D1.ticker - News from Friday, January 27, 2017

D1.ticker - Eliminate the barrage of articles & time-consuming
searches. Efficient D1 athletics news in a daily email.

Arizona State with a new opportunity below in D1.jobs. Click here to get your openings in front of thousands of key leaders around the business who read D1.ticker every day.

New 1.Question Interview: Tim Leonard - Athletic Director - Towson (part II)

A new AD at Louisiana could come as soon as next month as the field narrows, but Ragin' Cajuns brass note the need to be thorough. Diversity is also a key for the hiring committee, which includes former Missouri AD Alden, FAR Hazelwood, Baseball HC Robichaux & Volleyball HC Mazeitis-Fontenot. Sitting ADs, as well as senior leaders across the 'Power 5,' have reportedly inquired about the opportunity. Ultimately the decision will be made by Prez Savoie, who says the advantage of having Alden involved is to "target people who may or may not have thought about coming here, and try to expose them to the great potential here and the great opportunities to build something special here." (link)

Pittsburgh Chancellor Gallagher has set his 12-person search committee to work alongside DHR to identify, vet & hire a new AD for the Panthers. The group: Acting AD Juhl (chair), Provost & SVC Beeson, Senior Assoc. AD & Chief of Staff Bowman, Women's Track & Field/Cross Country student-athlete Fosam, Baseball student-athlete Furman, Professor & Co-chair of the Senate Athletics Committee Irrgang, Executive Assoc. AD for Business Administration & Human Resources Meyers, FB HC Narduzzi, University Trustee Pelusi, Asst. Dean of MBA & Executive Programs Valenta, SVC & Chief Legal Officer Washington & Men's/Women's Track & Field/Cross Country HC Webb. (link)

Campus Pressbox's McDonald wonders why there's little talk around the search process for a new AD at Cleveland State, especially from students whose fees help to fund the athletic department. "How is it that the search for a Division I athletic director gets absolutely no publicity at all? Perhaps I’m in the minority here, but I’d like to think the people who are interested in taking on such an important role would receive a bit more scrutiny, or any scrutiny at all, for that matter." A new boss is expected to be announced by the Vikings by the 1st of March & McDonald points to important decisions to be made, like the future of MBB HC Waters. (link)

You've likely already seen/read the additional allegations at Baylor stemming from a new lawsuit filed by a former female student. Claims include 52 acts of rape, five gang rapes & the inclusion of 31 FB student-athletes. Statement from Prez Garland includes, "Our hearts go out to any victims of sexual assault. Any assault involving members of our campus community is reprehensible and inexcusable. […] We have made great progress in implementing 105 recommendations to strengthen the safety and security of all students and restore faith in the University, in addition to searching for a new president and the hiring of athletic director Mack Rhoades and head football coach Matt Rhule who reflect the highest levels of character and integrity. Baylor has made a strong commitment to a values-driven culture in accordance with our Christian mission." Lots more. (link); Here's the full 26-page lawsuit. (link)

NCAA Chief Medical Officer Hainline: "The consensus at our Safety in College Football Summit committee meeting was the preseason was a high-risk time and two-a-days doesn't really make sense anymore." So, the NCAA Sport Science Institute has recommended eliminating FB two-a-days. More Hainline: "I believe the NCAA is closer (to enforceable safety rules) because it is a very active discussion within the membership. But it's tricky because traditionally the enforcement (staffers), who are trained in a certain way, they have not dealt with health and safety issues. This is all happening at a good pace, and I think that's probably going to be the next stage of what you're going to be seeing. I can't predict when. I can just say that compared to a year ago, the discussions are very palpable and on the table." More, including lots of data. (link)

Big Sky Commish Williams says her league has no plans for additions at the present moment in light of North Dakota's coming moves, but, "we meet with our administrators and presidents this summer and you never know what might pop up on the agenda." Montana AD Haslam happy for UND as the shift to the Summit & MVFB makes sense. Is moving forward with the expectation of eight annual FB match-ups, not the nine that could be associated with a 14-team league. "It just changes so much that you get to the point where you kind of don't plan on anything. You've got to move ahead based on what you've got right now and then adjust as you go." (link)

Missouri: Bond, Schoeneck & King's Glazier is aiding the Tigers through its latest challenge, allegations of academic fraud by a former tutor. Glazier was most recently involved with MU during a probe of MBB improprieties that led to self-sanctions. Chancellor Foley in a November letter to Glazier, "My overriding desire in this matter is to obtain a complete and unbiased review of the facts so that the full truth is discovered. Only in this way can the University maintain its integrity, which is of paramount importance." (link); Using "total tickets sold" methodology, Mizzou MBB is averaging 9,643 per game this season, though the "estimated actual attendance" from turnstile counts is 5,251 per tip. The former is a 53.2% increase year-over-year, while the latter is the lowest mark in 40 years for the Tigers. The former is the officially reported number as MU looks to square with national & SEC best practices. (link)

New Mexico Asst. AD for Communications Mercogliano: "Why Student-Athlete Exit Interviews Are Valuable." Natural timing for this piece given the recent foggy reporting of NMFishBowl.com. Mercogliano starts by walking through how senior exit interviews are conducted & the crucial role they play to help guide Lobo leadership to improve aspects of the athletics operation. Former high-profile UNM Track & Field student-athlete Spencer, the first student-athlete to ever sit on the NCAA DI Board of Directors, "The senior student-athlete exit interviews offer a substantial opportunity for colleges and universities around the country. For most of us, it's the first time we have the opportunity to reflect on our journey as college students and impact the lives of those to come by providing feedback used to improve the next generation of students. I look back on my adventure at the University of New Mexico with a smile, knowing that my experience was phenomenal and that my feedback during the exit survey helped create the one of a kind experience that exists today." More. (link)

UNLV: The Oakland Raiders submitted proposals to Vegas lawmakers on items surrounding the usage of a potential new 65,000-seat domed stadium if the organization makes a move to Sin City. With UNLV FB also being a potential tenant, some representatives were cross at the Raiders wanting control of scheduling & field markings. No comment from outgoing AD Kunzer-Murphy. (link); Rebels FB HC Sanchez received an extended contract that could keep him atop the program through the 2021 campaign. Sanchez has recorded 7-17 (5-11) marks in his first two seasons. "I think this shows the confidence Len [Jessup] and Tina [Kunzer-Murphy] have in me. They're confident in where we're going and what we're building. This is the place I want to be, so I'm excited about taking on the challenge." (link)

Presbyterian Prez Staton pins the Interim AD tag on former Citadel Assoc. AD Steers, who also previously led Wrestling programs at William & Mary & East Carolina. Steers has been retired since 2014, says he's looking forward to "be of service to our fine student-athletes," which will start on February 1st. Staton indicates a national search is coming, adds, "Edward Steers brings a wealth of experience and an abundant spirit for service to this position and we are lucky to have him as a member of the college community. I am confident he has the leadership ability to help us move forward." (link)

SB Nation's Kirk calls next season's Alabama-Florida State FB season-opener in the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta quite possibly the biggest first weekend game ever. "There have been a few top-five openers -- No. 1 Nebraska vs. No. 4 Penn State in 1983 stands out as the biggest of those and No. 1 Florida State at No. 6 Miami in 1988 is the only other that could compare. That one had the added benefit of rivalry (yeah, Michigan-Notre Dame is a rivalry, but FSU-Miami is a rivalry). But if we get a No. 1 vs. No. 2 (or something close to it) to truly open the season, in an era not known for this kind of out-of-conference game? FOLKS." (link)

presented by Anthony Travel

Fifth & I think final entry from the News-Sentinel with Indiana AD Glass, this one on "Challenging Times." Glass indicates he's overcome the hurdle of actually knowing what he's doing, which was a real thing when he took the job in 2009, points to revenue generation as his most consistent test. "Last year, on an $88 million budget, we finished in the black by like $16,000." Glass is most proud of the Student-Athlete Bill of Rights & Hoosiers For Life guaranteed degree programs he & his team have created. Would like his current role to be the last of his career, points to retiring at the age of 65 (Glass is currently 57). (link)

Northern Illinois AD Frazier is excited about the performances to date of his MBB & WBB programs, both of which are currently tied for the MAC West Division lead heading into action this weekend. "How about a little historical perspective? The Huskie men's team is actually enjoying one of the most successful stretches IN ITS HISTORY! NIU's 62 wins over the last four seasons (from 2013-14 through today), are the most wins since the Huskies won 64 games between 1992-93 and 1995-96. On the women's side, with just ONE more win, NIU will have its most wins in eight seasons! With two more victories, it will be the most wins by the Huskies on the women's side in 10 years, since the 2006-07 team went 19-12." (link)

Current Illinois Executive Assoc. AD & former SIU & Colorado State AD Kowalczyk Q&As, says there are times he misses being an AD, others when he doesn't, but would consider the right opportunity again. Calls Illini AD Whitman's style "genuine" & "real." "He seeks input, he seeks assistance. He looks for information and asks questions. And he's easy to deal with. He doesn't come in pounding the desk or anything like that." A number of questions centered on Kowalczyk's time as Interim AD, a period when he says the external negativity didn't match the attitude of those on the inside. Points to Stanford as the "gold standard" for athletics operations, says he's in communication with former AD Thomas, who is doing well & deserves another shot at leading a department. More. (link)

The Color Green: Wake Forest gets $5M from alum Shah that will add his name to the new hoops development facility for the Deacs. Link includes a number of renderings that show what the new digs may look like. (link); Louisville will expand Baseball's Patterson Stadium again, thanks to Republic Bank Prez Trager. No exact details available yet. (link); William & Mary lands $2M from the family of former Athletics physician Jewusiak with some of the monies earmarked for the Tribe. (link); Michigan State gets $1M to endow MBB & FB scholarships. (link)

Colorado FB AC Tumpkin steps down amid an investigation into domestic violence allegations against him. AD George: "Joe is currently defending himself against allegations made in court records that do not represent our values. Furthermore, we need to move forward to ensure we do not have gaps in our coaching staff as we build the team and sign new recruits." Tumpkin, who just completed his second season as the safeties coach, had been suspended from the Buffs since January 10. (link)

A new MLS stadium in St. Louis could lead to a number of NCAA Championships & events landing in The Gateway City. NCAA Director of Championships & Alliances Jarnecke penned a letter to St. Louis Sports Commission Prez Viverito indicating Men's & Women's Soccer Championships, the FCS title game, DII & DIII FB championships & DI Men's LAX quarterfinals could all find their way to STL with a new facility online. Of note: "... Ways and Means Committee passed an amended measure to help fund a Major League Soccer stadium in downtown St. Louis by a vote of 5-4 Thursday." (link)

The NHL's Arizona Coyotes have partnered with TAGD, which allows personal messages or images to be added to game tickets. Ticketmaster's APIs are part of the story, as are the opportunity for an interesting corporate hospitality and/or relationship-building touch. The second link here is TAGD's website with a number of examples of how the technology can be applied. (link, link)

presented by From Now On

The Knoxville News Sentinel's Potkey goes deep on the profile & skill set needed for the next AD at Tennessee given constantly changing & challenging market conditions. TCU boss Del Conte: "It really depends on the institutional needs at the time. If you are really struggling for money, you go and hire someone with the ability to acquire resources. If your finances are not sound, you hire someone with a business background. If things are going great, maybe you bring in a non-traditional candidate with a different view." Former Florida AD Foley: "It is a multi-faceted job and you have to manage a huge number of people. You are dealing with a lot of things that go on every day that don’t show up in the paper or have anything to do with winning a game or recruiting. But probably the most significant responsibility you have in terms of people is hiring coaches. My philosophy has always been the success of your college athletics program is totally determined by the quality of your coaches. If you have great ones, you have great programs." Foley also notes the need for an AD to surround themselves with great people & the requirement of having thick skin. Lots more, including comments from NACDA Executive Director Vecchione (hope the weather in Marco is nice), Arizona State Sports Law & Business Program Executive Director & longtime industry thought leader Wong & others. (link)

If you build it (and hire the right HC), they will come. TCU AD Del Conte pleased with the record crowd in Schollmaier Arena last weekend when the MBB Horned Frogs hosted Big 12 rival Baylor. In December 2015, TCU completed a $70M remodel of the former Daniel Meyer Coliseum, complete with lowering the floor, reconfiguring seating, putting in new concourses and a new facade. Then Dixon was hired as the new MBB HC three months later. Del Conte: "When we made that investment in that facility, and then got Jamie to come home, you envisioned that packed house. It was just a matter of time, where I envisioned that environment Saturday night, sooner rather than later. ... People had a hard time believing if we built it, they would come in basketball. But the people that did invest, they were so happy to see the crowd. It just reaffirms my belief that Horned Frog nation knows that if you build it, if you put a quality product on the field or on the court, people are going to come." (link)

Indianapolis Business Journal's Schoettle takes a look at how Butler's MBB growth has impacted its HC compensation & if current boss Holtmann will be highly coveted on the hiring circuit here in a couple of months. "To try to keep other schools from robbing its coaching cradle, Butler has—over the past 15 years—more than quadrupled the position’s annual salary, to the $1.5 million range." Since 2008-09, home attendance in Hinkle Fieldhouse has surged from nearly 5,900 to over 8,300. AD Collier, a former Bulldogs HC himself of course, isn't concerned with any labels of where his program fits, focused purely on "...trying to compete at the very highest level. That sets our course very simply." Lots more. (link)

More on the UAB-Louisiana Tech scuffle. Bulldogs guard Boykins and his Blazers counterpart, Baxter, have both been suspended from their teams respective games today. The statement from Conference USA includes, "We have reviewed the incident in last night's Louisiana Tech vs. UAB men's basketball game. Although the majority of the individuals involved were attempting to diffuse the situation, what occurred last night was unacceptable." Further, the league declared that the officials correctly enforced the rules during the mayhem. (link)

The Ohio State Board of Trustees voted yesterday to approve "some tweaks to salary-setting rules, including one that allows a fast-track for assistant football and basketball coaches." The changes allow AD Smith to take any $270K+ MBB or FB hire straight to the president for approval, skipping the previous provost-to-president-to-board process. (link)

Also Noticed: I don't feel like this is new news, but just to be sure, Miami (FL) AD James will serve a two-year stint as Chairman of the DI Council starting in April. (link); Longtime Wyoming Swimming & Diving HC Johnson will exit at the end of the season. (link); Abilene Christian AD De Leon on the hunt for a new Women's Volleyball HC after parting ways with former boss Bibler. (link); Oakland AD Konya will do the same for Women's Soccer. (link); Check out a picture of the new largest videoboard in college Baseball at Mississippi State. (link); Utah State will work with ReplyBuy for text-based ticket purchases. (link); Southern Miss continues extending a helping hand to local NAIA institution William Carey after last weekend's tragic storms. Will play a triple header on February 4th in Reed Green with William Carey MBB & WBB playing on both sides of USM-Western Kentucky MBB. (link)

Sustaining momentum in a large marketplace with multiple other sports brands to compete against is a challenge. Towson Athletic Director Tim Leonard points to Cincinnati as a collegiate brand that's carved out a nice niche in similar city & situation to Baltimore, then goes on to detail how he & his team are driving the Tigers forward to capture a consistent following. "If we can become like Burger Cookies" is Leonard's tasty analogy. Listen by clicking the link. - link (length - 7:26)

sponsored by Turnkey Search

Want to learn more about advertising to D1.ticker's audience? Click here.

Interested in advertising a job opening in D1.ticker? Click here to submit your position. D1.jobs is sponsored by Turnkey Search, a national search firm specializing in executive level recruiting in sports and entertainment.

(Posted from most recent over the last 30 days)

(NEW!) Sports Law & Business Lecturer (Arizona State University / Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law / Phoenix, AZ): Lecturer will teach 4-6 courses on general sports law as it applies to high school, collegiate, professional sports; will advise JD students on sports research papers. Other duties as assigned. More details HERE.

Graphic Designer (The University of Delaware / Newark, DE): Supports areas across the athletic department. This individual is responsible for creating print and digital promotional materials for athletic teams, and areas within Athletics. More details HERE.

Assistant Director of Development, Athletics (The University of Akron / Akron, OH): The University of Akron, a NCAA Division I institution and proud member of the Mid-American Conference, is now accepting applications for an Assistant Director of Athletics Development / Z-Fund. EEO/AA Employer/Veterans/Disabled. More details HERE.

Director of Corporate Partnerships (American Baseball Coaches Association / Greensboro, NC): The ABCA Director of Corporate Partnerships will oversee sales and execution of all sponsorships. The ABCA has grown to more than 8,300 member coaches and 5,000 attending the annual convention. More details HERE.

Development Officer - Cowboy Joe Club (University of Wyoming / Laramie, WY): Responsibilities include direct involvement with the annual fund drive; game day parking operations/enforcement; premium seating; assisting with auctions, golf tournaments, outreach activities. More details HERE.

Part-time Ticket Sales Representative, Intercollegiate Athletics (Ball State University / Muncie, IN): Market and sell full seasons, partial seasons, group tickets, and mini ticket plans, through outbound sales activities for all ticketed sports. EEO/AA EMPLOYER/Veterans/Disabled. More details HERE.

Director of Athletics (California State University - San Bernardino - CSU / San Bernardino, CA): The Athletics Director is a member of the Div of Student Affairs Sr Management Team. The position directs and administers intercollegiate athletics. Please visit hrd.csusb.edu for more information. More details HERE.

Director of Athletics (Long Beach State University / Long Beach, CA): Long Beach State University (LBSU) invites nominations and applications for the position of Director of Athletics. LBSU Athletics is in Division I in the Big West Conference. More details HERE.

Manager, Talent Management (The University of Delaware / Newark, DE): Responsible for fostering a commitment to diversity & inclusiveness throughout the org. incl but not limited to, staffing & programming. Create, execute, evaluate comprehensive Talent Mgmt prog. More details HERE.

Assistant Director, Athletic Communications (Northwestern University / Evanston, IL): Northwestern Athletics is seeking an innovative & multi-dimensional communications professional w/ graphic design & photography exp to assist in the publicity of Chicago’s Big Ten Team. Job ID 30120. More details HERE.

Marketing and Promotions - Graduate Assistant (Ball State University - Muncie, IN): BSU opening for Marketing and Promotions G.A. 2017 fall semester. Admission to a BSU graduate program is required. Weekly commitment includes office hours as needed, staffing sporting events: weekends/evenings/holidays. More details HERE.

Executive Director, Athletics Development (Syracuse University / Syracuse, NY): Syracuse athletics is seeking an executive to lead all development activities for the athletics program, including direct oversight of the Orange Club. This will be a key senior leadership position. More details HERE.

Assistant Men's Soccer Coach - Goal Keepers (Appalachian State University / Boone, NC): Assist the head coach in the development and management of all facets of a NCAA Division I soccer program. More details HERE.

Forward