Regents approve Birdwell as athletic director

(Okmulgee-AP) -- The Board of Regents for Oklahoma State Friday approved the appointment of Harry Birdwell as the Cowboys' new athletic director. <br><br>The approval was given unanimously, but Birdwell

Friday, June 21st 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Okmulgee-AP) -- The Board of Regents for Oklahoma State Friday approved the appointment of Harry Birdwell as the Cowboys' new athletic director.

The approval was given unanimously, but Birdwell received just a one-year contract. The deal pays Birdwell 163-thousand dollars, the same salary he makes as the university's vice president of business and external relations.

Two regents had criticized appointing Birdwell just six days after the resignation of Terry Don Phillips and without a national search.

Retiring OSU President James Halligan made the appointment.

Birdwell officially takes over as athletic director on July 1st.