the first civilian director of athletics at the United States Military Academy, serving 10 years from 1980-1990. During his administrative career, he also served as the director of athletics at Western Michigan and as an assistant AD at Navy from 1975-1978.
 
The Ridgewood, N.J. native entered into athletics administration after a successful coaching career, leading the rowing programs at Navy (1968-74), Boston University (1967) and Columbia (1960-65), after serving as the freshmen rowing coach at his alma mater Cornell (1955-59).
 
Ullrich was a decorated student-athlete at Cornell, helping the Big Red to a 1949 lightweight crew national championship before being selected as the team captain in 1950. He graduated with his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps, serving as an infantry officer during the Korean War.
 
Former Colleagues About Ullrich
Deborah Herman – Patriot League Executive Assistant (1989-2005, 2011-2020)
“Meeting Carl and Becky Ullrich was one of the most memorable moments in my life. They made me feel very special, and Carl made me feel important. I appreciated working for him at the Patriot League. He told us the Patriot League is an extension of our family, and we celebrated birthdays and Christmas as a family would celebrate. Carl also had a very positive influence on my son growing up. He invited us to West Point and gave us a personal tour. We had great seats at an Army hockey game (my son loves hockey and was playing for a traveling team at that time), as well as tickets for an Army-Navy game. We had a Policy Committee meeting at the Naval Academy one year, and he invited my son to come along. We had a wonderful tour of the Naval Academy, and my son had the opportunity to sit next to the Admiral during lunch. He was thrilled! My son joined the Navy after graduation and is currently a Sr. Chief Medical Officer in Virginia Beach, and he has stayed in touch with Carl, too. Carl called me every year on my birthday, and when I returned to the Patriot League in 2011, he called me on my first day and sent me flowers to welcome me back. Carl will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will always be thankful for his kindness and friendship.”
 
Joe Sterrett – Lehigh Director of Athletics (1989-present)
"Carl Ullrich was the absolute right person, at the right time, to lead the launching of the Patriot League as a multi-sport conference.  He was respected by everyone for his honesty, integrity, trustworthiness, and absolute and genuine focus on the experiences of student-athletes and coaches.  His military background, in combination with his character, was crucial to the incorporation of the U.S. Military Academy and the U.S. Naval Academy as members of the Patriot League.  He was instrumental in the choice of "The Patriot League" as the name for our multi-sport conference!  On a personal level, he provided extraordinary mentoring for me as a young administrator, inspiring the self-confidence needed to undertake important challenges while finding a way to maintain devotion and balance in the responsibilities of family and professional life.  Carl was a gift to our league and to my life, and I believe that neither would have evolved as they have without his wisdom and strength of character and conviction.  I am and will forever be grateful that our paths crossed when and how they did."
 
More on Carl Ullrich – Obituary | Patriot League Profile | ECAC Hall of Fame Induction | Army West Point Hall of Fame Induction
 
ABOUT THE PATRIOT LEAGUE
The Patriot League is in its fourth decade of academic and athletic achievement, continually demonstrating that student-athlete can excel at both academics and athletics without sacrificing high standards. The Patriot League’s athletic success is achieved while its member institutions remain committed to its founding principle of admitting and graduating student-athletes that are academically representative of their class. Participation in athletics at Patriot League institutions is viewed as an important component of a well-rounded education.