#10: Sul Ross State (DIII) officially announces that it has applied to move to DII and join the Lone Star Conference. AD Workman: “If we are admitted to Division II, we can start making scholarship offers, and I can’t think of a better investment in someone’s education. We’ll be attracting more students who will be able to continue to participate in sports after high school because, and there will be a value add at Sul Ross State. It makes us more competitive on the field and we believe it will increase enrollment and augment retention efforts. Ultimately, our goal is to have all student-athletes graduate with a degree from SRSU.” Of note: “One of the conditions is an earmarked pool of $250,000 for athletic scholarships. Saving on the expense of travel will help to offset those costs, as will a minimal increase in the athletic fee, along with the expected higher enrollment. However, said Workman, most of that cost is expected to be generated by fundraising efforts.” (link)
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#9: Central Missouri appoints Assoc. VP for Intercollegiate Athletics/SWA Anderson as Interim VP for Intercollegiate Athletics. President Best: “We are fortunate to have someone of Kathy's caliber and experience to step into this critical position for UCM. I have had the privilege of serving with Kathy in a variety of contexts during her lengthy service, and I have tremendous confidence in her ability to lead UCM Intercollegiate Athletics. Not surprising given Jerry Hughes' penchant for excellent recruitment, we have a deep bench in the department, and I'm sure Kathy will rely on the team to pull together to keep us moving forward.” (link)
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#8: Academy of Art will discontinue its Baseball program at the end of this season, reducing its sport sponsorship to 13. AD Jones: “It is a difficult decision to discontinue a sport. It impacts so many people who have dedicated so much to the program. [...] We are proud of our past and present baseball student-athletes, we are pleased that they are representatives of the Academy of Art University, and we look forward to their future successes. We are also very appreciative of our baseball coaches for their professionalism, service, and dedication to our student-athletes and the baseball program at the Academy of Art University. We will continue to focus on supporting our baseball student-athletes throughout this process.” (link)
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#7: Trevecca Nazarene parts ways with MBB HC Mance after five seasons. AC Huisman will serve as interim HC. (link) |
#6: MIAA Commissioner Racy details the new DII FB Alliance being spearheaded by his association and the GLIAC: “This alliance, that we hope to get started this spring, will allow presidents and ADs and commissioners from conferences like the GLIAC, the Gulf South Conference, the Lone Star Conference, maybe a couple of others to get around the table and talk about Division II football and how we can make it better, how we can continue to make it stronger and how we can continue to elevate its brand when people think about Division II football and what it means.” Racy points to taking advantage of its national TV opportunities, being more proactive and reactive and more as keys for the alliance. As Lincoln (MO) exits the conference after 2023-24, the Blue Tigers will play the ‘23 FB season against MIAA members in non-conference matchups, allowing LU and MIAA members the flexibility to replace their contests should both entities find alternative opponents. Racy continues that league CEOs are embarking on a “strategic membership growth strategy.” Further: “I am confident that we will replace Lincoln really soon. Beyond that, we’re going to continue to look to grow and I think that growth will include both schools that have football and schools that don’t have football located in the midwest.” More. (link)
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#5: Arkansas Tech unveils its new look with the assist from Torch Creative. AD Davis: "These new logos are a seamless connection between our past and present, while also positioning us for the future. […] Within the footprint of our state and our region, 'Tech' has always been synonymous with Arkansas Tech University. Our new primary logo captures that sentiment in a bold way that will lend itself to a look that will strongly represent our athletic department for years to come. The incorporation of the outline of the State of Arkansas further drives home who we are, but in a subtle and visually captivating way – We are Arkansas Tech! It was also important for us during this process to find a way to have Arkansas represented in a significant way to stay connected to our present and the fact that over 90% of our student population are from Arkansas." (link)
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#4: West Virginia Wesleyan AD Tenney announces he will step down after over 12 years leading the Bobcats. Tenney: "This is the right time to step away. Consultants and trustees are considering new approaches in athletics that would be implemented over the next 3 to 5 years. I believe it is best for the college to have an Athletic Director in place to see recommendations through, from beginning to end during that period." WVWC Interim President Moore: "The College is grateful for Coach Tenney's many years of service. I've personally been helped by Coach Tenney during my brief time in this role, and he's been the consummate teacher. His passion for WVWC Athletics is something that we can't wait to celebrate. We wish him well in his next journey." (link)
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#3: Walsh announces Xavier Louisiana (NAIA) AD Cochran as its new AD, effective February 6. WU President Collins: “After an extensive review of nearly 40 incredible candidates from across the country, Nathan’s enthusiastic leadership style coupled with an amazing professional track record set him apart. He is an exemplary leader and follower who shares our commitment to furthering the largest leadership laboratory on campus and contributing to the work of building Walsh 4.0. We are pleased to welcome this leader, this athlete, this scholar to the President’s Cabinet as we build a 'best-in-class' intercollegiate athletic program alongside his amazing colleagues in our Athletic Department. It’s a pivotal time for Walsh University athletics as we grow our portfolio of competitive athletic programming with the addition of women’s STUNT and men’s sprint football – we thank Our Lady of Perpetual Help for her intercession in guiding Nate to Cav Nation – Swords Up!” (link)
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#2: The PSAC has publicly reprimanded Gannon MBB for an incident during its game Saturday against Edinboro, which also resulted in the officials from that contest being suspended for two future assignments. Per the Erie Times-News’ Reisenweber, “A player on the Gannon bench went onto the floor and tapped an Edinboro player on the head during play,” after the Golden Knights hit a three-pointer to go up 59-45. (link, link)
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#1: The PBC filed a lawsuit against Young Harris, seeking $240K in withdrawal fees. Commissioner Brunk: “This is not something we want to do, however, our policies and procedures are clear. Young Harris President Drew Van Horn is well aware of what is required given the timing of its withdrawal. For the past ten years, we have enjoyed having Young Harris as part of the Peach Belt family. While we would be open to Young Harris returning to the conference, we expect it to fulfill the obligations resulting from its withdrawal.” (link)
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