PITTSBURGH – Duquesne University Associate Athletic Director for Media Relations, Dave Saba, will retire in August it was announced today.
Saba, whose 37-year career spans parts of five decades, has served in his current position since August of 1998. The longest-tenured sports information director in Duquesne history, Saba began his career in college athletics as an intern at the University of Texas in October of 1986.
"On behalf of Duquesne University and the Department of Athletics we would like to congratulate Dave on his retirement," said Vice President of Athletics Dave Harper. "Throughout his accomplished career, Dave has exhibited an unwavering commitment to his craft and to Duquesne. He has played many vital roles and is also held in high regard across the country for his work with external entities.
"We are appreciative of Dave's work throughout the years and more importantly for the great person he is. Spending more time with family is very important to Dave and his decision to retire will allow him to do that.
"Again we thank you Dave for all you have done and wish you all the best. You will forever be a 'Duke'."
A Pittsburgh native and Brentwood High School graduate, Saba has been part of all six NCAA Men's Basketball Championship events that have been held in Pittsburgh, the first as sports information director at Texas in 1997 and the last five (2002, 2012, 2015, 2018 and 2022) as media coordinator while at Duquesne.
He accompanied Texas to seven NCAA Tournaments as a participant (1990, 1991, 1992, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997) and staffed numerous bowl games as a Longhorn prior to returning to Pittsburgh.
Duquesne's season opener vs. Montana on Nov. 8, 2022 was Saba's 1,000th men's basketball game worked.
"I am thankful to have had the opportunity to represent two wonderful institutions," said Saba, who has served under three university presidents, three directors of athletics and five men's basketball coaches in his 25 years at Duquesne. "I got my start at Texas under Bill Little, a true friend and legend in our field. I was also lucky enough to have had the opportunity to work with great people in the Southwest, Big 12 and Atlantic 10 Conferences as well as too many national and local media to mention."
Saba, who will turn 63 in October, and his wife Shelly, who was Duquesne's first women's soccer coach, have two daughters. Sydney, a rising sophomore lacrosse player at Xavier and Avery, who has committed to play ice hockey at Brown beginning in 2024-25.
"I am grateful for the relationships I've been afforded throughout my career - in particular those with the student-athletes and coaches I've had the opportunity to serve," said Saba. "But after 37 years of watching other people's kids play, I'm looking forward to watching my own."
