Athletics, Council on - Minutes – 2013-2014
February 28, 2014
Members Present: Sam Pardue, Roby Sawyers, Jim Mickle, Joel Pawlak, Paul Williams, John Griggs, Jason Bocarro, Karen Bullock, Sandy Stallings, Kathy Ziga, Tom Roberts, Derek Aday,
Members Absent: Susan Moore, Astra Barnes, Cody Munson, Peaches Blank, Daniel Gunter, Dave Ellis,
Ex-Officio Members Present: Debbie Yow, Director of Athletics; Joanne Woodard, Vice Provost for Institutional Equity & Diversity; Mike Poterala, Deputy General Counsel; Lisa Zapata, Acting Executive Director of ASPSA
Ex-Officio Members Absent:
Coaches Present: Bryan Bunn, Volleyball
Student Athletes Present: Caroline Gentry, Women’s Soccer
Guests Present: Chancellor Randy Woodson; Chris Boyer, Senior Associate Athletic Director for External Operations; Carrie Doyle, Senior Associate AD/Compliance
Meeting
The Chair, Sam Pardue, called the meeting to order at 2:00 p.m.
Minutes Approval
The January 24, 2014 minutes were approved.
Chancellor Woodson’s Charge
Dr. Pardue introduced Chancellor Randy Woodson who commented on the important role of Council on Athletics (COA). He emphasized the advisory element of the COA and its obligation to keep his office well informed on all issues related to inter-collegiate athletics. Chancellor Woodson noted that a new Director of the Academic Support Program for Student Athletes (ASPSA), Mr. Jermaine Holmes, would be joining us in early March. Holmes, a former varsity football player, held a similar position at Virginia Tech. Dr. Woodson also praised the good work of NC State's Professional Sports Counseling Panel and thanked Mike Poterala for his efforts in establishing the group. The Chancellor also mentioned that approvals for the indoor practice facility at the Carter-Finley Stadium Complex had been granted. He was also pleased to announce that the project to renovate historic Reynolds Coliseum was moving forward. Much need improvements and enhancements are planned, while retaining the historic elements of the structure.
Introduction of Coaches
Coach Bryan Bunn brought a report on the status of the volleyball program. This is Coach Bunn’s 4th year in leading the program. The team had another successful year with consecutive 20 win seasons for the first time since 1995-96. The Lady Wolfpack finished 5th in the ACC with an 11-9 conference record and 20-12 overall. The future is bright with the projected loss of only one starter and a good recruiting class slated to enter in the Fall. Importantly, we will have experience at the setter position next season. Academically the team has performed well with a cumulative 3.1 GPA and a 995 APR.
Volleyball will directly benefit from the Reynolds renovations. It is anticipated that a new “Sports Court” will be installed. The modular flooring system is comprised of 1X1 foot interlocking panels. The system provides a combination of vertical shock absorption, traction, and ability to slide on the surface. The renovations will require the identification of alternate practice and playing sites. Several sites are being considered.
The recent success of the program has shifted recruiting toward a national perspective. The resurgence of the program has built a reputation among club coaches and increased access to the best players. Because volleyball recruits two years in advance, the 2012-13 NCAA appearance has paid dividends in recruiting. The 2014 recruiting class is the best during Coach Bunn’s tenure at NC State.
Student Athlete
Caroline Gentry, from women’s soccer, served as the student athlete (SA) representative in February. A forward/outside striker, Caroline is a Raleigh native and graduate of Leesville Road High School. She is a multiple legacy representative with both her parents, aunts, and other relatives being Wolfpack alumni. Both of her brothers also played football for the Red & White.
Caroline came to NC State to “be a part of changing the program”, but readily admitted that her freshman season was difficult. Playing in the most competitive conference for women’s soccer in the nation made wins difficult to come by. With the arrival of Head Coach Tim Santoro in late 2012, she indicated that the team is moving in the right direction. The highlight of the 2013 season was the upset of then ranked #23 Wake Forest. The recent addition of two transfers from Auburn and Penn State has strengthened the squad. Facilities renovations have been a great boost to the program; in particular improvements to the weight room.
A nutrition science major, Caroline’s goal is to pursue a career as a sports nutritionist. She commented that being a SA required a lot of work, but that they received great advising. Transition programs like Summer Start and MAGIC (Maximizing Academic Growth in College) were mentioned as beneficial.
Athletic Department Update
Director Yow brought an update from Athletics. The Case Academic Center received an $85,000 renovation with upgraded flooring and cosmetic enhancements: paint and artwork. Women’s Basketball player, Kody Burke, was named a three time Academic All American. Congratulations Kody! Football also had a number of Academic All Americans and ranked second only to Duke in the ACC.
Dr. Yow mentioned the indoor practice facility and the loss of some parking for the 2014 season. While football will have priority, other sports will utilize the facility. The Reynolds renovation will involve some new seating and a new scoreboard. A $35 million project, $8 million will be dedicated to provide air conditioning. A Walk of Fame and History will occupy the northern third of the building.
Dr. Yow discussed the recent NCAA meetings in San Diego. Governance restructuring and the possible granting of some autonomy for five equity or “power” conferences was noted. It is anticipated that during the summer meeting of the NCAA Board of Directors that they will recommend a simplified governance structure.
SA mental health and wellness remains a point of emphasis. Coaches and Athletic Department staff attended a presentation by our sports psychologists and sports medicine staffs. The intent was to share information on a number of issues from speakers with subject matter expertise. Because coaches frequently have the most interaction with SA and assume the role of the first line of observation, their awareness of mental health issues is imperative.
Kate Kirby was named as the Director of Sports Nutrition for the NC State Athletics Department in the fall of 2012. Plans are in place to add a second, full time nutritionist. The department is also engaged in a bid process to identify health care providers.
Director Yow reported that the intersection at Morrill Drive and Western Boulevard will receive a significant enhancement to designate this location as major entrance for the university. Originally slated for construction in 4-5 years, the project was accelerated due to a cost sharing agreement between the university and Athletics. With an estimated cost of $400,000, the Athletic Department will contribute approximately $200,000.
A brief discussion about the current ACC football division’s structure occurred. At present the
Atlantic and Coastal divisions are skewed relative to difficulty and parity. FSU, Clemson, and Louisville will all be in the Atlantic, along with NC State. For example, in Division I football there is a total of 126 teams. Nationally only 20 teams played 3 or more top 25 teams in the regular season. Of those 20, three will be in the ACC Atlantic division and none in the Coastal. Only the SEC, with five, will have more. An attempt to adjust the division’s makeup failed. The challenges of the Atlantic Division are exacerbated by the youth of the NC State squad; with 58 freshmen and sophomores projected to be on the roster.
Other issues discussed included:
· Exploring the possibility of starting The State Fair earlier to avoid parking conflicts with football
· Carrie Doyle spoke to Board of Trustees audit committee
· Men’s swimming team were ranked #1 at ACC meet after the first day of competition
· Women's basketball team currently holds a 24-5 record and praise for Head Coach Wes Moore
Compliance
Carrie Doyle, Senior Associate AD/Compliance provided a Powerpoint presentation on compliance issues.
Academic Support Program for Student-Athletes
Lisa Zapata, Acting Executive Director of ASPSA, reported that new Director Jermaine Holmes would arrive on campus Monday, March 3.
Committees:
Finance, Facilities, & Personnel Paul Williams
No report
Student-life, Equity, & Sportsmanship John Griggs
Chair Griggs commented on the most recent SAAC meeting and found our SA to be highly motivated. He was also very complementary for the First & Goal Career Fair. It was well organized and provided a great networking opportunity.
Compliance Joel Pawlak
The sub-committee met and discussed issues surround summer school
Faculty Academic Committee: Roby Sawyers
A meeting with Vice Chancellor and Dean for Academic and Student Affairs Dr. Mike Mullen was scheduled for the afternoon of March 7th.
Unfinished Business
None noted
New Business
None noted
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3:40
Respectfully Submitted,
Sam L. Pardue, Chair