Stigliano Retires after 28 Years as Commissioner of Red River Athletic Conference

After nearly three decades at the helm, Tony Stigliano is stepping down as commissioner of the Red River Athletic Conference. He has served as the conference's only commissioner since its founding in 1998, leaving behind a legacy defined by growth, competitive excellence, and a commitment to student-athletes and member institutions.

Before his tenure in collegiate athletics, Stigliano dedicated 22 years of distinguished service to the United States Air Force, ultimately retiring after an honorable military career. That foundation of discipline and leadership would later become hallmarks of his approach in sports administration.

Following his military service, Stigliano transitioned into officiating, quickly rising to become one of the most respected referees in NCAA basketball. He officiated many of the game's high-profile matchups, managing legendary coaches such as Bobby Knight, Dean Smith, and Mike Krzyzewski. His ability to command respect on the court mirrored the leadership he would later bring to conference offices.

Stigliano's administrative career took shape as commissioner of the Heart of Texas Conference, where he demonstrated a clear vision for building a competitive league. That success led to his appointment as commissioner of the Red River Athletic Conference, as well as leadership of the Heartland Conference (NCAA Division II). Stigliano was the commissioner of both until 2019, when the Heartland Conference merged with the Lone Star Conference. He was also commissioner of the Central States Football League, which featured nine NAIA football schools, until 2017.  

Never one to shy away from work, Stigliano has also served as the coordinator of officials for many conferences in the Southwest.

Under Stigliano's stewardship, the RRAC experienced significant expansion and success. Over 28 years, he guided the addition of 14 new member institutions, strengthening the conference's footprint and profile. During his tenure, six RRAC teams captured national championships and numerous RRAC student-athletes claimed individual national titles.

Stigliano was honored as a Hall of Fame inductee for both the Heartland Conference and RRAC.

"I sincerely appreciate Tony's guidance and support throughout my professional career," says Michael Galvan, who served as a coach and athletic director at multiple RRAC schools during Stigliano's tenure and is a fellow RRAC Hall of Famer. "His exceptional work ethic has never gone unnoticed, and I am deeply grateful for his commitment to growth and for being instrumental in advancing the conference to what it is today."

NAIA President and CEO Jim Carr added: "Tony Stigliano's impact on education-based intercollegiate athletics is truly immeasurable. I applaud Tony for the many accolades he's earned throughout his career, but his true impact has been on the institutions that have benefited from his work and the lives he's impacted as a champion of small-college athletics. He's dedicated himself to character-driven intercollegiate competition, and we congratulate Tony on a well-deserved, enjoyable retirement."

Stigliano will remain in his role with the RRAC until a new commissioner is hired. He will also continue as the coordinator of officials for the conference and as the CEO of the Great Southwest Officials Association.

As he steps away from his role, Stigliano reflected on his time as commissioner: "It has been my honor to serve as commissioner all of these years," he said. "I've enjoyed working with the schools and administrators, and I appreciate the friendships and support from the many athletic directors and coaches who have helped advance the RRAC. We joined forces to build a league that emphasized the student-athlete experience and fair play."

The Red River Athletic Conference extends its profound gratitude to Tony Stigliano for his unwavering dedication to our organization. Tony's indelible mark on the conference has positioned it for prosperity now and in the future.