CHICAGO (June 30, 2022) – Longtime Loyola University Chicago senior associate athletics director Dr. Tom Hitcho has been selected as the recipient of the Missouri Valley Conference's John Sanders Spirit of the Valley Award. 
 
Since 2005, the Missouri Valley Conference has presented the Spirit of the Valley Award to honor a student-athlete, coach or a university administrator who exemplifies the spirit of the late John Sanders, former MVC assistant commissioner for operations.  Criteria includes, but is not limited to, passion for the Conference, strong work ethic and sense of humor.
 
Hitcho is synonymous with Loyola Athletics and has been a fixture in the department for 45 years. Beloved by coaches, staff and student-athletes, he has served in a variety of roles in his four decades on the Lake Shore Campus.
 
"I do whatever it takes," Hitcho said in an interview with LoyolaRamblers.com. "Just do the job. Don't worry about who gets the credit. Make sure it gets done the right way. It's for the benefit of the student-athlete. That's what we're here for. Whatever it takes to make the program go, forget about who gets the credit. Just get it done."
 
He spent over three decades as the Ramblers' head athletic trainer, primarily caring for the student-athletes in the men's basketball program. In 2000, Hitcho, who had served as associate athletics director since 1986, was named senior associate athletics director in 2000.
 
It's no exaggeration to call Hitch, as he is affectionately known to those on campus, the heart and soul of the department. He epitomizes the Jesuit mantra of being a true person for others and he has been and continues to be a valuable resource and a strong connection to Loyola's storied past.
 
Hitcho joins men's basketball team chaplain Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, BVM, as the only two Loyola staff members to have earned the Spirit of the Valley Award.