D1.ticker - News from Monday, March 27, 2017

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New 1.Question Interview Below: Ziggy Siegfried / Athletic Director / Cal State Bakersfield (Part II)

Cutting straight to the chase from the Tulsa World's Haisten: "Sources indicate that several influential university figures are advocates of change in the athletic director’s office. Advocates of Holder’s retirement. It is believed that Oklahoma State is exploring the possibility of hiring an athletic director-in-waiting — someone who would agree to become Holder’s designated successor. It is not known what the transition timeline might look like, but informed OSU people are in agreement that something soon could happen." Response from Pokes AD Holder: "I'm not going to talk about that." Holder is currently working off year-to-year contracts & a listed pay rate of $644K, though it's possible he's giving some back to the university. As is commonplace in Stillwater, Haisten also wonders how a Holder exit would impact mega-donor Pickens. (link)

Sacramento State introduced new AD Orr yesterday, "Today is a special day and a personal day. I was born and raised in this city. My parents were born and raised in this city. My grandfather, Clarence Orr, played in the Turkey Game for McClatchy in the 1940s. This city is who I am. […] We will get an event center done, no doubt. That’s why I’m here. I’m ready to get after it. I will give my heart and soul to this city and this university. The time is now for Hornet Athletics. I told [Prez] Nelsen I won’t let him down." Orr's contract is for five years. (link); Here's some video from the event, including the full presser. (link, link); The San Jose Mercury News' Wilner comments on the positioning of the Hornets, "wouldn't be shocked Sac St is in Mountain West in 10 yrs. Conference has 1 top-20 DMA univ (SJSU). Sacto would be 2nd. but CSUS need major commty commit." Then speculates on how Saint Mary's may respond, "...would have to think Oregon State deputy Mark Massari (x SMC employee) & Portland AD Scott Leykam (SMC alum) would be on list." (link, link)

Eastern Michigan turns to Deputy AD Spears to lead the Eagles department in the interim as outgoing AD Lyke departs for Pittsburgh. It's not the first time Spears has been an Interim AD, as he spent a handful of months in the same role at Northern Illinois before the hire of current Huskies AD Frazier. Spears: "We have a tremendous team of coaches and administrators, and we are well situated to capitalize on the foundation that has been built here. We will focus on relationships and continue to serve our student-athletes, our university and our community." (link, link)

From the latest SBJ: College-focused staff writer Smith digs in on AD-hiring trends, specifically progress made by female leaders. "Progress" in the sense of eight of the last 52 AD hires being women (15.38%), overall in DI we're at 35 of 351 (9.97%). New William & Mary boss Huge: "Women have started to emerge as strong leaders in areas that haven’t traditionally fed into the AD chair. I’m not surprised. This is a confirmation of what we thought was happening all along. It gives women a shot in the arm and lets us know that it can happen." DHR lead Sugiyama: "Research shows that most of the young women entering the job market learn through modeling. If they see women in leadership roles, there is a higher probability that they will follow that path, knowing a career in athletics is attainable. It is important for athletic departments to provide training and support for females as well as exposing student-athletes to diverse leadership." Lots more. (link); Smith continues with, "Have times passed the SWA title by?" Women Leaders in College Sports CEO Phillips: "That title served the athletic department well when it was initiated, but now it’s always misconstrued. It’s supposed to be the highest-ranking woman, but a lot of times people think it’s the person who’s over women’s sports, which can create a stigma for someone trying to become an athletic director." (link); Also, an excellent Champions profile on former hoops HC & current Nike connector Raveling. Worth your time. (link)

Portland Business Journal's Kish with two entries of note. First is a follow-up on his multimedia rights database, which was aided by North Carolina sports management professor Jensen. Writes on why some contracts we're fully available for review, including those from the likes of Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Maryland, Ole Miss & Oklahoma. IMG College Prez Pernetti: "It's a competitive business. Universities are always concerned about competitors and peers knowing too much about their business." (link); Kish also reframed his profile of Adidas North America Prez King. Interesting graphic on how King spends his days includes arriving at the office early, departing by 5p, eating at the same Ruth's Chris every night he's in Portland, in bed by 8p-830p. "These executives who say they sleep three or four hours a night, they have miserable lives. The programming at night on TV sucks. I don't know what they do." (link, link)

Academic leaders at Kentucky, including Provost Tracy, pen an op-ed in support of the role Athletics plays in Lexington after a piece from the Washington Post earlier this month called into question leadership spending by the Wildcats. Starts from the position of Athletics being self-sustainable with no financial support from campus, "...most significant, they give back, substantially and increasingly. UK athletics provides millions of dollars each year in contributions toward academic scholarships, programming, and academic initiatives such as research on violence against women. And, in October, we formally opened a new $110 million Jacobs Science Building, much of which — $65 million — is being funded by UK Athletics. [...] Moreover, we can tell you, as faculty and academic administrators at a university with one of the largest programs in the country, athletics adds a sense of vibrancy and community to our campus and our state like few other organizations." More. (link)

Cozen O'Connor attorneys were in Boulder yesterday to present Colorado's Board of Regents preliminary findings in its investigation of the situation involving former FB AC Tumpkin. A full report is expected "in the coming weeks." VP for Communications McConnellouge: "All along the board wanted a thorough, deliberate inquiry, and what we saw today is that it takes time. There are a lot of complicated factors. [...] We certainly recognize that peoples' lives and careers are what is being talked about here, and we'll hasten this along as quickly as we can." Cozen O'Connor is charging the university $1,211 per hour. (link)

New York Times columnist Tracy examines how the chalky first weekend of the NCAA Tournament led to a Final Four with two newcomers (South Carolina and Gonzaga) and a team (Oregon) which hasn't come this close to an NCAA MBB championship since claiming the inaugural title in 1939. In discussing what, if anything, can be taken from these four programs in terms of how to construct a championship team, Tracy says it's a "risky business, divining meaning from happenstance -- especially when it involves the NCAA tournament, a single-elimination playoff that is notoriously susceptible to seeding and luck." Tracy points to North Carolina's last-second win over Kentucky on Sunday, which he posits did not "settle the debate" about whether a program is better built by "nurturing" veterans, such as those at UNC, or by building on so-called "one-and-dones," such as those Kentucky MBB HC Calipari builds his team around each year. UNC HC Williams, on whether there's a difference between how he and Calipari utilize one-and-dones: "Yeah, there's a difference. He gets them, and I don't." (link)

NFL owners vote 31-1 to approve the Raiders' move from Oakland to Las Vegas, "casting aside decades of fears that putting a team in the gambling capital of the world would corrupt the sport, while sending the team to a new and growing market but one that is far smaller," according to the New York Times. Raiders owner Davis has voiced frustration in the past with California's efforts -- or lack thereof -- in replacing the Oakland Coliseum, one of the oldest stadiums in the NFL. Oakland Mayor Schaaf says the city could not afford the construction of a new stadium but may have been willing to contribute land toward a new venue. Now that the Raiders are leaving, Schaaf says both the franchise and the NFL will regret the decision. (link); It remains to be determined at what point the Raiders may actually move to Las Vegas. Team officials say they plan on remaining in Oakland until a $1.9B, 65K-seat domed stadium is complete in Las Vegas, though Davis says the team is open to playing a preseason game at UNLV's Sam Boyd Stadium. UNLV AD Kunzer-Murphy says the school is "ready and prepared" for the possibility of hosting games on a more permanent basis until the new stadium is complete in 2020, but acknowledges that "quite a few upgrades" would be needed in order for that to be feasible and that such a decision would be up to the Raiders. (link)

After a year-long trial on seven of its own top employees, yesterday Johnson & Johnson officially launched "Premier Executive Leadership," an "intensive program" to make sure its senior execs don't burnout. Head of J&J's Human Performance Institute, Kibbey: "Leaders aren't a set of skills and tools. They're a human being. Many of these leaders arrive in these roles without being equipped with how to stay healthy and resilient." The program, which begins with a nearly three-day assessment at the Mayo Clinic that focuses on metabolism, stamina and strength, then includes meetings with a physiologist, dietitian and executive coach, all of whom monitor the executive's progress over the next nine months and eventually do a final self-assessment. The executive coach also interviews the individual's family, friends and colleagues to identify "potential fractures that could become tectonic shifts if there's enough pressure applied." You, too, can use the PEL, as J&J has made it available for a mere $100K. Lots more here. (link)

The U.S. Women's Hockey National Team continues its boycott as governing body leaders have yet to resolve the squad's pay & equal treatment concerns. Twenty Senators have rallied to the side of the players, as have notable figures around the game, but still there's no conclusion. In the balance, other than the principle of it all, is next week's International Ice Hockey Federation world championship where the U.S. is the three-time defending champion. (link); The front page of the Toronto Star calls the situation, "GIRLCOTT." (link)

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Florida State AD Wilcox did a Q&A with the Tallahassee Democrat's Culver in Stockton last week before his Seminoles WBB team won its Sweet 16 game against Oregon State. Wilcox first and foremost credits the coaches for making the spring sports so competitive, but notes that facilities certainly helps said coaches recruit. On the facilities front, looking at Doak Campbell fixes on the east and west sides of the stadium, general FB upgrades to "stay ahead of the curve," adding lounges for basketball and swapping scoreboards across all sports, all part of the soon-to-be-released master plan. As far as his relationship with MBB HC Hamilton: "I think our relationship is a great, strong relationship... I think the way the season ended is not the way anyone wanted to end it... We have to all, as a league, continue to press on and remember when we come out of ACCs, the NCAA (championship) is really the final goal. We’ll be right back there. Leonard and his staff has continued to recruit very well. We’re going to be excited about next year." (link)

The Los Angeles Chargers name UCLA Senior Assoc. AD for Communications Rupprecht VP of Public Relations, responsible for daily oversight of all franchise media relations and assisting with integration into the LA market. Chargers FB Operations Prez Spanos: "It became clear throughout this process that Josh has earned a level of respect and trust from both the media and his peers that is well beyond his years. We are confident that he is a perfect fit for our team." Prior to his four years at UCLA, Rupprecht spent 13 years in media relations department for the Los Angeles Lakers. (link)

HC Notes: Quinnipiac AD Amodio makes the hire of Villanova MBB AC Dunleavy official. (link); Duquesne AD Harper lands Akron MBB HC Dambrot with a seven-year deal to take over the Dukes program. (link); George Washington AD Nero finalizes a deal to remove the interim tag from MBB HC Joseph. (link); Florida AD Stricklin turns to Belmont HC Neubauer. Reports indicate San Antonio Spurs AC Hammon wanted to stay in the NBA. (link, link); Lehigh Wrestling HC Santoro will interview for the same position at Pitt. (link); Providence MBB HC Cooley says he has no interest in the opening at Georgetown or elsewhere. (link); Chico State (DII) MBB HC Clink won't be the new HC at Portland State, after all. (link); Denver AD Bradley-Doppes will introduce Colorado State-Pueblo (DII) WBB HC Turgeon as the new WBB HC for the Pioneers today. (link); Kansas State Interim AD Veatch says MBB HC Weber will return. (link); UTEP AD Stull wants to keep WBB HC Adams amid reports she interviewed at Wichita State. (link); The AC salary pool for MTSU HC Davis increases by $75K, evenly split between the three Blue Raiders ACs. (link); The deal for new Indiana MBB HC Miller is $3.35M annually for seven years. (link)

How will some use the one-time distribution monies from the NCAA? College of Charleston AD Roberts (second most popular of his name), "It will come in very handy. Our plan is to reinvest back into our student-athletes' experience in the form of nutrition. We will hire a sports nutritionist to contract and serve on our staff and enhance the budget on sports nutrition. But we really don't have anybody on staff focused on nutrition in coordination with our strength and conditioning program. Based on my experience, this money can take care of one year and a couple of more to come, and get that program up and running so we can develop resources to support it down the road." (link); Maine AD Creech: "What we’re looking at right now is where our greatest need is and where we can establish new programming, knowing that this is a one-time distribution so you’ve got to be careful you don’t set yourself up for any kind of failure down the road when the money is all used. We haven’t made those final decisions yet, but it’s a great opportunity." (link)

Utah will conduct a feasibility study concerning the possible expansion of the south end zone at Rice-Eccles Stadium. The study will examine factors such as cost and available funding sources, but Prez Pershing notes that the study does not necessarily mean that improvements are forthcoming right away: "Understanding the market, costs and feasibility will help us better prepare for the future of the stadium. There's still much work to be done before taking steps toward renovation. We have to know if the market will support this type of renovation." VP of Administrative Services Nixon explains why he believes now is the time to make an upgrade: "That's a very old part of the stadium. We're having maintenance issues in there: the plumbing and the concrete walls. Every time we have a problem, it's becoming very costly to maintain." The expansion would reportedly include new locker rooms, equipment storage and media rooms, as well as space for medical services and hospitality services. (link)

Legal representation for former Louisville MBB staffer Williams says the NCAA has "no basis" in charging Williams with failure to cooperate with its investigation. Furthermore, Williams and his attorneys claim, the NCAA's request for information from Williams was tantamount to "fishing expeditions." The NCAA has charged Williams with "violating the principles of ethical conduct" for refusing to provide information concerning the actions of former AC McGee, who is accused of paying for illicit actions involving recruits and former players. At issue seems to be Williams's refusal to turn over his phone, reportedly in his mother's name, to investigators, though Williams did turn over his work phone and cooperate with the investigation in other ways. More. (link)

Bloomberg looks at North Carolina's HB2 and how its political and legal unfolding may force the NCAA's hand as it makes decisions regarding host venues through 2022. While the NCAA's position is in line with a national movement in favor of LGBT protections, HB2, according to Bloomberg, has "yet to face a successful court challenge, and a lawmaker [in NC] has gone on the offensive, filing a bill to challenge the NCAA's tax-exempt status." Meanwhile, lawmakers in "college-sports strongholds like Texas, Arkansas, Tennessee and Kentucky" are reportedly considering similar legislation. Duke's Center for Sports Law and Policy Co-director Haagen: "This is an extraordinarily murky situation. The organization appears to have taken a principled stand without really thinking through the next shoes that might fall. We're entering deeply uncharted territory." (link)

Building hoops: Middle Tennessee State AD Massaro: "If we want to have a big-time basketball program with a national brand, then we need a more robust Blue Raider Athletic Association and we have to fill Murphy Center. When you look at programs we benchmark, like Wichita State, VCU and Butler, those are things that separate us. We had an attendance increase this past season and we appreciate the growth, but we need an even deeper commitment." UT Chattanooga peer Blackburn: "The gap (between the haves and have-nots) is starting to widen some. […] We're just concerned about need at our level. Are we providing proper medical care? Do we have enough academic support personnel? Things like that." (link)

Some Fort Collins community members that were part of the Community Design Development Advisory Committee, which was formed by Colorado State at the request of its Board of Governors during the development stages of CSU's new $220M football stadium, say the "ghost logo," or the "'billboard-like' Rams head on the south end of the stadium," should be eliminated and replaced with "stone or other natural materials to create an architectural feature." CSU AD Parker and Spokeswoman Jackson point out that several of the design committee's other recommendations, including traffic and parking plans, and directed lighting and distributed sound systems to minimize "leakage" into adjacent neighborhoods, were incorporated into the project. (link)

Old Dominion FB HC Wilder has started taking social media breaks during meetings with his student-athletes if they last longer than 15 minutes. Wilder, who has had the idea for years but just started implementing it as the team prepared for its first bowl game in December, explains his reasoning: "To me, this is more about human nature. When you’re locked in and focused on something for 30 minutes, it’s really hard to stay focused on what you’re doing. Now, if I ever have a team meeting where all 115 (players) are together, if I’m going to be more than 15 minutes, we’re taking a break, and everybody stands up, walks around, they can leave the room, and the thing I’ll say to them is, ‘Get on your phone, check your social media.' To me, that triggers to them, 'I’m going to take a break mentally, and then when we come back, I’m going to get locked back in on what we’re trying to accomplish.'" (link)

Our deepest condolences to the family & friends of longtime senior leader Overton, who most recently served as VP for Collegiate Sports Associates. Pam passed away last week after a battle with cancer. UCF Senior Assoc. AD for Student-Athlete Welfare & Development Stuart, whose paths crossed with Overton's during her time as a Softball student-athlete at Florida State when Overton was SWA with the Seminoles, "She pushed everyone she came in contact with to be better....not just for themselves but for the greater good. I am who I am professionally because of the foundation she provided and the example she set. She was an amazing friend and mentor and a wonderful human being!" (link, link)

Also Noticed: NCAA MBB Tournament viewership continues to put up good numbers. TV ratings up 8% for the regional finals & up 76% on March Madness Live. (link); The NCAA has asked for former Penn State AD Curley to be removed from its suit versus the Paterno Estate. (link); A bit of tension in the post-game handshake line between Auburn & Florida Softball, which included Gators HC Walton, as there's a family story at the center of it all. (link); ESPN's Hartung is officially leaving the Worldwide Leader. (link); Beer at Ballgames: Coastal Carolina will test wider sales. (link); Indiana AD Glass would like to restart the MBB series with rival Kentucky. (link); Clemson releases drone footage of the construction of its new $55M Football Operations Complex. (link); Oregon Asst. AD for Marketing & Sales Brewer indicates Facebook Live produced "Nearly 1 M impressions per live stream on game day last week" as MBB & WBB surged in their respective tourneys. (link); In Sunday night's ADU, Minnesota Senior Assoc. AD for Fan Engagement Taylor-Dixon noted his interest in watching how Starbucks masters the mobile customer experience & here's a good follow-up from Business Insider on how mobile is shifting the business model for Starbucks & competitor, Dunkin' Donuts. (link); The Big Ten Network does a deal with 15 Seconds of Fame. (link); Google's ad problems could cost the company upwards of $750M. (link)

Circling back on Cal State Bakersfield Athletic Director Ziggy Siegfried & his path to the AD chair with the Roadrunners. Siegfried recounts the topic on which he spent an inordinate amount of time in preparation for his interview, only to have very few questions asked of him on the subject. More key pieces of Ziggy's story are how he appropriately framed his own accomplishments & how he spent the 24 hours leading up to his time in front of the committee. Listen by clicking the link. - link (length - 7:46)

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(Posted from most recent over the last 30 days)

(NEW!) Sr. Media Producer - Graphic Designer - Strategic Communications (University of Missouri / Columbia, MO): This is a full-time, benefit eligible position that works to meet the Athletic Department's needs in the area of graphic design and production creating innovative graphic identity for all 20 sports. HERE.

Athletics Marketing Assistant (College of Holy Cross / Worcester, MA): Marketing plan execution, focus on revenue and attendance for 27 D1 programs. Social Media strategy. Digital, TV, radio, print, social media, mobile etc. Identify channels to reach targeted audience. More details HERE.

Athletic Media Relations Assistant (College of Holy Cross / Worcester, MA): Media Relations Assistant is responsible for assisting with the execution of the media and public relations plans for all 27 of our Division 1 Programs. assists with operation of GoHolyCross.com. More details HERE.

Assistant Director Sport Communications (CSUN Athletics / Northridge, CA): The Assistant Director, Sports Communications assists in the implementation of a comprehensive plan to cover CSUN Athletics' NCAA Division I sports program, focusing specifically on assigned sports. More details HERE.

Fan Experience & Promotions Assistant (Liberty Flames / Lynchburg, VA): Position reports directly to Assistant Director of Fan Experience & Promotions in an effort to enhance the fan experience, increase attendance and fulfill sponsorship agreements among other duties. More details HERE.

Director of Donor Relations & Special Events, Mountaineer Athletic Club (WVU Foundation / Morgantown, WV): WVU Foundation is seeking a DIRECTOR OF DONOR RELATIONS & SPECIAL EVENTS, MOUNTAINEER ATHLETIC CLUB. For more information visit: http://www.wvuf.org/jobs. More details HERE.

Director of Game Production and Fan Experience (University of Louisville / Louisville, KY): This position reports to the Assoc. AD of Marketing and will heighten the game experience for fans and serve as a show architect for the in-stadium/in-arena games and high-profile special events. More details HERE.

Athletic Development Director (University of Southern Mississippi / Hattiesburg, MS): Will raise funds through a variety of methods and manage components of a comprehensive fundraising program. Job title (Assistant or Associate Athletic Director) and specific duties TBD. More details HERE.

Associate Director and Assistant Director, Athletics Development (University of Iowa Foundation / Iowa City, IA): Iowa Athletics is seeking two driven, energetic development officers | annual fund of over $17 million with more than 16,500 annual contributors | $200 million in facility improvements on the horizon More details HERE.

Athletics Director (Kansas State University / Manhattan, KS): K-State seeks an experienced and knowledgeable leader to direct a comprehensive NCAA Division I men's and women's intercollegiate athletics program. More details HERE.

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Associate/Senior Associate Athletic Director (University of Wyoming / Laramie, WY): The University of Wyoming is accepting applications for the position of Associate/Senior Associate Athletic Director. More details HERE.

Associate Athletics Director, Student-Athlete Outcomes (UC Davis Athletics / Davis, CA): Responsible for oversight of work pertinent to student-athlete outcomes, such as academic success, personal growth, character development, and postgraduate career placement. More details HERE.

Major Gifts Officer (West Virginia University Foundation, Inc. / Morgantown, WV): More details HERE.

Marketing Graduate Assistant (University of Kentucky Athletics / Lexington, KY): GA will be responsible for assisting with day-to-day activities of the office which include creating and implementing marketing plans for assigned sports. More details HERE.

Accountant I (Oklahoma State / Stillwater, OK): OSU Athletic Accountant I This position will oversee, coordinate, develop and update fiscal operations of the Ticket Office and assist with the daily operations of the Athletic Business Office. More details HERE.

Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance (University of Texas Rio Grande Valley / Edinburg, TX): Manage Department of Athletics compliance in accordance with NCAA, Conference and University rules, regulations and procedures. More details HERE.

Director of Ticket Sales (North Carolina State University / Raleigh, NC): The Director of Ticket Sales will make a #STATEment by hiring, training and leading a dynamic sales team in generating revenue, engaging fans and delivering first class customer service. More details HERE.

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