Kyle Gurganious has been named director of athletics communications at Marymount University. He began his duties July 1. Gurganious has extensive experience working in the Capital Athletic Conference, most recently as a sports information graduate assistant at Salisbury University, where he earned his master’s degree in post secondary education. While at Salisbury, Gurganious also worked as a part-time sports producer at WMDT 47, the ABC television affiliate, and as a freelance writer for The Daily Times.
Gardner-Webb announced today that Chris McCormick had joined the Runnin’ Bulldogs as Director of Athletic Performance. McCormick most recently served as an assistant strength and conditioning coach at Eastern Kentucky University and has a strong base of experience with a wide range of sports. He replaces Ben Sowders, who accepted a football strength position at Georgia Tech earlier this summer. While at Eastern Kentucky, McCormick was the primary strength and conditioning contact for men’s basketball, baseball, women’s soccer, tennis, track and field. He also assisted with the Colonels’ football program – helping that squad post a 9-4 mark and a berth in the 2014 FCS playoffs.
Kansas State athletics director John Currie released details of the department’s budget for fiscal year 2016, projecting a budget of $70.1 million. Currie released the figures in his “Letter to Fans” on the K-State athletics website reporting FY2015 ended with a balanced budget and a surplus for the sixth straight year. K-State has seen a $1 million increase over the past two years in the student-athlete support line for increased meal and snack costs approved by the NCAA, $2 million more in operating/recruiting costs and a $1.2 million increase for full cost-of-attendance scholarships. – Ken Corbitt, CJOnline. Read More.
A month after he carried Maryland back to the NCAA super regional and nearly broke through to the College World Series, Maryland baseball Coach John Szefc signed a five-year contract extension on Thursday, the school announced. Szefc was reportedly a candidate for the Clemson opening last month, although that job eventually went to former College of Charleston manager Monte Lee. Szefc, who reached 100 wins faster than any other Maryland baseball coach, produced a school-record eight picks in last month’s Major League Baseball draft. – Roman Stubbs, The Washington Post. Read More.
Holding firm to his intentions to step away at the end of his current contract and wanting to ensure the program he built has a long-term plan beyond him, Coastal Carolina baseball coach Gary Gilmore formally announced Thursday that former longtime assistant coach Kevin Schnall has returned to the Chanticleers after spending the last three years at Central Florida. With the university issuing a news release Thursday, both coaches spoke at length about why this was the right move at the right time for each side as Schnall returns as Gilmore’s associate head coach. Schnall, who was inducted into the university’s Sasser Athletics Hall of Fame, was named the Big South Player of the Year for Coastal Carolina in 1999 and then spent 12 seasons on Gilmore’s coaching staff from 2001-12 while contributing to the program’s emergence as a perennial NCAA tournament team. – Ryan Young, Myrtle Beach Online. Read more.
Edwin Thompson, who in the last five seasons has recruited and coached 11 All-Americans and 24 players who went on to play professional baseball, has been chosen as the new head baseball coach at Eastern Kentucky University, Director of Athletics Steve Lochmueller announced today. Thompson spent the last three seasons at Georgia State University. He served as the pitching coach for the Panthers in 2013 and 2014 before being promoted to Recruiting Coordinator/Defensive Coordinator before the 2015 season. His 2015 recruiting class is ranked by Perfect Game as one of the top-100 recruiting classes in the country. – WKYT. Read more.
Pensacola State College has named Lyndsey Angus as the new head softball coach, athletic director Bill Hamilton announced today. Angus replaces Pena, who retired after 18 seasons as softball coach at PSC. Angus brings a wealth of experience at both the collegiate and professional levels. Currently on the University of New Mexico’s Lobo softball staff, she will begin her career with the Lady Pirates on July 16. Angus came to New Mexico after spending the 2010 season as an assistant at her alma mater, the University of Kentucky. She was part of a Kentucky staff that led the team to one of its best seasons with UK’s first national ranking and its second consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance. – PNJ. Read more.
Catawba College Director of Athletics Larry Leckonby has announced several changes in the athletic staff. Craig Turnbull has been promoted to Associate Athletics Director and is also Catawba’s Director of Compliance. Jim Lewis to Senior Assistant Athletic Director who graduated from Catawba in 1989, working within the sports information office while in school and as an assistant until being named the SID. David McDowell to Assistant Athletic Director who is an assistant in sports information. Basketball assistant coaches Brian Graves and Terrence Baxter, for the women, have been promoted to Associate Head Coaches. Graves joined the men’s basketball staff as an assistant in 2012 and Baxter came to Catawba as an assistant with the women’s basketball program in 2013. Ricky Joines joins the athletic department as the Coordinator of Athletic Facilities. Joines, who graduated from Catawba in 2002, had been an assistant basketball coach at Catawba from 1998 until 2013.
The College of Wooster is seeking applications for an Assistant Women’s Volleyball Coach. This will be a full time, 10-month, salaried position with benefits. The Assistant Coach is responsible for all aspects of management of an NCAA Division III Women’s Volleyball Program. This position will focus on identifying and recruiting quality individuals that meet the high standards of The College of Wooster. [email protected]
University of Nebraska at Kearney Athletic Director Paul Plinske said Wednesday that Hilke Brandon and Steve Stutzman have been promoted. Brandon is now an assistant athletic director for external relations while Stutzman is promoted to director of ticket operations.Both began administrative roles in the Loper Athletic Department in 2014. Brandon previously was the director of corporate partnerships with Stutzman being a ticket manager and assistant equipment manager. Stutzman, also a UNK graduate, previously was an assistant Loper baseball coach before moving into an administrative role in the fall of 2014. – Kearney Hub. Read more.
After a long and arduous medical ordeal that forced him to relearn how to walk, swallow and speak, longtime Colorado Buffs radio voice Larry Zimmer will return to the broadcast booth this fall for his 50th and final season as a broadcaster. He will be in the press box for CU’s home opener on Sept. 12 and will complete his 42nd season with CU on Nov. 13 when Southern Cal visits Boulder on his 80th birthday. Zimmer, who expects to cover home games only, confirmed his return on Thursday. – John Meyer, Denver Post. Read more.
Alison Koning, a 2014 graduate and former Mount Ida College multi-sport athlete, will return to her alma mater as the Assistant to the Athletic Director, it was announced on Thursday by Director of Athletics Matt Burke. She is the recipient of a two-year NCAA Ethnic Minority and Women Internship Grant, and she will join the Mustang staff on July 27th. She will assist the athletic department with contest management, day to day operations, and purchasing, among other assigned tasks. A double Mustang, Koning received her Master’s Degree in Sports Leadership in 2014 after graduating Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s Degree a year before.
The University of Notre Dame is accepting applications for a Assistant Athletic Trainer. The Assistant Athletic Trainer reports to the Head Athletic Trainer. Supervises the student athletic trainers, and assists in implementing a comprehensive program of prevention, recognition, evaluation, and immediate care of athletic injuries to Notre Dame student-athletes and summer sports camp participants. Apply here.
McKendree University is seeking a highly motivated individual to serve as the head coach for the newly formed Women’s Swimming and Diving program. The selected candidate will recruit successful student-athletes preparing a team ready for NCAA II competition in the fall of 2016. Responsibilities will include but are not limited to, the recruitment of student-athletes, contest scheduling, practice planning, skill development, academic monitoring, fundraising, and managing a budget. [email protected]
Hamilton College is seeking applicants for the position of Assistant Tennis Coach. Duties for this part time non-benefited hourly position include, but are not limited to, assisting the head tennis coach with the following: executing practice plans and supervising student-athlete workouts, encouraging and motivating student-athletes to train and perform to their utmost potential; traveling to matches and managing the team; arranging team travel; athlete development; recruiting. [email protected]
McKendree University is seeking a highly motivated individual to serve as the head coach for the newly formed Women’s Hockey program. The selected candidate will recruit successful student-athletes preparing a team that is ready for competition in the fall of 2016. Responsibilities will include but are not limited to, the recruitment of student-athletes, contest scheduling, practice planning, game strategy, player development, academic monitoring, fundraising, and managing a budget. [email protected]
Jacksonville University Athletics welcomed back a familiar face Wednesday (July 1) after Chief Athletics Officer Dr. Donnie Horner named Jim Nasella the Director of Athletic Communications. His responsibilities include supervising the Media Relations Department and assisting with marketing and ticketing efforts. In prior stints at JU, Nasella served as a Sports Information Director, working as a primary contact for football and lacrosse and assisting with men’s and women’s basketball. Nasella’s newest post is supported by over 25 years of experience in print media and an extensive sales background. Prior to his time at JU, he was a sports writer at the Florida Times-Union and the Youngstown (Ohio) Vindicator.
Dixie State University Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Jason Boothe announced on Wednesday two senior level administrative changes inside the department. Boothe announced the promotion of Derek Dawes to Associate Athletic Director for External Relations, and the appointment of Steve Johnson as Associate Athletic Director for Media Relations. Dawes begins his sixth year as an athletic administrator at Dixie State. He will oversee corporate sponsorships, the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), athletic booster club, team fundraising, and marketing and promotions. Johnson moves over to DSU Athletics after nearly nine years serving as the university’s director of public relations, marketing, publications, trademark and licensing. Prior to his arrival at Dixie State, he served as assistant sports information director at Southern Utah University from 1998-2006.
Sources with knowledge of Tennessee’s search for its next Senior associate athletics director for communications detail to College AD the six finalists for the position. Finalists include: (1) Jason Yellin, Assistant Athletics Director for Media Relations, Tennessee; (2) Tina Dechausay, Sports Information Director, Florida State; (3) Kyle Campbell, Assistant A.D. for Media and Public Relations, Ole Miss; (4) Molly O’Mara, Associate Director Communications, Arizona; (5) Mike Houck, Director of Media Relations, Oklahoma; and (6), Craig Pinkerton, Director of Communications, Southeastern Conference. Jimmy Stanton vacated the position at Tennessee in May to become the Vice President of Communications for the NFL franchise, Tennessee Titans.
Western New England University is seeking a part-time Head Wrestling Coach. Primary responsibilities include promoting the University’s goal of academic and athletic excellence through the organization, direction, and administration of the Wrestling program. Imperative to the success of the program is the ability to recruit quality student-athletes who have the ability to succeed academically and athletically in a rigorous private University setting. [email protected]
Coastal Carolina University is accepting applications for the position of Head Women’s Lacrosse Coach. Coastal Carolina is a NCAA Division I Institution and a member of the Big South Conference. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: managing all phases of a Division I Women’s Lacrosse Program in accordance with Coastal Carolina University, NCAA and Big South Conference rules; recruiting; providing academic oversight, supervising staff; engaging in community relations and performing any other duties assigned by the Athletic Director or designee. Apply here.
Bethany College is seeking qualified applicants for the full time position of Head Swimming & Diving Coach. This position will report to the Director of Athletics and Recreation. The successful candidate will coordinate and implement all aspects of competitive program within the rules and regulations of the NCAA, Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC), and Bethany College. [email protected]
Kiko Magana, Bellevue’s women’s soccer coach, has resigned. Magana has accepted a job offer at Lees-McRae College; an NCAA division II program in North Carolina. Dan Lock, one of Magana’s assistants for BC women’s soccer, has been named Head Coach by Athletic Director Bill O’Connor. “Dan comes in with a strong background in soccer and was on staff last year.” says O’Connor. Magana’s other assistant from last season, Evan Gaul, will remain on staff as an assistant/goalkeepers coach. Gaul will also serve in the same capacity for the BC men’s soccer program.
The Limestone College football team and head coach Bobby James announced several staffing changes for the 2015 season, including the promotion of Joe Stockton to offensive coordinator. Michael Enoch and Josh Davis have both been promoted on the coaching staff. Enoch will take over as the defensive line coach in 2015 while Davis will assume Stockton’s former position as the wide receivers coach. – Go Upstate. Read more.
Tennessee director of track and field/cross country Beth Alford-Sullivan has announced the hiring of Abigi Id-Deen to the position of sprints coach. Id-Deen joins the Vol Track staff following a nine-year stint at George Mason where he served most recently as Associate Head Coach. Id-Deen had served at George Mason since 2006, beginning his stint there as an assistant coach. In 2011, after producing 10 All-Americans in the Patriot sprints and jumps and helping the men’s teams to Colonial Athletic Association titles in 2010 and 2011. At Tennessee, Id-Deen will work in conjunction with second-year Vols sprint coach Tim Hall and will specialize in coaching the long sprints, long hurdles, and long relays. Hall will remain on staff to focus on coaching the short sprints, hurdles, and relays.
Erica LaGrow, a former US National Team member who spent the past seven years as an assistant coach at Florida, has been named Yale’s Joel E. Smilow, Class of 1954 Head Coach of Women’s Lacrosse. LaGrow helped the Gators make five straight NCAA Tournament appearances, win five regular season conference championships and win three conference tournament championships. She also has a gold medal from the Women’s World Cup during her time playing with the National Team. LaGrow was the Gators’ offensive coordinator and helped the team lead the nation in goals with 326 this past season — the fourth straight season the Gators have scored at least 310 goals and finished in the top five nationally in scoring offense. – Lax Mgazine, Read more.
Athletic director Debbie Yow has spent five years pushing to turn North Carolina State into a top-25 program.North Carolina State earned its best finish in the Directors’ Cup rankings of Division I sports programs. It’s finishing an indoor practice building that will end football’s long wait for the status-symbol facility and recruiting chip. And it has started a renovation to a venerable campus arena that will displace several programs for more than a year but is part of the always-keep-improving drive. When Yow was hired in June 2010, North Carolina State was 89th in the Directors’ Cup standings. In last week’s results, North Carolina State ranked 27th – its previous high was 32nd – and sixth in the 15-team Atlantic Coast Conference. The school also posted its best Federal Graduation Rate of 71 percent. – Fay Observer. Read more.
University of New Mexico Director of athletics Paul Krebs will continue running Lobo athletics through the 2018-19 academic year. The financial terms of the contract – a base salary of $319,261.80 plus other benefits and compensation such as retirement and up to $70,000 in performance bonuses based on the success of the school’s high-profile sports – have not changed. Krebs noted that in the past four years, UNM has won an unprecedented 36 championships and reached graduation success rates never before seen at the university. The university is also positioned well in terms of facilities and is at or near the top in coaches salaries relative to the Mountain West. – Geoff Grammer, ABQ Journal. Read more.
University of Massachusetts head softball coach Kristi Stefanoni has announced the hiring of former NFCA All-American Victoria Hayward as an assistant coach. Hayward, who is a member of the Canadian National Team and Pennsylvania Rebellion of National Pro Fastpitch, was an All-America in 2014, a four-time All Pac-12 selection and a three-time Academic All Pac-12 honoree at the University of Washington from 2011-14. She spent the 2015 softball season as a graduate assistant at Louisiana State under head coach Beth Torina. The Tigers opened the year with 25-consecutive victories and spent three weeks as the No. 1 ranked team in the country, before ending the season with a 52-14 record and a third-place finish at the Women’s College World Series.
CARBONDALE — Southern Illinois University is losing four of its top fundraisers, including deputy athletic director Chet Savage and the director of the Saluki Athletic Scholarship Fund. Gabe Tippy, the director of the SASF, is also leaving, according to SIU athletic director Tommy Bell, along with two former student-athletes who worked in the development office. Former fullback John Goode and former golfer Jake Erickson, who helped coordinator special events, are also departing. – Todd Hefferman, The Southern. Read more.
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