Baker angrily resigns as Penn Relays Director

Timothy Baker, director of the Penn Relays, angrily announced his resignation in a four-page letter to University of Pennsylvania President Judith Rodin on January 2. Baker has been the head of the Relays -- the world's largest non-Olympic track and field event -- since his appointment to the post in 1987. David Johnson, who has served as Associate Director of the Relays since 1989, was named Interim Director yesterday, according to Fran Connors, assistant director for Marketing and Public Relations. "Dave has played a major role in running the Penn Relays," Athletic Director Steve Bilsky said in a statement. "His experience and knowledge ensure an orderly transition and the smooth running of this April's Relays. The Penn Relays is one of the marquee track and field events in the world and an institution that is embraced by the entire Philadelphia community." In his acerbic letter to Rodin, Baker gave the following reason for his abrupt resignation: "I will not officiate over the diminution of the Penn Relays so that the bloated administration of the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, who understand and care little about the importance of this dynamic community institution, can cover the massive amount of red ink which has been caused by their ineptitude." Additionally, Baker outlined 18 specific reasons for resigning and expressed his concern for the future of the Relays. Among Baker's 18 complaints are: · The lack of his involvement in establishing the 1996 budget for the Relays, which "cut down money given to visiting teams by $91,100, and increased the profit the meet was expected to bring into the Department to $132,738." · His lack of communication with Bilsky and, in particular, the Sept. 13 announcement that Baker was to report to the Director of Development -- who he says never spoke with him -- rather than Bilsky. · The relocation of the Penn Relays Office from Weightman Hall to the Hutchinson Gymnasium, "which is about as far as possible from the administration of the Department as you can get, and as inconvenient as possible for the Relays." · His $39,500 salary, which according to Baker, is three-fifths of what his predecessor received. Baker also claims the Department ignored a proposal from a Relays major donor that would have endowed the Directorship. The Penn Relays thrived during Baker's tenure, with the number of people competing in the event nearly doubling and profits from the event increasing dramatically. In a prepared statement from the Athletic Department in response to Baker's letter of resignation, Bilsky said, "The Penn Relays has existed for more than 100 years, and will continue to be one of the premier sporting events in the world. "I remain tremendously excited about the future of the Penn Relays," the letter continued. "We expect to increase participation and exposure for the event, and to allow the Relays to play an even more prominent role in the Philadelphia community." Although Baker warned Johnson to avoid a position on an interim basis, Johnson said he is excited to take over and would be interested in the permanent position. "I'm thrilled with this appointment and for the opportunity to manage another successful edition of the Relays," Johnson said. "I am looking forward to working with Steve Bilsky and the administration and staff of Penn's Athletic Department. We are fully committed to maintaining the Relays' status as the premier track meet of its kind." Although tomorrow will be the last day Baker will be working, the effective date of his resignation is April 16. He explained that his early departure is justified because he is owed three months vacation pay. The search for a permanent director will begin after the Relays in April.

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