Feb. 14, 2007

EUGENE, Ore. (AP) - Oregon hired insurance executive Pat Kilkenny, an alum and prominent school booster, as its new athletic director.

Kilkenny replaces Bill Moos, who in November announced plans to step down next month.

Kilkenny is chairman emeritus of San Diego-based Arrowhead General Insurance Inc., which he acquired in 1984. He is a former chairman of the board and majority shareholder.

Kilkenny, who is close to Oregon booster and Nike founder Phil Knight, graduated from the university in 1974.

He has been spearheading Oregon's plans to replace McArthur Court, and contributed $1.5 million to finance the design of a new basketball arena.