ShaneWilson

ESU Athletics promote Collins to head coach

Written by ShaneWilson
Thursday, 29 April 2010 07:19
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Top Bar 1 COLOR Emporia State University named former Brandon Schneider assistant Jory Collins the sixth women’s basketball head coach at a press conference on Tuesday morning.

ESU Athletic Director Kent Weiser talked about the events leading up to the eventual hiring of Collins at the presser.

“For the last seven days, I’ve had daily conversations with a man who’s played a major role in the success of our program, both on the court and in the classroom,” Weiser said.“We talked about not only his qualifications for the job, but about his vision for the future…I am confident that the future of the program is in talented and capable hands, and I’m excited to work with him as he makes his mark on our exceptional women’s basketball program.”

Weiser also talked of the importance of hiring the right person for the job, given Emporia State’s special circumstance.

“One week ago, we learned there would be a change in leadership of Emporia State women’s basketball,” Weiser said.“Whenever such a change occurs, regardless of the sport, it’s important to give careful consideration to the personal and professional qualities needed for someone to assume the responsibilities of head coach.When a program happens to be the reigning National Champions, the consideration is of special importance.”

Collins’ was introduced to a full crowd who showed their appreciation with sizeable applause.

“It is an absolute honor to be named the head women’s basketball coach at Emporia State University,” Collins said.“It’s a privilege to be able to head a program that has the national prominence that we do.The support that the community provides Emporia State makes this one of the elite places in the country to coach and play women’s basketball.That’s why we’re able to attract some of the top student-athletes in the country.”

Collins, a 2002 ESUgraduate, was the prime candidate for the job based on his track record with the program.

Although the administration believed he was the right man for the job, there were a few concerns.

“It was obviously an issue that I don’t have head coaching experience,” Collins said.“I think I make up for that (in that) one of my biggest strengths is that when I started in this program, I was doing laundry as a student assistant.Every year I’ve worked up from that, to a graduate assistant to a full time assistant.I know exactly what it takes at each of those levels for this program to run smoothly.”

Current and former Lady Hornets were pleased with the hiring.According to former point guard Cassondra Boston, the Collins hiring made sense.

“I think it’s a great fit for both him and the team,” Boston said.“Jory’s obviously been with this program for a really long time.He has a great work ethic and I think that work ethic is going to transfer over to everyone on the team.”

Collins looks to join the ranks of five previous Emporia State women’s basketball head coaches with records over .500, most notably Schneider, who left ESU with an impressive 306-72 (.810) record.

Graham follows in grandfather’s footsteps

Written by ShaneWilson
Thursday, 29 April 2010 07:14
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Graham

Having pitched in the Division II National Championship game a season ago, senior pitcher Ben Graham has nearly seen it all. The recreation major and Holden, Mo., native came from Hutchinson Community College to Emporia State ready to make an immediate impact – it showed in the championship game, although the team eventually fell to Lynn University, 2-1.

For Graham, the situation was intense.

“It was pretty crazy,” Graham said. “Just knowing you’re on national television, having a bunch of people you know back home watching you and getting to compete for a national championship – I really don’t know how to explain it.”

Now in his senior year at ESU, Graham still has the same expectations as last season.

“I think, this year, we have more talent than we did last year,” Graham said. “It’s just finding a way to put it all together. We’re still struggling a little bit, but my expectations are still to win a national championship.”

Graham is definitely doing his part. He’s currently third in the MIAA with a 2.02 earned run average.

Even out of Hutch, expectations for Graham were high.

“When Ben came here, we knew he was a pretty good pitcher,” said John Martin, Graham’s pitching coach. “He’s always had good stuff. I think his velocity has increased since last year. He’s always had good movement, and he’s also increased his command of all three of his pitches.”

According to senior catcher David Albritton, Graham is the perfect pitcher to catch for.

“It’s awesome,” Albritton said. “He throws strikes and he’s quick. It’s a lot of fun catching him. You don’t have to do too much work because he’s going to split your body and he’s going to throw strikes.”

Graham said the differences between Emporia State and HCC are vast, in a good way.

“It’s a lot more laid back here,” Graham said. “It’s more professional, I would say. JUCO is really working to fine-tune your skills, like developing you into a good baseball player. Everyone that’s here is coming from JUCO, so it’s just like coming together as a team more and playing good baseball.”

As a source of inspiration, Graham thinks about his grandfather. Apparently, baseball runs in the family.

“My grandpa was a really good pitcher back when he was younger,” Graham said. “He was getting scouted by the Major Leagues, and he always talked to me about pitching and stuff. I think about him everyday.”

Even in his spare time, Graham and his teammates can’t seem to escape baseball.

“I pretty much just hang out with the guys,” Graham said. “We always go over to one guy’s house and hang out and play video games and watch baseball. It’s baseball on the field, and when we get off the field, we’re watching baseball. It’s baseball all day long.”

Perhaps the 24/7 baseball schedule gives Graham the edge he needs to excel. Martin believes Graham is a key to the Hornets’ success.

“He consistently goes out there and gives us a chance to win,” Martin said.

Schoolchildren suffer new loss with wipeout of honor rolls go to site blocked games at school

AZ Daily Star February 1, 2004 | Bonnie Henry COLUMN There is no honor in the honor roll anymore.At least not in Nashville, Tenn., where, according to recent news accounts, schools have stoped publicizing honor rolls and are contemplating banning any display of good works in the hallways.

Naturally, the lawyers are to blame – as well as a few asinine parents who can’t stand the idea that their kids are being slighted.

Never mind that these particular children are turning out work not worthy of the honor roll – or a nail in the hallway.

Haven’t you heard? We’re all moving closer and closer to Lake Wobegon, where “all the women are strong, all the men are good- looking, and all the children are above average.” There’s only one little problem with that destination: Lake Wobegon is fictional.

Meanwhile, here in the real world, honors – at least the ones that mean anything – usually go to those who excel.

They don’t give the Academy Award for best picture to “Dude, Where’s My Car?” – no matter how many adolescent males wish it were so.

They don’t pin the Medal of Honor on soldiers who toil in the typing pool.

And they don’t award the top prize in the National Spelling Bee to kids who can’t spell Mississippi.

Tell me, parents: Did your children feel like lesser human beings after hearing that 13-year-old Sai Gunturi nailed “pococurante” to win last year’s Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee?

If so, maybe your kids should have done what young Sai did. You see, this wasn’t his first time in the competition. here blocked games at school

In 2002 he tied for seventh place. In 2001 he tied for 16th place. A year earlier, he tied for 32nd. place.

Rather than give up – or ask a lawyer to file suit against the contest because his feelings were hurt – he just worked harder.

But apparently, that sort of old-fashioned work ethic doesn’t apply in Tennessee.

For according to The Associated Press, some schools there have also stopped academic pep rallies and others are thinking about canceling spelling bees.

Ah, yes. The spelling bee – an activity likely to set off many a sweaty palm and churning stomach.

Friday afternoons were when ours were held back in elementary school. Thirty words on a list. Learn ‘em or else.

I usually did, though some of the kids struggled. Sure, they probably hated the spelling bee more than I did.

On the other hand, we all knew who was going to be picked last once recess came and it was time to choose up sides for softball.

My particular hell was out on the playing fields. Theirs was in the classroom.

Somehow we all survived the trauma without the need for litigation.

Yet what are we to make of Steven Baum, principal of Julia Green Elementary School, in Nashville?

After sacking the spelling bee at his school, he told the press: “I discourage competitive games at school. They just don’t fit my world view of what a school should be.” Look out, kids. Today, the spelling bee. Tomorrow, the baseball game.

Actually, it’s already happened. When was the last time you went to a kids’ playoff game where everyone didn’t go home with a trophy?

Nothing wrong with that – if you’re 5 years old. But sooner or later, our children have to learn that excellence matters.

And in the real world it deserves to be honored.

Bonnie Henry’s column appears Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Reach her at 434-4074 or at bhenry@azstarnet.com or write to 3295 W. Ina Road, Suite 125, Tucson, AZ 85741.

Bonnie Henry

Schneider out at ESU

Written by ShaneWilson
Thursday, 22 April 2010 09:40
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Schneider

Three weeks after winning the Division II women’s basketball National Championship, Brandon Schneider is out as Emporia State’s head basketball coach. Schneider accepted a job offer of the same position at Stephen F. Austin State University, a Division I school in Nacogdoches, Tex., on April 15.

“I came down (to Nacodoches) last week on a Tuesday,” Schneider said. “I was on campus all day Wednesday, and then I got a phone call Thursday early evening and was offered the position. I took a couple hours to visit with my wife and ended up accepting the position later on that evening.”

Schneider left Emporia State with over 40 percent of the Lady Hornets’ total victories. He compiled a 306-72 record throughout his 12 seasons as the team’s head coach.

Schneider met with the team last Friday to let them know of his decision to leave Emporia State.

“We had a meeting on Friday afternoon, and he just let us know,” said freshman guard Rachel Hanf. “He didn’t say a whole lot, which I didn’t blame him. It was an emotional time for all of us. He kind of just laid it out that and said it was the best decision for him and his family.”

Assistant coach Jory Collins was present for the meeting.

“It went as good as to be expected – obviously they were disappointed,” Collins said. “(Schneider) just made them aware that it was a decision for his family and had nothing to do with them or here or anything like that; it was just the best decision for him.”

According to Schneider, the team meeting was a hard pill to swallow.

“That was really tough,” Schneider said. “That was one of the toughest things I’ve ever done – it was a really tough decision (because) I care a lot about not only those players but anyone that’s ever played for us. It was just a tough situation.”

Emporia State, under Schneider’s direction, went to the NCAA Tournament 11 out of the 12 seasons he was head coach. Collins felt the program built by Schneider serves as an example to other institutions.

“He’s the model for how to run a program in the right way as far as doing all the things the fans want to see, which is winning basketball games, but also what administration wants to see as far as graduating players and being available to the community,” Collins said.

One of the most important factors that led to Schneider’s departure was that the basketball program was in good shape before he left it.

“I would not have left it wasn’t that case,” Schneider said. “We just felt like this was the perfect time with everybody that was returning to Emporia State as well as the recruiting class that was put together. We felt like, if we were going to make a move, that this was the perfect time to do it with the program being in as good a shape as it ever has been.”

Of course, if Stephen F. Austin wasn’t the right place for him, Schneider wouldn’t have accepted the job.

“Obviously SFA was a very attractive position,” Schneider said. “They have a lot of history and a lot of tradition and it’s a community very similar to that of Emporia that really wants a women’s basketball program.”

While the disappointment over the loss of an Emporia State coaching legend is apparent, the players themselves still wish Schneider the best in his future endeavors.

“I’m disappointed,” Hanf said. “I was really looking forward to having him as my coach, but he made the right decision. It was a great opportunity for him, and I wish him the best.”

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ESU assistant Collins frontrunner for head basketball position

Written by ShaneWilson
Thursday, 22 April 2010 09:38
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Collins

With the absence of a head coach for the Emporia State women’s basketball team, the administration is currently looking at former Brandon Schneider assistant Jory Collins as a possible replacement.

Collins, a native of Holton, has been with the women’s basketball program for nine years. He has contributed to almost 150 Hornets’ wins and only 47 losses on the bench under Schneider.

“I just feel like I’ll be able to bring continuity,” Collins said. “Obviously it’s not broke here – it’s a national championship program. I feel like I was responsible for a lot of that in helping (Schneider) get us to where we are. I feel like I’d be able to keep it going in the same direction to we’ve been in.”

Before embarking on a nationwide search for a replacement for Schneider, Emporia State administrators have decided to look into the possibility of promoting Collins to be the successor.

The players at ESU gave a vote of confidence in Collins to be their next head coach.

“We all are really hoping that Jory gets that job,” said freshman guard Rachel Hanf. “We think he’d be a great person for it to step right in where Brandon left off.”

Collins believes that his close-knit relationship with the players led to the vote of confidence.

“That means a lot,” Collins said. “To be honest, it’s what I expected because I know them. We know each other and we have a great relationship. I’m not that old, so I don’t look at them as a daughter, but I do look at them a lot as little sisters.”

Even after exiting the program, Schneider feels that Collins should be the number one prospect for the job.

“Without question,” Schneider said. “He’s earned this opportunity. He’s been apart of the program for eight years. He’s recruited every single player that will be a part of the program next year with the exception of AlliVolkens and Brittney Miller. He’s a terrific teacher on the floor and has fantastic recruiting contacts and ties throughout the Midwest. He was always a really big part of our game plan and our in game coaching and I don’t think there is any question he is ready.”

Schneider has served as Collins’ mentor from the moment he entered the program.

“He’s been all my influence – I haven’t worked for anyone else,” Collins said. “As a mentor, he’s responsible for a lot of things (like) the way I look at coaching. When I first started working for him I thought he was John Wooden, and as we got to know each other over the years, it’s just a good relationship.”

Hanf holds a strong belief that Collins would be the best fit for the squad, who is coming off a Division II National Championship run.

“He really knows how we play and what’s going to work for our team and what’s not going to work,” Hanf said. “He recruited all of us so he knows how we work.”

Going, Going, Gone

Written by ShaneWilson
Thursday, 22 April 2010 09:35
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Brandon Schneider has left the building.

The winningest women’s basketball coach in Emporia State University history has decided to move on to Stephen F. Austin State University, a Division I school in Nacogdoches, Tex.

It would be hard for me to blame Schneider for taking the job.Stephen F. Austin’s women’s basketball program has a very rich, proud tradition of excellence on and off the basketball court.

And it would be very hard for me to argue against taking a higher paying, higher profile Division I job in the recruit-rich state of Texas, either.

Schneider has basically done all that he can at Emporia State.Countless postseason accolades for himself and his players, high finishes in the regular season conference race and the postseason tournament and the ever-popular National Championship are what Schneider has left behind to the Hornet faithful.

These honors and privileges will live on forever in the hearts and minds of those who were apart of the magic – these should never be taken for granted.It’s not often that a small-town college can do so many great things on the basketball court on a regional and national level.

Schneider is certainly moving on to bigger things, but will have to withstand the test of time.While watching his press conference where he was introduced as SFA women’s basketball head coach, I watched the same old coach preach the same old things.

Toughness.Chemistry.Defense.Identity.

These principals have led Schneider and his teams to greatness year in and year out, capping it all of with this past season’s #1 ranking and the elusive tourney trophy.While his players at ESU obviously took those principles to heart, it will remain to be seen whether or not Schneider’s new group of student-athletes will buy in to his program.

With Schneider’s track record, I have no doubt that they will.

What Schneider leaves behind is a team coming off of its deepest tournament run ever.The team, undoubtedly led by senior forward and NCAA Division II Elite Eight MVP Alli Volkens (what a mouthful), will be without the proven leadership of Schneider for the first time in over a decade.

If I were in that circumstance, a bevy of thoughts and ideas would be swirling around in my head.

Schneider assistant Jory Collins aims to take over the head coaching position, but will first have to await the approval of ESU President Michael Lane and Athletic Director Ken Weiser.

If Collins is hired, the program wouldn’t skip a beat and go on about doing business like it has previously, one would believe.Hell, Collins is a Schneider protégé if there ever was one.

Only time will tell if Collins is the heir-apparent to Schneider’s vacant throne.In the mean time, why don’t we all take a moment and reminisce about the honor and glory Schneider brought to Emporia State basketball.

ESU wins big over SC, Fornelli earns 600th win

Written by ShaneWilson
Thursday, 15 April 2010 07:47
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Top Bar Photo 1

The Emporia State baseball team punished Sterling College for last Tuesday evening, 24-4. The win marked Coach Bob Fornelli’s 600th of his career.

“It’s a neat deal,” Fornelli said. “It means I’m getting old, and I’ve been around for awhile. It’s because we’ve had good players, and they’ve done the right things to allow our programs to do good in the past.”

Senior outfielder Tyler Herrig was proud to be apart of the milestone.

“We played real well,” Herrig said. “And that (600 wins) is an amazing feat for Coach Fornelli…he deserves it, though. He’s a great coach, knows what he’s doing. He’s one of the best ones I’ve ever played for.”

According to junior infielder Kevin Wempe, the 600-plus wins just come with the territory for Fornelli.

“That is a big number,” Wempe said. “It’s just a testament to what he demands of his players. He’s just got a passion for winning. He’s allergic to losing.”

The bats came alive for the Hornets in epic fashion versus the Warriors of Sterling – Emporia State outhit SC 19-9 and had five home runs on the evening.

According to Fornelli, the game was in hand before it even started.

“You could tell before this game that it was going to be a good day,” Fornelli said. “Guys were loose, and they were having fun before the game even started. (They) were a little tight after the first inning, striking out two out of three of the first hitters, but we had some guys step up and have good swings and got on a roll and good things happened.”

Wempe went 2-5 with two home runs on the outing, a step up from pervious attempts from several weeks before.

“I got some good pitches to hit today,” Wempe said. “It felt comfortable and (I) was able to put some good swings on it.”

Fornelli said that it was a small break that gave Wempe the tools to put it together.

“I think the time off made him (Wempe) relax a little bit and just watch the game a little bit,” Fornelli said. “I thought he played really well Sunday and came out and did a good job again today.”

Wempe agreed that the time off did him some good.

“Personally I made a couple adjustments and had to sit there and watch for a little while,” Wempe said. “Hopefully me, and also as a team, we get things rolling and play nothing but solid baseball from here on out.”

Senior infielder Kenny Burkhead went 1-3 with three RBI and a home run, while junior outfielder Travis Whipple went 2-4 with four RBI and a homer. Acting as a pinch hitter, Herrig went a perfect 2-2 with five RBI and a home run.

The Hornets next take the mound on April 16 at home against MIAA opponent Missouri Southern. The first of a four-game series is set to start at 6 p.m.

Profile: Emporia State Tennis’ Schoon leads team by example, sportsmanship

Written by ShaneWilson
Thursday, 15 April 2010 07:45
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Schoon

Emporia State tennis’ Kevin Schoon knows how to be successful in more ways than one. The Winfield native is a biochemistry and molecular biology major, the men’s team captain and the #1 player on the team.

John Cayton, head coach of the men’s tennis team, believes Schoon’s mental abilities transcend just the classroom.

“Kevin’s always been a very, very smart player,” Cayton said. “He plays well with his mind, and he’s always been somebody that plays high percentage.”

Schoon’s a proven leader of the team, although he’s not a very vocal person.

“I’m team captain and I feel like I’ve done a good job at that,” Schoon said. “I’m really not the most vocal leader, but I try to lead more by example in playing hard and just being really motivating to the other guys.”

Fellow senior team member Spencer Pozek has seen first hand Schoon’s impact on the squad.

“He’s a good teammate,” Pozek said. “He always gives his best effort. He’s definitely a quiet guy, but the underclassmen follow him – not by what he says, but the way he acts.

He never gets real fired up,” Pozek said. “That probably why he he’s been so successful because he’s real even keel. In tennis, you have to be able to stay on a steady plain, and not go up and down.”

It’s not only Schoon’s leadership qualities that have been noticed. Last year, coaches around the MIAA honored him with the Sportsmanship Award.

“It meant a lot knowing that they (MIAA coaches) think highly of me,” Schoon said. “I try to be a good sport, so it’s really nice that people notice that.”

Along with excellent sportsmanship and a soft-spoken leadership style, Schoon brings to the table a complimentary skill set.

“One of the things Kevin has developed is some weapons,” Cayton said. “His forehand has become a very big weapon. His serve has become more of a weapon… the thing that he does very well…is he moves forward and finishes points at net very well.”

Consistency has been a word closely associated with Schoon since he came to Emporia State four years ago.

“I think it’s really important for me to just try to do what I know I can do and not try to do more, and that’s being really consistent,” Schoon said. “A lot of times it does frustrate other players who want to end the point quickly.”

Cayton realized Schoon’s value and potential from an early stage.

“He’s extremely valuable because, a guy like Kevin, you can put him out there at whatever position and you know he will compete and perform for you day in, day out,” Cayton said. “He’s been a very, very consistent performer, somebody that’s not going to make a lot of mistakes.”

Catch it if you can

Written by ShaneWilson
Thursday, 15 April 2010 07:42
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SHANE WILSON

Mere weeks separate the students of Emporia State from the ever-coveted summer vacation.The time for books and studying will come to a halt for most, and along with that, the crack of a bat, the whoosh of a tennis racket, and the thud of a shot hitting gravel will also halt.

I know I’ve spent my fair share of time trying to persuade my readers to get out and catch a game, but I only do so because I think it’s important.

A fanbase without fans is a sad, sad affair.

The chance to go watch some premium MIAA competition this year is waning and fast.How awesome would it be if the momentum from the women’s basketball National Championship carried over to a spring sport?

I’m sure the athletic department would love to see it.

I know what you’re thinking.Spring sports don’t have the same fan appeal that fall and winter sports do.I partly agree with that.It would be hard for me to pass up a good game of football or basketball to watch a softball game.

I implore you to at least give it a chance.It’s still exciting to see your peers hit a home run or jump a record height.Just because the spring sports aren’t the “big ticket” sports doesn’t mean they don’t deserve some love, too.

Think about the time and dedication it takes to play a college sport.Now think about the same factors playing a sport that receives little to no admiration or attention.It doesn’t sound too fun to me.

These student-athletes are just like the student-athletes that we all adore from the big name sports.For every Alli Volkens there’s a Kevin Wempe, who deserves just as much adoration as the former.

These athletes can do some pretty amazing things as well – just try and hit a tiny ball with a stick going 90 miles per hour and tell me how easy it is.

I’m not trying to criticize those who simply don’t enjoy baseball or tennis or track and field.I’m simply trying to persuade those of you who won’t even give these sports a chance to do just that.Who knows, you might enjoy yourself.

Track and field’s Robinson learns from adversity

Written by ShaneWilson
Thursday, 08 April 2010 07:33
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Robinson

Emporia Sate student-athlete Jennifer Robinson has high jumping down pat. The junior graphic design major is the only high jumper for the ESU women’s track and field team – yet the Mound Valley native is All-American caliber for Division II.

As recently as April 3, Robinson dominated the field in both the high jump and long jump, coming away with two event championships for the Hornets at the State Farm ESU Relays.

ESU track and field coach David Harris has always had high expectations for Robinson.

“I had expectations, in the high jump, (for her) to go right back to being an All-American, one of the top high jumpers in Division II in the country,” Harris said.

The road to greatness wasn’t an easy one for Robinson.

“Jennifer was beat up last year,” Harris said. “We beat her up trying to do more events, probably, than we should have. She wanted to do that – she wanted to do the heptathlon…it didn’t work out.”

Robinson is well aware that the injury hindered her progression last season. However, after a full recovery, she expects to continue to improve.

“Last year I was injured, so most of the season I would just come whenever I wanted to work out because I was hurt,” Robinson said. “This year since I’m healthy again, I’m back to doing what I can do.”

Besides the injury, Robinson has faced another obstacle: a heavy course load. It’s not uncommon for her, due to her schedule, for Robinson to have to train on her own.

“It’s not easy to train by yourself,” Harris said. “She’s able to do it. She’s able to take care of school, and that’s important. She’s able to take care of training, which she’s our only high jumper right now, so she’s training on her own in the high jump with the coaches.”

Because of the tight class schedule, Robinson fully understands what kind of dedication it takes to commit to both her grades and athletics.

“It’s kind of hectic sometimes, just working with everyone’s schedule“ Robinson said. “Art majors’ classes are usually later in the day, so that affects practice.”

If it wasn’t already enough, Robinson has had to deal with coaching changes, as well. Her new position coach, Erin Wessely, appreciates Robinson’s dedication and jumping potential.

“Jennifer’s probably one of the easier people to coach on the team,” Wessely said. “She’s an incredibly hard worker, so that’s always good. I walked into the door in a really good position, having her be a good high jumper already and trying to get her up to those higher heights. She definitely has the potential to jump a lot higher.”

Even after garnering success this early, Robinson still plans on capitalizing on opportunities to improve.

“I’m hoping that I continue to keep doing as good as I’m doing and grow and do better,” Robinson said.

Sports Commentary: On the Up and Up

Written by ShaneWilson
Thursday, 08 April 2010 07:30
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SHANE WILSON

You know the economy isn’t doing so hot when sports are affected. Teams nowadays have to seriously cut down on spending, and some athletic departments have to shut down entire sports programs all together.

And to think, most people believe that athletic departments fund themselves.

In a few rare circumstances, some sports departments are able to fully fund themselves without the help of central administrations. For all of the other schools in the country, the opposite is the case.

The economy might not be entirely to blame in this instance. For example, the National Collegiate Athletic Association came out with a report in 2009 stating that average athletics spending increased 43 percent between 2004 and 2008, but average revenue only increased 33 percent over the same time period. The NCAA also reported in 2005 that between 2001 and 2003, athletics spending increased almost four times faster than regular institution spending.

The facts are simple. Athletics departments around the country are spending entirely too much to be sustainable. Spending in terms of salaries is also included in the argument.

Presidents of major universities agree.

According to an October 2009 Knight Commission report, when asked about salaries across Football Bowl Series institutions nationally, an overwhelming majority (85%) of FBS presidents indicate they feel compensation is excessive for football and basketball coaches.

In addition, less than a quarter of presidents believe intercollegiate athletics are sustainable in their current form at FBS institutions nationally.

These findings make the situation seem direr than ever. Athletic directors have been facing these sorts of problems for years. Now that a majority of FBS school presidents believe that a different, more practical approach is necessary for future stability, eyes are beginning to open to the severity of the situation.

So how is Emporia State affected by all of this? They’re no FBS school, that’s for sure.

ESU is just as susceptible to a declining economy as the larger schools are – maybe even more so. At an institution that receives far less financial support to the likes of KU or Ohio State (where over 30 different sports are offered to student-athletes), a rough stretch in the market can spell disaster. Without private donations and fiscal aid from central administration, the program would be in dire straights.

So yes, even sports can be affected by a poor economy. More so than I’m sure you originally thought. But unless the departments themselves take active steps in reducing the amount they spend, it might not be the economy that takes them down.