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New Shepherd Prez Hendrix isn’t renewing the contract of current AD Pumroy and isn’t mincing words about what she’s looking for in a replacement. According to a university release: "A change in leadership will allow for greater focus on an aggressive campaign of seeking external support for athletics from alumni and community partners." Hendrix continued: "Our successful athletics program must enhance its excellence with funding support that does not detract from Shepherd's core academic mission. Our expectations for a new athletics director will include a demonstrated ability to increase private support for a nationally recognized athletics program to fulfill our high aspirations." - link
Arkansas-Fort Smith AD Smith is stepping down to become the new Director of Athletics Operations for Greenwood Public Schools. During his eight years as AD, Smith was instrumental in overseeing the UAFS transition from NJCAA to DII, expanding the athletic department staff and adding men's and women's cross country. Smith on his appreciation for S-As: "I am proud of the student-athletes who have worn the Lion blue here. They have helped elevate our program to unprecedented heights both athletically and academically." - link
Clarion has named Associate AD Snodgrass interim AD. Snodgrass has served in various roles and on a number of NCAA committees during her 12 years at Clarion. VP of Student Affairs Fenske: "Dr. Snodgrass has been a pivotal part of the operations of the athletic department and I am excited that she has agreed to take on the responsibilities of this new role, She has proven herself to be dedicated and highly capable of handling the challenges associated with this position and I look forward to seeing the impact of her leadership. I am confident she will provide stable guidance through this transitional year." - link
In a Q&A, Winston-Salem State AD Walker talks about the current state of WSSU athletics and the future moving forward. Walker on Bowman Gray Stadium ownership and projected upgrades: "We are still looking to own the stadium (and buy it from the city of Winston-Salem), and from what I hear it might be by next season. We are pretty optimistic that it will be a part of Winston-Salem State. ... We need to work on the visiting press box, and that would be the first thing. We also need to brand the stadium more so that it takes on the look and the feel of a Winston-Salem State property." On the department's budget: "With the support of the university the athletics department does break even, but it does take support from them for us to do so." And on the one aspect at WSSU that needs immediate improvement: "It would be facilities. If we could improve those it would only add to our already successful program. Knowing that the Gaines Center has aged a lot, so there are definitely some areas that need upgraded. And the other two things we need are a softball and baseball field on campus." - link
As part of a broader discussion about consolidation of University of Alaska system campuses, UA Prez Johnsen addresses how the changes could affect athletics. Although understanding the important role that intercollegiate athletics play in regards to community engagement and university atmosphere, Johnsen says he will have to weigh the usefulness of expensive programs during tough fiscal times for the state. And according to Johnsen, if UA falls under the umbrella of a single, system-wide accreditation, that wouldn’t necessarily mean all the athletic teams at Alaska Anchorage and Alaska Fairbanks would have to merge, but it could mean some of them would be eliminated or reduced. - link
Georgian Court Director of Athletics and Recreation Liesman has been selected to serve a four-year term on the NCAA Division II Management Council. Since becoming the university's first full-time Director of Athletics in 2003, Liesman has steadily increased the number of S-As, constructed a state-of-the-art recreation, wellness and athletics complex and hosted a number of CACC tournaments for various sports. - link
West Virginia State has inked a five-year deal with Nike and BSN Sports. Nike will now become the official provider of game uniforms, warmups, athletic footwear and select equipment for Yellow Jacket athletics beginning next school year. AD Burton on the partnership: "We are extremely excited to partner with Nike and BSN Sports. This partnership gives our Athletic Department the opportunity to strengthen our brand, save costs, and provide our student-athletes with the best gear in the industry." - link
Winona State will continue to wear adidas uniforms, training gear and footwear over the next 5 years after renewing their All-School Partnership with BIG Athletics. AD Schoh: “We’ve enjoyed a great relationship the past few years and we are looking forward to further developing our brand thanks to the tremendous support of BIG Athletics and adidas." - link
It’s a long haul from Saint Leo, FL to Denver, CO, but the Saint Leo men's and women's tennis and golf teams are happy to make the trip this year to compete in the DII National Championships. To help with the cost of the trip, the four teams are hoping to raise $20k within the next week. - link
Minnesota State Moorehead is under some university-wide budget challenges, but cuts won't include any current sports per Prez Blackhurst, "We recruit large numbers of athletes to the campus. While our overall enrollment has been declining, our number of athletes has actually increased." AD Peters on his fiscal approach, "It's a combination of trying to grow some of the things we do as well as reduce spending." - link
North Carolina isn’t the only state coming under fire for a recently passed state law, as Mississippi Congressman Thompson has asked NCAA Prez Emmert how a decision made by the NCAA Board of Governors last month could affect a school's chances of hosting a postseason event. The Board of Governors recently ruled that potential host sites of predetermined and non-predetermined championships will be required to provide an environment that is "safe, healthy and free of discrimination." Thompson on Mississippi's new religious objections law and the impact it may have on the state: "I would like to have this law reviewed. And have the NCAA explain the potential repercussions so that we all know just how much we stand to lose in the name of discrimination and inequality." - link
NCAA championships update:
+ Complete sked for the DII National Championships Festival. - link
+ MLAX Final Four is set. - link
+ WLAX Final Four is set. - link
+ The Baseball brackets were unveiled last night. - link
In Olympic sport coaching movement:
+ American International Men's and Women's Golf Coach Christianson is stepping down to take the same position at Concordia College (DIII). - link
+ Ferris State Men's and Women's Golf Coach Mignano is resigning to be the program director for The First Tee of Northern Michigan. - link
West Florida made GSC history by becoming the first-ever member to claim the Overall Sports Trophy, the Men's All-Sports Trophy and the Women's All-Sports Trophy in the same season. UWF has captured their third consecutive Overall Trophy since the awards creation three years ago, - link
In sport and departmental fundraising events:
+ Registration is open for Adelphi's 12th Annual Ficke Panther Golf Classic, which will take place on July 11. Entry fees are $300 per person. The event has raised over $150k over the past 11 years, - link
+ The 2016 University of North Alabama Athletics Alumni & Friends Golf Tournament will be held on June 24, The cost is $250 per three-man team and hole sponsorships are available for $100. - link
Despite an 0-10 start and #127 ranking on March 16, Bellarmine was able to turnaround their season as the Knights are headed to Denver for the 2016 NCAA Division II Men’s Golf Championships. S-A Inman: “We are mostly playing for Bellarmine. That’s where we have already put our name out there, but we would love to put Louisville golf and Kentucky golf on the map. I think that would be really cool." - link
Clark Atlanta FB S-A Casillas was named valedictorian of the 2016 graduating class. - link
Incoming Mary FB S-A Ferris chose to play football for the Marauders after killing a bear while hunting in his native Alaska. - link
In general academia news:
+ Eastern New Mexico Prez Gamble has announced he will retire in the summer of 2017.- link
+ Despite their current challenges, UC San Diego believes they can raise $2b in private donations over the next ten years. - link
