#10: For the second time in four days, structural issues with the campus Aquatic Center will force Southern Nazarene MBB and WBB to relocate conference games from the W.T. Watson Center to a nearby high school tomorrow. The Aquatic Center borders the east wall of the Watson Center and has been permanently closed. Per a university statement: “Out of an abundance of caution, SAU was requested to refrain from hosting events in the Watson Athletic Center until the aquatic area is stabilized.” (link, link)
|
#9: Augusta receives a $250K gift toward a new Baseball locker room. (link) |
#8: UMary EVP/Chief of Staff Richter tells The Bismark Tribune the Marauders are close to naming a new AD. At the same time, UMary FB HC Bagnell resigns in order to pursue an as yet unspecified opportunity. With a FB HC opening following HC Bagnell’s departure, Richter notes: “My great hope is that the decision to hire a new head football coach will be made by university administrators and the new athletic director […] I don't think I want to plant the flag that is needs to be done by a certain time and that's the same thing that I told the coaching staff and our players. We want to move very diligently and efficiently while also being very prudent. Could it be before spring football? I wouldn't rule it out, but the straight answer is, I just don't know.” (link, link)
|
#7: Incoming NCAA President Baker will bring his Chief of Staff Buckley from Massachusetts to become the association's new SVP of External Affairs, starting March 1. Baker: "Tim's experience will be vital as we work with policy makers across the country to build a responsible and sustainable future for college athletics. Tim's ability to work across complex organizations and deliver results will be an asset as the Association works through the rapidly changing regulatory environment for college athletics." (link)
|
#6: The Colorado Springs Gazette’s Briggeman reports Colorado-Colorado Springs will cut Men’s and Women’s Golf at the end of this season. Per a school spokesman: “By discontinuing the men’s and women’s golf programs, the UCCS athletic department will save approximately $260,000 per year in three areas; salary/benefit costs, operating expenses and travel expenses.” (link)
|
#5: The NCAA names Interim SVP for Communications Lehe as its new VP of Communications, starting March 1. Incoming NCAA President Baker: "Gina has proven herself to be a strong leader with exceptional skills as a communications strategist and I am proud to have her as a member of my team. As I prepare to take office I've been impressed with Gina's work to make the NCAA's communications collaborative, inclusive and strategic. I look forward to hitting the ground running with her and the whole team soon." (link)
|
#4: As part of its recruiting strategy, West Texas A&M unveils its “Beat Any Offer” whereby WT will aim to beat student aid offers from other institutions. (link) |
#3: Drury announces $4M in cost savings measures, including budget reductions, attrition, vacancies and the elimination of less than ten positions. (link) |
#2: IUP is investigating a racist social media post from Wednesday’s hoops doubleheader which occurred during the playing of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” President Driscoll will meet with senior leadership and campus leaders “so we can start the next round of conversations about how we accelerate progress in our fight against racism at IUP.” (link)
|
#1: The initial MBB (link) and WBB (link) regional rankings have been released, in alphabetical order. |