Hannibal-LaGrange University is pleased to announce the appointment of Chris Wright as Director of Athletics and Jason Durst as Associate Director of Athletics, effective September 1, 2026. Together, these longtime Trojan leaders bring decades of experience in coaching, athletic administration, recruiting, student development, fundraising, and Christian higher education to the leadership of HLGU Athletics.
The appointments follow the transition of Clay Biggs, who will conclude his service as Director of Athletics at the end of August. Biggs has faithfully served Hannibal-LaGrange University for more than 25 years in a variety of roles, including coaching, teaching, athletic administration, and student development. Over the past four and a half years as Director of Athletics, he has provided steady leadership for Trojan Athletics while helping advance the University’s commitment to academic excellence, Christian discipleship, and student-athlete success. Biggs will be pursuing a new professional opportunity in the Hannibal community, and the University expresses its sincere gratitude for his decades of service and lasting impact on generations of Trojan students.
A 2011 graduate of Hannibal-LaGrange University, Wright has served HLGU Athletics in multiple leadership roles, including Head Golf Coach and Sports Information Director. During his tenure, he built the Trojan golf program from its inception into a growing and competitive program, recruited student-athletes from across the United States and internationally, led fundraising efforts for program enhancements, and consistently demonstrated strong financial stewardship of athletic resources. As Sports Information Director, he has worked closely with every athletic program, strengthening communications, enhancing game-day operations, preserving the history of Trojan Athletics, and increasing the visibility of student-athlete accomplishments.
Prior to returning to HLGU, Wright held leadership positions in business and financial management, overseeing budgets, personnel, operations, regulatory compliance, and organizational performance. His experience includes managing profit and loss responsibilities, leading large teams, and directing financial operations, providing a strong foundation for the strategic leadership and stewardship required of a modern athletic director.
Known for his servant leadership, relationship-building skills, and deep commitment to Christian higher education, Wright has earned the trust and respect of colleagues, students, alumni, and supporters throughout his career.
“HLGU has had a profound impact on my life, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue serving an institution that is committed to transforming lives through Christ-centered education,” said Wright. “The student-athletes, coaches, alumni, and supporters who make up Trojan Athletics are truly special, and I am excited about what lies ahead.”
Joining Wright in athletic department leadership is Durst, who has dedicated more than two decades of service to Hannibal-LaGrange University. Since joining HLGU in 2002, he has served as Assistant Professor of Exercise Science, Head Men’s Basketball Coach, and Assistant Athletic Director, impacting countless students through teaching, coaching, and mentorship.
Throughout his distinguished coaching career, Durst has earned recognition across the American Midwest Conference for both athletic success and character-driven leadership. Most recently, he was named the 2026 AMC Men’s Basketball Coach of the Year and has twice received the AMC Coach of Character Award. Known for his commitment to developing well-rounded student-athletes through faith, education, and competition, Durst has become one of the most respected leaders in Trojan Athletics.
“One of the greatest privileges of my career has been investing in the lives of students,” said Durst. “HLGU Athletics has always been about more than wins and losses. It is about helping young men and women grow as competitors, students, leaders, and followers of Christ.”
“For more than 25 years, Clay Biggs has faithfully invested in Hannibal-LaGrange University and the lives of our students,” said Dr. Robert Matz, president of Hannibal-LaGrange University. “We are deeply grateful for his leadership, service, and commitment to Trojan Athletics. As we honor Clay’s legacy, we are also excited for the future. Chris Wright and Jason Durst are proven leaders who understand our mission, care deeply about our students, and possess the experience, character, and vision necessary to continue strengthening HLGU Athletics. Their combined leadership provides both continuity and momentum as we move forward.”
As Hannibal-LaGrange University celebrates this important transition, the University does so with gratitude for the leadership of Clay Biggs and confidence in the future of Trojan Athletics under Chris Wright and Jason Durst. Together, Wright and Durst bring decades of experience along with a deep understanding of the mission and culture of Hannibal-LaGrange University. Their leadership reflects a shared commitment to excellence, discipleship, and the holistic development of student-athletes, ensuring that Trojan Athletics remains an integral part of the University’s mission for years to come.