#10: Concordia Chicago postponed multiple games and suspended MBB HC Kollar following the hospitalization of five student-athletes from a practice that some allege was punishment for S-As breaking curfew on a recent road trip. As university officials investigate the incident, AD Gnan notes: “Our athletics program has zero tolerance for harassment or retaliatory actions of any kind, and reporting mechanisms are in place for students, coaches and related staff.” AC Surles is serving as acting HC. (link)
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#9: Ten Albion MBB student-athletes refused to suit up for Saturday’s home game, alleging that HC May uttered a racial slur multiple times as he repeated the words of one student-athlete during an explanation for why that individual was kicked out of a practice. Per notes from one S-A, on May not addressing the team immediately: “I was shocked that a man in his position didn't know what to do after saying the most derogatory, disrespectful and belittling word.” Also from S-A notes: “As an African-American, it is demeaning to hear the (slur) come from a white male in a position of power. For most of the team, it was the first time they had heard a white person use the word in general. It was devastating to hear it come from our head coach who we work hard for everyday to gain his respect and approval. We are emotionally impacted by this event as student athletes and as human beings. We are embarrassed to play for a man who displays this type of behavior and embarrassed to play for a school that would allow this type of behavior from a man in Coach May’s position.” Some team members want May removed from his position, while the school has reinstated him after a multi-game suspension and orders to undergo sensitivity training. (link)
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#8: Brooklyn College AD Filosa announces his retirement after over 40 years with the Bulldogs. VP of Student Affairs Jackson: "Bruce Filosa has left an indelible mark on Brooklyn College given his passion and dedication to the Athletic Department and all the student athletes. He has established a blueprint for success that is known not only at Brooklyn College, but throughout CUNY. I wish him all the best in his much deserved retirement." (link)
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#7: The NCAA releases a primer for this week’s Convention in San Antonio as VP McCleary chats with media headliner Katz on what DIII attendees can expect. McCleary on the key topics administrators will discuss: “What many I think across the entire association is facing is declining enrollments and declining budgets – that will be a hot topic. Those are two of our education sessions – one is how do you address those declining enrollments? What role does athletics play for the health and wellness of the entire institution? And the other is attracting, recruiting and retaining administrators in Division III. We’ve gotten close to a crisis level with finding athletics trainers and that’s at the core of any athletics department, so our delegates will be focused on those types of conversations.” More. (link)
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#6: Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Women’s S&D student-athlete Johnson decries Scripps’ housing of student-athletes off campus during break, depriving them of rest, recovery and bonding time with their Claremont and Harvey Mudd teammates who are provided on-campus residence. Johnson recounts that she and her teammates attempted to address the issue in mid-November, but were given the run-around by administrators. While noting that CMS AD Jasper was “extremely helpful,” Johnson asserts that Scripps administration risks “decreasing their already dwindling number of Claremont-Mudd-Scripps student-athletes unless they start listening to us, including us in problem-solving conversations and being transparent with us.” (link)
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#5: Cornell College removes the interim tag from AD Meeker who has been leading the Rams since July. VP for Enrollment Management Beckemeyer: "Jeff is a strong leader as exemplified by his long history at Cornell. Cornell's winningest coach and a nine-time conference coach of the year, Jeff has earned the same admiration among Cornell's faculty and staff. He stepped into the interim AD role and led us through a new building transition while also launching a new women's wrestling program. The future of Cornell Athletics is bright with Jeff Meeker as our Director of Athletics." (link)
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#4: Eastern Nazarene will exit the NECC for the NAC, becoming the league's 14th member. ENC AD Zarges: "The invitation to join the NAC is one that ENC Athletics eagerly accepted and we look forward to working alongside member schools immediately in 2023-24. Among a long list of reasons that membership in the NAC became so appealing, two stand out: first, Commissioner Zalot's leadership, along with the collegiality of the athletic administrators, has established clear vision for the conference that is student-athlete centered. Second, the alignment of sport sponsorship allows all but one of our programs to compete in the NAC, allowing ENC to move forward with our strategic goal of comprehensive competitiveness." (link)
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#3: Mammoth announces the addition of Athletics Staffing & Consulting SVP/former NSIC (DII) and RMAC (DII) Commissioner Patberg and ASC Senior Consultant/former Grand Valley State (DII) AD Selgo to "provide success strategies and growth plans for educational institutions nationwide." Mammoth Chief Business Officer Morris: “Simply put, Kurt and Tim are pros and are well respected throughout the collegiate athletics landscape. They know the challenges of small college athletics and have a decades-long track record of providing effective solutions. Together as part of the Mammoth team, we’re going to continue to fill the need for effective, high-quality services for schools at all levels, supported by our creative and construction services.” (link)
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#2: Alfred Asst. VP/AD Vecchio announced his intention to resign. VP for Student Experience DeKay: “Through Paul's work, the University has achieved much, and his efforts will benefit the University for years to come. Paul's leadership has included attention to increasing the University's student athletes' academic performance and retention, and graduation rates and last year saw the highest collective finish as a department in our 23-year association with the Empire 8.” (link)
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#1: CCC Commissioner Kaye will step down at the end of the academic year after 16 years leading the conference. Kaye: “I am extremely proud of the support and collaboration that I have enjoyed with numerous presidents, athletics directors, coaches, officials, and countless other institutional staff members during my 16 years as CCC Commissioner. We had a united goal of advancing the CCC and providing the best possible athletic experience for the student-athletes we have served. I am excited to begin working towards achieving many personal goals inside and outside college athletics.” (link)
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