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Athletics, Council on - Minutes - 2009-2010
October 23, 2009
Members Present: Sam Pardue, Paul Williams, John Griggs, Keith Edmisten, David Rainer, Carol Pope, Joanne Woodard, Emily Street (Women’s Golf), Frideric Prandecki (Men’s Tennis, SAAC), Stephen Kouba (Student Government), Jeff Johnson (Student Government), Randy Ramsey, and Fred Joseph
Members Absent: Jim Mickle, March Krotee, Terry Hill, Len Annetta, Suzanne Weiner, Dewayne Washington, Eddie Watkins
Ex-Officio Members Present: Phil Moses, Executive Director of Academic Support Program for Student Athletes (ASPSA); Lee Fowler, Director of Athletics; and Heather Murphy, Eligibility Coordinator
Ex-Officio Members Absent: Tom Honeycutt (Faculty Senate Liaison); Jo-Ann Robinson, Assistant Vice Provost for Student Diversity;
Coaches Present: Page Marsh, Women's Golf; Carter Jordan, Wrestling; Sidney Lowe, Men’s Basketball
Guests Present: Provost Warwick Arden; Bob Kennel, B.A.S.E.; Michelle Lee, Associate AD for Compliance/SWA; Carrie Leger, Director of the Academic Support Program for Student Athletes; Dick Christy, Associate Athletic Director/ External Operations
Meeting
The Chair, Sam Pardue, called the meeting to order at 2:02 p.m.
Approve Minutes
The minutes of the September 25, 2009 meeting were approved.
Provost Arden’s Comments
Provost Arden commented on the Ground Breaking Ceremony for the Hunt Library and the 25th anniversary of Centennial Campus. He noted that during his first five months as Provost, that he has met many individuals who are very passionate in regards to NC State. He called for a time of vision amidst crisis, referencing the 400 lost positions and $53 million budget reduction.
The Provost indicated that the Chancellor’s search was well underway and that interviews would be concluded by the end of the year. It was hoped that the new Chancellor would be announced by the spring and on campus by summer/fall 2010. The Provost expressed his appreciation for the work of the Council and accepted questions or comments from the membership.
Introduction of Coaches
Coach Carter Jordan [Wrestling] reported that his squad would be very talented, but also very young this season. Nearly 80% of the team would be made up of freshmen and sophomores. Recruiting has gone well with three high school national champions signed. Darrion Caldwell’s NCAA national championship has generated a significant amount of interest in the program. The schedule is difficult, but the goal is to compete for the ACC title and be ranked in the Top 25 nationally. Coach Jordan expressed his appreciation for the new wrestling room and noted the hiring of a new assistant coach.
Coach Sidney Lowe [Men’s Basketball] described his team as young, excited, united, and possessing a good attitude. Their youth is highlighted by the five incoming freshmen joining the squad. Coach Lowe did mention that injuries have impacted pre-season practice. He anticipates a more up tempo style of play and is excited about the recruiting class for 2010. One recruiting service has the 2010 class ranked #4 in the country.
Coach Page Marsh [Women's Golf] commented on this year’s squad of 10 players. Overall, it is a very balanced team with 4 seniors, 2 juniors, 1 sophomore, and 3 freshmen. The team has an aggregate GPA of 3.0 and exhibits good team chemistry. Last year marked the eight consecutive season that the team qualified for the NCAA post season. The Lonnie Poole Golf Course opening and Matt Hill’s NCAA championship has had a big impact on recruiting. Coach Marsh did note that evaluating talent is more difficult in golf relative to many other sports since many variables exist that influence stroke averages.
Athletic Department Update
Athletic Director Lee Fowler noted that after this year, the ACC will no longer be affiliated with the Gator Bowl. The termination of the relationship is due in part to the Gator Bowl’s desire to no longer follow the “one loss rule”. Historically the bowl committee could select a team with a poorer won:loss record if they only differed by one loss, e.g. selecting a team with a 4-4 record over one with a 5-3 record. The Gator Bowl had wanted the option to select its ACC participant without regard to the one loss rule. The ACC will now have affiliations with eight bowls.
The conference is looking at the possibility of playing the men’s ACC basketball tournament in Phillips Arena instead of the Georgia Dome in 2012. If that is the case, each ACC member institution will be allocated 1,478 tickets. This is very comparable to the Charlotte Arena, which provides 1,455 seats per institution.
Director Fowler also reported that a permanent Commissioner of the BCS [Bowl Championship Series] is being considered. He also noted that this year is the 10th anniversary of the RBC Center. Improvements for the video boards for baseball and women’s basketball are planned, as are upgrades for tennis, track, and soccer.
Currently, the men’s cross country team is ranked 21st, rifle 19th, men’s golf 21st, and gymnastics 21st. The men’s soccer team was ranked 14th in the nation. This ranking is significant because the top 16 teams receive a bye in the first round of the NCAA tournament.
Compliance
Michelle Lee, Associate AD for Compliance/SWA reported on upcoming training sessions with coaches and sports administrators regarding:
- Awards and Benefits 10/22/09
- Camps and clinics 11/24/09
Mr. Bob Kennel: B.A.S.E.
Mr. Bob Kennel, former NC State student athlete and distinguished alumnus brought an update concerning the B.A.S.E. program (Beyond Academic Support Excellence). B.A.S.E. is a relatively new program jointly supported by the Academic Support Program for Student Athletes (ASPSA) and the NC State Varsity Club with full support from the Athletic Department, Provost, Varsity Coaches, and Wolfpack Club. The three key purposes of BASE are to provide:
- Advanced Technology for student athletes on travel to minimize missed classes
- Continuous Mentoring for athletes on campus through years of networking
- Current and Former Athletes working together for NC State’s Sportsmanship Image
Academic Support Program for Student-Athletes
Mr. Phil Moses, Executive Director, and Ms. Carrie Leger, Director, of ASPSA reported on issues in academic support. Ms. Leger brought a report regarding the APR update for 2005-2009. APR measures eligibility and retention of student athletes. The NCAA has established a minimum APR of 925 which historically has approximated a 43% graduation rate. For 2008-09 eight NC State athletic teams posted an APR of 1,000. A total of 12 teams improved their APRs and two; men’s basketball and rifle were awarded special recognition for being in the top 10%. Three teams are below the NC State minimum standard of 950.
Mr. Moses presented two recently published books by former student athletes, Rachel Katz (gymnastics) and Orande Ash (Men’s soccer). ASPSA staff are providing workshops that focus on resume development and interviewing techniques. USC 401 is a course offered to assist in the transition of all students to life beyond the campus. On Monday October 13th a speed networking panel was held to allow students to meet individuals from a variety of professions. Booking with the Pack is a community service project aimed at middle school students. Leadership provided by student athletes has as a goal 25,000 new and “gently” used books. Distribution of the books will take place at local Boys and Girls Clubs, YMCA, and The Healing Place.
Student-Athlete Advisory Committee
SAAC representatives reported on the Dunking Booth on the Brickyard to support the Imagine No Hunger campaign. “Camp out” for UNC basketball tickets will be held at Reynolds Coliseum on January 9th.
Commitees:
- Finance, Facilities, & Personnel: Suzanne Weiner, Chair
No report
- Student-life, Equity, & Sportsmanship: Len Annetta, Chair
No Report
- Compliance: Keith Edmisten, Chair
No Report
- Faculty Academic Committee: Paul Williams, Chair
The committee met on October 5th and discussed the upcoming NCAA certification process. Discussion focused on preparation required to produce the appropriate documentation. In addition, review of ASPSA programming was discussed.
Unfinished Business
None noted
New Business
Mr. Fred Joseph graciously provided peanuts from the Peanut Roaster to the Council. A Coaches Memorial is being planned for the West side of Reynolds coliseum. Ms. Carrie Leger was inducted into the Towson State University Hall of Fame. Congratulations Carrie.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3:57 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Sam L. Pardue, Chair