Partin set the stage for a burst of growth by successfully pushing for construction of a new 185,000 - square - foot state - of - the art physical education center on campus .
Partin had succeeded McDonough as athletics director in 1967 .
Partin , who had succeeded McDonough as athletics director in 1967 , set the stage for a burst of growth by successfully pushing for construction of a new 185,000 - square - foot state - of - the art physical education center on campus .