January 25, 2021

Date/Time
Monday, 01/25/2021
Location
Zoom
Submitted By:
Helene Thill

Athletic Council Meeting 1/25/2021 @3:30pm

Those in attendance:

Dr. Spina, Trina Nolan, Liv Haselbach, John McCollough, John Bello-Ogunu, Joe Nordgren, Jeff Spoeri, Golden Wright, Ginger Gummelt, Dan French, Brad Mayer, Berna Tokgoz, Jull Killough, Marco Born, Helene Thill, Moses Dupre, Karla Lopez

Dr. Spina

  • We are meeting today instead of February due to the WAC announcement.

Marco Born

  • The announcement was made a couple weeks ago (January 14). We planned on staying with the Southland until 2022, the date has moved to summer 2021.
  • Shared WAC document
    • This is an opportunity to join a strong conference and puts us on a good financial future.
    • WAC has some of the fastest growing institutions.
    • Travel expense will decrease.
    • Member institutions are well known, and the states are top 3 where people are moving to.
    • Basketball Championship will be in Las Vegas. This opens opportunity for new sponsors.
    • All sports are broadcasted in the WAC.
  • Jon Haarlow left us, is now in Washington State.
  • New academic advisor starts on February 1.
  • We are rebranding the Cardinal Club Room
  • Open for questions

Questions asked by members

  • Do we have a male soccer team?
    • We do not
  • Why are we leaving the Southland in 2021 instead of 2022?
    • Southland voted on it after we sent the separation letter. We no longer have a vote
  • Will we have opportunity to schedule non-championship games?
    • Yes, we’re staying more regionally
  • Will we be able to host championships? Ex. Tennis Conference
    • Yes
  • Will the cost in attendance change?
    • It will not
  • What can we do to help you?
    • Be an advocate to campus. I will be giving this presentation around campus
  • Will we need to update road signs that signal entrance to Lamar University?
    • Would be a good idea
  • Has the athletic department had bad cases of COVID?
    • Yes, two cases. Both athletes are recovered and practicing after going through the “Back to Play” protocol
  • How many athletes pursue their master’s?
    • We would have to get back to you with an answer.
      • (Liv) I have 3 in my classes, Helene and staff do a good job with athletes and their education.

Dr. Spina

  • Next meeting will be in March.