November 30, 2017

IAC Meeting

Attendance:  Bellard, Bradley, Carroll, Chu, Dupre, Holmes, Mayer, Mulvaney, Spina, Thill, Trylowsky, Zaloom

November 30, 2017

Meeting called to order at 2:19pm

October minutes approved.

Dr. Chu – At the previous meeting Coach Wong discussed lights and court numbers.  President recommended fundraising for new facility upgrades.

Dr. Chu introduced the Interim Athletics Director, Mr. Norman Bellard.

Mr. Bellard – Had first head coaches’ meeting this morning.  Seem to go well.  Discussed the different hats he has worn at LU.  Dr. Simmons and Dr. Evans have asked him to help in several areas and he has always accepted.  While in his previous position, he has worked with fundraising for the Montagne Center scoreboard and new men’s and women’s basketball locker rooms.

At head coaches’ meeting, he told the coaches how competitive he is and discussed his basketball career at LU and winning ways.  He wants to get back to more success, great opportunities at LU and best facilities in the Southland Conference.  The department is heading in the right direction.

Athletics Director job is to help coaches become more successful.  He has told Dr. Evans he is not going to apply for the permanent position.  It’s not that he isn’t interested, but he’s a team player.  Betterment for the University and community.  Whatever the President needs, he will do.  He is still having fun and President Evans is happy with Mr. Bellard’s progress.  As long as Dr. Evans needs him, he will work.  If candidate for AD is not found, he is willing to work.

In the AD position, he feels comfortable with operations and personnel.  Compliance keeps him awake at night.  He is excited and up for the challenge.  Focus is on raising money, work towards bigger things.  Mr. Bellard feels like the department is on the verge of breaking through on success.  He wants to pick-up the ball where Jason Henderson left it, there are some successes already there.

He is working on an Athletics Nutrition Center.  Working with Chartwell’s and dieticians to build the center.  Also, working on raising money for baseball improvements.

Mr. Bellard is still working in community relations.  He is passionate about it and it doesn’t feel like a job.

He is involved with recruiting every day and he already meets with basketball players on official visits.

He considers himself a resource person, a guy of service.

Dr. Chu said the committee is here to help and be a liaison to the President.  Use the group as a resource.

Meeting adjourned at 3:15