SIUE Names Middleton Director of Developement; Adds Another Player

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – SIUE Director of Athletics Tim Hall has announced the appointment of Tad Middleton as the Director of Development.

Middleton joins Cougar Athletics' full-time staff after serving as the General Manager of SIUE Cougar Sports Properties for Peak Sports MGMT since 2017. With Peak, Middleton facilitated the managing and selling of all sponsorship inventory for SIUE Athletics, including broadcasting rights, venue signage, program advertising, digital and web content, game sponsorships and other special events. During his tenure as GM, Middleton secured the $2.3 million naming rights agreement for First Community Arena at the Vadalabene Center.

"We are pleased to welcome Tad to our staff officially," SIUE Director of Athletics Tim Hall said. "Tad has been a valuable asset to SIUE as a teammate with Peak Sports MGMT."

As Director of Development, Middleton will work with the SIUE Foundation and will be responsible for managing fundraising and facilitating giving to the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics.

"Tad was chosen from a highly competitive slate of candidates," SIUE Vice Chancellor for University Advancement Rachel Stack said. "He will certainly create some exciting opportunities for SIUE Athletics."

"I am honored to be a part of SIUE Athletics, and I would like to thank the school's leadership for this opportunity and the search committee for their time and efforts," Middleton said. "I am excited about the direction of SIUE and our athletic programs, and I look forward to connecting with those who support the Cougars and furthering our success."

Before his time at Peak, Middleton previously worked as a Donor Relations Consultant for the Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center, working in partnerships, marketing, and event management for blood drives in Madison and Bond Counties.

Prior to MVRBC, Middleton held positions as account executive for WBGZ 1570 radio in Alton, Illinois and as program director of the Boys & Girls Club of Bethalto.

Previous work experience in college athletics includes serving as a student assistant in sports information at Illinois State University, graduate assistant in sports information at SIUE, and public relations assistant at the University of Illinois.

Middleton earned his bachelor's degree in mass communications from ISU and his master's degree in sports management from SIUE. He resides in Bethalto with his wife, Missy, and their children, Ella and Camden.

SIUE Adds Michael Matas To Roster

SIUE men's basketball Head Coach Brian Barone continues to bolster his roster, adding forward Michael Matas (Oakville, Ontario, Canada).
Matas comes to SIUE from the London Basketball Academy, which plays in Canada's National Preparatory Association.

"Michael's greatest talent is his willingness to do what the team needs him to do to win every time he steps on the court," Barone said. "He comes from a league that has produced several Division I players over the last several years in Canada. He has competed against the best in the country night in and night out."

This past season at London Basketball Academy, Matas averaged 14.4 points, 9.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists per game. He connected on 51 percent of his attempts from the field including 39 percent of his three-point attempts.

"I truly believe that Coach Barone and staff at SIUE have something special in the works," Matas said.  Each coach in the program has their own coaching skill set, which I believe powerfully compliments one another. I am excited to get to work and learn from them. The staff's emphasis on togetherness and finding a way to get things done is something that I think will translate to wins, with the end goal being an OVC championship. I am grateful for this opportunity and can't wait to get started."

Matas was a Biosteel All-Canadian Nominee, which recognizes the top 24 male and female Canadian high school basketball players who are either Canadian-born or enrolled in a Canadian institution. He was a two-time North Pole Hoops Showcase All Star and a two-time Signature Showcase All Star, which is one of Canada's most prestigious All-Star teams.

"Michael Matas is a player who values the process, the pursuit of excellence, hard work, the team and relationships," London Basketball Academy Head Coach Angelo Provenzano said. "He is a young man that will improve a program's culture by dedicating himself to academics, competing in practice, devoting maximum effort to strength and conditioning and by being a selfless teammate. I am confident Coach Barone will enjoy coaching Michael as I have at LBA."

"He has very good skill-level for his size, which allows him to be able to shoot, pass and dribble from all areas of the court," Barone added. "Michael can shoot it from beyond the three-point line while also using his skill to score around the basket. He is a team-first player and comes to us with the reputation of a player who wants to always win.  Michael's intangibles will be a valuable asset to our 'Find A Way' family, on and off the court."