January 25, 2021

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.