Sayler resigns from USD, accepts same position at Miami University

David Sayler, the University of South Dakota’s director of athletics, announced his resignation Thursday, and will accept the same position at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, said President James Abbott in an email USD staff and faculty.

Sayler has overseen USD’s transition to a Division-I status for the past two years. His work has included securing the USD football program’s membership to the Missouri Valley Football Conference and developing plans to build the new track and field and soccer facilities and basketball and volleyball arena, Abbott said.

Sayler said in a press release that he will be sad to go, but it will be a good transition for his family. Sayler, and his wife, Cathy, are originally from Ohio.

“The decision to leave USD is made with a heavy heart,” Sayler said. “I have grown very fond of (USD) President (James W.) Abbott and his executive team as well as my colleagues in athletics. This is the best decision for our family at this time.”

Senior Associate Athletic Director David Herbster will step in as interim director of athletics, said Phil Carter, USD’s manager of media relations. Herbster has been with the university since 2007.