Former UAA Athletic Director Steve Cobb Passes Away

Former University of Alaska Anchorage athletic director Steve Cobb, age 55, passed away Monday night in Florida.

The cause of death is currently unavailable.

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UAA Sports Information Director Nate Sagan worked with Cobb during his entire 13-year tenure. He says Cobb constantly worked to improve the lives of student-athletes by striving for excellence both in athletics and in classroom.

“The goal was always to get the student-athletes to a 3.2 combined GPA, and towards the end of his tenure, I think we actually, we finally did reach that goal,” Sagan said. “And I know that was one of his proudest days as a Seawolf, seeing that 3.2 on the final printout.”

Cobb made several changes around the department, including moving the gymnastics program to the Division 1 level, and pushing for the creation of the Seawolf Hall of Fame.

Sagan says Cobb was instrumental in the creation of the Alaska Airlines Center.

“It is ironic that this week, when we’re opening this brand new, beautiful building which he has so much influence in having built,” Sagan said. “You know, it’s kind of sad that he’s not around to witness it, even from a distance.”

Cobb was the athletic director at UAA from 2000 to 2013.

He was fired during a tumultuous off-season when questions arose over his handling of an incident where former hockey coach Dave Shyiak was accused of hitting a player with his stick.