ATHLETICS NEWS
| News and information from the men's and women's athletic departments. |
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FOR RELEASE: Tuesday, June 30, 2009
More Than 1 Million Fans Attend Home Events in 2008-09
FAYETTEVILLE – More than 1 million fans attended home athletic events at the University of Arkansas during the 2008-09 academic year. The recent 2009 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championship capped a year of outstanding events for Razorback fans as total attendance for Arkansas Athletics reached 1,110,125. “The passion and support of the Razorback fans is extraordinary and we are grateful to the more than one million fans that came to our campus to support our student-athletes,” Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Jeff Long said. “While many athletic programs enjoy fan support only in a handful of sport programs, we are fortunate that our fans follow all 19 of our sport programs. That is a tribute to the more than 460 student-athletes that compete in our program as well as the strength and loyalty of the Razorback nation.” With the exception of men’s and women’s golf, who did not host a home event this season, each Razorback team contributed to the million fan total, with Razorback football leading the way at just under a half-million fans at home. Five of the 17 teams with home events ranked top 25 in the nation in attendance this past season, led by the College World Series Razorback baseball team that was No. 2 in the country for average attendance with just under 270,000 total fans in 2009. Razorback men’s basketball drew almost 290,000 to Bud Walton Arena this season and ranked 11th in the nation in home attendance. The Super Six participant gymnastics team returned to the top 10 in national average attendance, checking in at No. 10. The gymnastics average was up significantly this season, and also had the No. 10 single attendance crowd of the year when Arkansas hosted Georgia. Football was 24th in the country with its average of 71,422, and was 14th in the country for spring game attendance with 30,000, a remarkable number considering foul weather during the hours preceding kickoff. Be a part of the next million Razorback fans. Tickets for Arkansas fall sports go on sale soon, along with tickets for the Southwest Classic football showdown at Dallas Cowboys Stadium with Texas A&M. Tickets can be purchased on-line at ArkansasRazorbacks.com, or by phone at 1-800-982-HOGS.
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FOR RELEASE: Tuesday, June 30, 2009
University of Arkansas Ranks 25th in Directors' Cup Standings FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas finished 25th in the 2008-09 United States Sports Academy’s Directors’ Cup standings, it was announced Monday. The Directors’ Cup is presented annually by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics, the United States Sports Academy and USA Today to the best overall collegiate athletics programs in the country and this year’s standings were announced following the conclusion of the 2009 College World Series when final results were tallied. Programs are scored for their NCAA Championship finish and may count 20 sports, 10 for men and 10 for women. Arkansas’ 25th-place finish is the second time the Razorbacks have had back-to-back top 25 finishes. The Razorbacks were 24th last year. The previous occurrence was 1997-98 and 1998-99 when Arkansas was 14th and 19th, respectively. The Razorbacks were fifth in the always-tough Southeastern Conference trailing No. 3 Florida, No. 9 LSU, No. 18 Georgia and No. 23 Tennessee. Arkansas bested No. 25 South Carolina by two places and 10 points with Alabama in at No. 30 nearly 80 points behind the Razorbacks. The rest of the SEC includes No. 34 Kentucky, No. 39 South Carolina, No. 60 Ole Miss, No. 67 Vanderbilt and No. 100 Mississippi State. “With extraordinary team and individual athletic accomplishments, exceptional academic achievements and unprecedented community service involvement, our more than 460 student-athletes ensured that 2008-09 will be a school year not soon forgotten by the Razorback Nation,” said Jeff Long, vice chancellor and director of athletics. “Fourteen of our 19 sport programs competed in post-season competition including earning six NCAA regional championship or super regional championships, four Southeastern Conference titles and one NCAA national championship runner-up finish. Congratulations to our student-athletes, coaches and staff on our recognition as a top-25 all sports program. We look forward to continued success in the Razorback program in the years to come.” Arkansas scored a program-best 730 points this year behind a solid spring in which the Razorback programs tallied 421.0 points. Arkansas scored 63.0 fall points and 246.0 points during the winter season. The top-point earning team this past spring was the Arkansas men’s golf team. The Razorbacks played to a runner-up finish at the 2009 NCAA Championships earning Arkansas 90 points. Baseball was next picking up 83 points after their third-place showing followed by 69 points from men’s track and field. Women’s tennis added 64 points; women’s golf scored 47.5; women’s track and field scored 42.5; and softball scored 25 points this spring. The Stanford Cardinal won its 15th consecutive Directors’ Cup with 1455.00 points. The Cardinal scored points in 22 different sports, counting 10 of those. The Cardinal had 14 top-10 finishes including the men’s gymnastics and women’s rowing national championships. North Carolina scored 1184.25 points to unseat UCLA for the No. 2 spot. The Bruins, who fell to No. 16 this year, had been second for three consecutive years. SEC member Florida was third with 1172.75 points with Southern California fourth with 1137.75 points. Michigan rounded out the top five scoring 1131.80 points. The rest of the top 10 were No. 6 Texas, No. 7 California, No. 8 Virginia, No. 9 LSU and No. 10 Ohio State. For more information about Arkansas athletics log on to ArkansasRazorbacks.com. Arkansas’ All-Time Finishes in the NACDA Sports Academy Directors’ Cup |
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FOR RELEASE: Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Razorback Athletic Events boon for Northwest Arkansas Northwest Arkansas and its many local merchants were big winners earlier this month thanks to the 2009 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships held at John McDonnell Field on the campus of the University of Arkansas. In the midst of difficult economic times, the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships provided a boost to the local economy on the heels of the Walmart annual meeting. More than 5,000 student-athletes, coaches, officials, media members and fans spent time and money at local hotels, restaurants and other businesses. Teams began arriving as early as Sunday, June 7, for practice sessions and preparation while competition commenced on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. A typical stay included six to seven nights of hotel accommodations and during the event’s duration local vendors could serve more than 12,000 meals to participants, coaches and fans. "As the host to nearly 175 home events each year, Razorback Athletics is proud to contribute to the continued economic growth of Northwest Arkansas," Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Jeff Long said. "Each year thousands of people come to the University of Arkansas campus to attend athletic events in all 19 of our sport programs including numerous Southeastern Conference and NCAA championships. Our relationship with merchants in our local communities continues to benefit the Razorbacks, the University of Arkansas and the Northwest Arkansas region." The four-day meet featured approximately 1,100 student-athletes, 800 coaches, 210 media members and media relations personnel, 210 officials and as many as 2,700 fans. According to numbers developed using the latest estimates published in the 2007 Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism Annual Report. The report estimates visitors to Fayetteville spend an average of $224.57 on a one to two day visit. Based on the formula, the NCAA Track and Field Championships netted an estimated $2.25 million. The true economic impact may even exceed that total based on the week-long event. "Hosting the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field event is huge economically for the city of Fayetteville, our hotels are full, and visitors from the event are in our restaurants, attractions and stores spending money," Fayetteville Visitors Bureau Director Allyson Twiggs Dyer said. "And more importantly the NCAA event puts the city of Fayetteville on a national stage when sports reporters use our city as a byline in their articles in newspapers all across the country. The local economies of Northwest Arkansas have once again benefitted from the many athletic events held on the campus of the University of Arkansas." Arkansas hosted 174 regular season home events in the 2008-09 athletic year. In addition, the Razorbacks hosted conference and national competitions including the 2008 ITA Men’s Tennis Central Regional, the 2009 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships, the 2009 NCAA Gymnastics South Central Regional, a first-round basketball game in the 2009 Women’s National Invitational Tournament (WNIT), the 2009 SEC Women’ Tennis Championship and the 2009 NCAA Women’s Tennis Fayetteville Regional. The University of Arkansas campus also plays host to dozens of sports camps, high school championships, all-star events and other athletic related activities and competitions on an annual basis.
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FOR RELEASE: Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Razorback Men's Track and Field Team Honored at Fowler House
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Members of the Razorback men’s track and field team were honored by University of Arkansas Chancellor G. David Gearhart and his wife Jane at the Wallace W. and Jama M. Fowler House recently for winning the 2009 Southeastern Conference Indoor Track and Field Championship. The Gearharts, in conjunction with Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Jeff Long, have formed a new initiative to honor Razorback teams that win an SEC Championship with a ceremony at the Fowler House, the home of the Gearharts. The men’s track and field team became only the second Razorback squad to be honored at the Fowler House. "We are proud to recognize the outstanding team achievement of our men’s track and field team in winning the 2009 SEC Indoor Track and Field Championship," Long said. "Even with our storied tradition in track and field, winning an SEC Championship is never an easy task in the most competitive conference in the nation. We appreciate Chancellor Gearhart and Jane for opening up their home to help us honor these special student-athletes for their accomplishments in the classroom and on the track. Congratulations to Coach Bucknam, his staff and this group of extraordinary young men on their outstanding achievements." The Arkansas men’s track and field team, coaches and support staff attended the reception and ceremony at the Fowler House on Sunday evening. Members of the team were presented with a Chancellor’s Award medal recognizing their outstanding achievements in athletic competition and academic endeavors. "A chance to visit the Fowler House and visit with Chancellor and Mrs. Gearhart was a great opportunity for our student-athletes and our staff," head coach Chris Bucknam said. "We were honored to be part of what has become a new tradition of recognizing SEC Championships teams. Winning the SEC Indoor title was a great accomplishment for our program and we are happy to share that success with the Gearharts, Jeff Long, the University of Arkansas and the entire Razorback community." Members of the athletic department’s executive staff were also on hand for the reception. The Razorbacks won the 2009 SEC Indoor Track and Field title in February. The championship was the first for Bucknam at the helm of the Arkansas program. Junior Dorian Ulrey (mile, 3,000 meters), senior Alex McClary (800 meters) and the distance medley relay team won individual titles and Arkansas had seven student-athletes earn runner-up finishes in their respective events. For more information about Arkansas Athletics, visit ArkansasRazorbacks.com.
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FOR RELEASE: Thursday, March 05, 2009
University of Arkansas Athletics Celebrates Student-Athletes The University of Arkansas athletics department celebrated the classroom accomplishments of its student-athletes at the Scholar-Athlete Awards Breakfast Tuesday, March 3. The athletics department hosted a breakfast for student-athletes and handed out awards honoring those who have achieved at the highest levels. Three teams were honored with the department’s highest grade point average for the spring and fall semesters of 2008. Men’s tennis checked with a 3.09 while swimming and diving and gymnasts led the department with 3.38 GPAs. Three others were honored for their improvement in GPA from the fall of 2007 to the fall 2008. Those teams were baseball, football and women’s tennis. Several individual athletes were also honored. Using criteria similar to the Southeastern Conference Academic Honor Roll, nine student-athletes were awarded clocks recognizing their career 4.00 GPA or a 4.00 for the three previous regular semester terms. Those student-athletes were Nanar Airapetian (women’s tennis -- at right), Jackie Booker (soccer), Stephanie Carr (swimming and diving), Jessica Clark (swimming and diving), Tara Diebold (women’s track and field), Hillary Freeman (softball), Elizabeth McVean (soccer) and Corrinna Rees (women’s golf). Each member of the past athletic department academic honor rolls were highlighted in a video presentation. In addition, the special academic awards associated with each sport were recognized and highlighted. Each individual coaching association has its own athletic-academic honor lists, and those athletes include: Football: Jeremy Davis, Draddy Semifinalist Gymnastics: NACGCA All-America Team Alex LaChance, NACGA Individual Honors Softball: NFGC Top 25 Team NFGC Scholar-Athlete Honorees:Jessica Bachkora, Rebecca Carden, Miranda Dixon, Hillary Freeman, Layne McGuirt, Jocelyn Moncrief, Sandra Smith Soccer: Kat Moffet, ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District Swimming & Diving: Stephanie Carr, ESPN The Magazine Academic All District CSCAA Academic All-Americans: Ashley Largo, Shara Sutphen, Erica Totten, Madison Palmer, Stephanie Carr, Summer Jackson, Erin Neumann Men’s Tennis: Blake Strode, 2008 SEC Co-Scholar-Athlete of the Year Women’s Tennis: Aurelija Misevicute, 2008 SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year, ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America at-Large Team Men’s XC/Track & Field: USTFXCCA 2008 All-AmericaTeam Members: Alex McClary and James Strang Women’s XC/ Track & Field: UCTFXCCA 2008 All-America Team Members: Denise Bargiachi, Tara Diebold, Megan Jackson, Kristen Keith, Sarah Landau, Katie Stripling, Catherine White
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FOR RELEASE: Thursday, January 17, 2008
Razorbacks to Take on Defending National Champion LSU and Arch Rival Texas as Part of 2008 Football Schedule Arkansas will take on eight teams that played in bowl games last season, including defending national champion LSU and arch rival Texas, in Coach Bobby Petrino's inaugural season with the Razorbacks. The 2008 slate includes seven in-state games with five scheduled for Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville and two scheduled for War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock. Arkansas will host Alabama (Sept. 20), Florida (Oct. 4) and Ole Miss (Oct. 25) on campus in Southeastern Conference play. Little Rock will once again host the "Battle for the Boot" between Arkansas and LSU (Nov. 29). The Razorbacks' non-conference schedule is highlighted by a renewed series with former Southwest Conference rival Texas. Arkansas will play the first game in a two-year series at Austin on Sept. 13. The two teams last played in 2004 in Fayetteville. Arkansas will also play another familiar foe in non-conference action. The Hogs will host Tulsa (Nov. 1) in Fayetteville for the first time since 2003. The matchup will mark the 70th meeting between Arkansas and Tulsa on the gridiron.
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FOR RELEASE: Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Jeff Long Named University of Arkansas Director of Men's Athletics
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - Jeff Long, athletics director at the University of Pittsburgh, has been named director of men's athletics at the University of Arkansas, effective Jan. 1, 2008. In his more than 20-year career in intercollegiate athletics, Long has served as an athletics administrator at the University of Oklahoma, Eastern Kentucky University, Virginia Tech University and the University of Michigan. He also has held coaching and administrative positions at Rice University, Duke University and North Carolina State University. "Finding a successor to a legend is a daunting responsibility, especially when the person sought is entrusted with a state treasure such as Razorback athletics," said Chancellor John A. White. "In conducting the search process, I sought input from dozens of respected individuals in college athletics, and one name kept coming up: Jeff Long," White said. "Jeff is an established leader with a track record of success with honor. He understands the role of intercollegiate athletics at major public universities, and is positioned to raise the bar even higher for Arkansas athletics -- inside and outside of competition." Arkansas men's athletics director Frank Broyles will serve in his current role through the end of the calendar year before transitioning to other responsibilities within the University after more than 50 years of service to the Razorbacks as a coach and an athletics administrator. "The University of Arkansas and the men's athletics department are extremely privileged to welcome Jeff Long, his wife Fanny and their two daughters Stephanie and Christina into the Razorback family," said Broyles. "Jeff brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from some of the most successful athletics programs and institutions in the Big East, Atlantic Coast Conference, Big 12 and Big Ten. He is well respected among his peers and is an excellent choice to lead the Razorbacks. Our program is blessed with an outstanding group of coaches, student-athletes, staff members, passionate fans throughout the state and a collection of first-class facilities. Those elements, combined with Jeff Long's proven leadership and commitment to integrity, will enable the University of Arkansas and the Razorback program to continue to thrive in the years to come."
Long has spent the last four years at the helm of the Pitt athletics program, leading the Panthers to success on the fields of play, high achievement in the classroom and bold initiatives in the areas of facilities, development and student-welfare. One indication of Pitt's success was revealed in Sports Illustrated magazine on Campus All-Sport Rankings (December 2006), which listed the Panthers No. 17 nationally. "In Jeff Long, I'm confident we've found the right man to carry forth the tradition of excellence that is Razorback athletics," said B. Alan Sugg, president of the University of Arkansas System. "He is someone who will build upon the distinguished legacy of Frank Broyles and maintain the level of success and pride that Arkansans have in the Razorbacks." In his four years at Pittsburgh, Long has seen the athletics department recertified by the NCAA Division I Committee on Athletics Certification, meaning the program conforms with the principles established by the NCAA Division I membership. The NCAA peer review team described several areas of Pitt's program as "models for others to follow." Other highlights include launching the "Quest for Excellence" campaign in 2005, which has already raised $34 million for endowed athletics scholarships, capital gifts for building and improvement projects, and annual contributions for student-athlete scholarships; the addition of an Olympic sports weight room, in addition to new training facilities for wrestling and gymnastics; the creation of a career and life skills staff position, which focuses on the development of student-athletes; the development of a radio partnership with Clear Channel Communications in one of the largest media markets in the nation, which includes professional franchises in football, baseball and hockey; a partnership with ISP sports, a collegiate sports marketing company, in addition to the development of Panthers Weekly, a television program devoted to Pitt's athletics programs produced by FSN Pittsburgh; the design of a new uniform "PITT" logo and a comprehensive partnership with Adidas; and hosting, for the first time, NCAA Tournament women's basketball first- and second-round games. Individually, this past spring Long was named to the Division I Men's Basketball Academic Enhancement Group, which is focused on developing strategies to enhance the academic performance and graduation rates in that sport; he was named one of the Big East Conference's representatives on the 49-member NCAA Division I Management Council, which is involved in legislative issues and oversees groups responsible for academic affairs, eligibility, compliance, championships and competition; he is a member of the Executive Committee of the Division IA Athletic Directors' Association, a group dedicated to the welfare and future success of student-athletes; and in 2004 he was appointed to the NCAA's Sports Wagering Task Force. "The Razorbacks are the pride of Arkansas, and Jeff Long has the experience and ability to carry on that tradition and lead the university's men's athletics programs to new heights," said Stanley Reed, chairman of the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees. "His leadership skills, fund-raising abilities and integrity have earned him respect around the nation, and he is a perfect fit for Arkansas athletics." Long's accomplishments and high aspirations during his time at Pitt are not surprising considering his outstanding professional and personal pedigree. He is cut from the mold of winners and has worked in many of the country's highest-profile conferences, including the Big 12, Big Ten, Big East and Atlantic Coast Conference. "I have worked with Jeff Long in the BCS and on the NCAA Basketball Academic Enhancement Committee," said Southeastern Conference Commissioner Mike Slive. "He has a passion for intercollegiate athletics and insight into the issues that has made him a prominent contributor to both of these groups. He has the background, experience, enthusiasm and commitment to be a worthy successor to Frank Broyles and to play a leadership role in the Southeastern Conference. I look forward to continuing my relationship with him as the director of athletics at the University of Arkansas." Prior to his Pitt appointment, Long served as the senior associate athletics director at the University of Oklahoma for two-and-a-half years. He oversaw all external affairs, including development, marketing/promotions, licensing, media relations, ticket operations, radio/television and SoonerVision productions. He additionally was the primary administrator for football and men's basketball and the sport supervisor for baseball, wrestling and men's and women's golf. "Jeff Long is an outstanding hire by the University of Arkansas and a wonderful addition to the Razorback family," said Oklahoma athletics director Joe Castiglione. "He has already proven that he possesses the personal and professional qualities to lead a championship caliber program. He is also passionate about keeping the focus on the student-athletes and coaches as they all work together to reflect the institutional mission. From coaching to administration, Jeff's experiences have really prepared him for this wonderful opportunity. I am confident that his big picture mentality, his boundless energy and his ability to communicate with everyone will serve him well as he charts the new course for Razorback Athletics and builds upon the tradition of success which already exists. You can count on him and his family representing Arkansas with integrity and class." Prior to Oklahoma, Long was the athletics director at Eastern Kentucky University. He significantly improved Eastern Kentucky's athletics infrastructure during his two years with the completion of several facility projects and the formation of viable corporate partnerships and sponsorships. Long also served a short tenure at Virginia Tech as associate athletics director prior to his Eastern Kentucky post. The majority of his career in collegiate athletics administration, though, was spent at the University of Michigan. Hired by legendary coach and athletics director Bo Schembechler, Long elevated through a number of administrative posts at Michigan before ultimately reaching associate athletics director. "On behalf of the Division 1A Athletic Directors' Association, we congratulate Chancellor John White and the University of Arkansas on their selection of Jeff Long as director of athletics," said Dutch Baughman, executive director of the organization. "We also congratulate and commend Chancellor White on his extremely well administered search for a new athletics director. The search has been comprehensive, thorough, and certainly in alignment with institutional core values. "Jeff Long is a proven leader, and has developed a reputation has a true professional. He understands and is experienced in every aspect of an intercollegiate athletics operation. Obviously, Jeff will assume the duties as director of athletics in a most unique situation, with the tremendous leadership, influence and legacy of Frank Broyles. We wish Frank much happiness in his retirement, and we offer best wishes and continued success to Jeff and the University of Arkansas." A 1982 graduate of Ohio Wesleyan with a bachelor's degree in economics, Long earned seven varsity letters in football and baseball. He received his master's degree in education from Miami University (Ohio) in 1983 after serving as a graduate assistant football coach. A native of Kettering, Ohio, Long is married to the former Fanny Gellrich of Ann Arbor, Mich. The couple has two children, Stephanie (13) and Christina (8). |
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FOR RELEASE: Tuesday, August 14, 2007
A Statement from Chancellor John A. White: On Saturday, Aug. 11, 2007, representatives from the University of Arkansas met with members of the NCAA Division I Committee on Infractions concerning allegations in the men's track and field program. During the hearing, we had an opportunity to share our views on the issues in this case in a candid and detailed exchange with members of the committee. On Saturday, Aug. 11, 2007, representatives from the University of Arkansas met with members of the NCAA Division I Committee on Infractions concerning allegations in the men's track and field program. During the hearing, we had an opportunity to share our views on the issues in this case in a candid and detailed exchange with members of the committee. The allegations considered by the committee were a direct result of a comprehensive self-inquiry and report forwarded by the university to the NCAA following initial allegations raised in a superseding federal indictment of a former track and field assistant coach. While the indictment and conviction of the coach were based primarily on the coach's actions while employed at another institution, the university worked promptly and proactively to analyze potential issues emerging from the indictment related to the University of Arkansas men's track and field program. More specifically, soon after the superseding indictment, the university began its inquiry and shortly thereafter requested that the NCAA Enforcement staff become involved with the shared goal of ascertaining the facts in this case. The university self-reported the violations and the NCAA Enforcement Staff issued a notice of allegations. It is important to note that the notice resulting from the joint inquiry and self-report did not contain any alleged violations of NCAA rules specifically against Head Coach John McDonnell or members of his current coaching staff. Nevertheless, as set forth in the institution's response to the notice, the university acknowledged its responsibility for certain NCAA violations and detailed the meaningful corrective and punitive actions that it had instituted. As I stated to the committee, the university accepts full responsibility for those violations. Based on previous cases, we anticipate that the committee will deliberate and issue its report in six to eight weeks. Due to the pending status of the case, it would not be appropriate for the university to comment further regarding these matters. In the meantime, we appreciate the support of the University of Arkansas community and all Razorback fans and share with them the commitment to comply with the spirit and intent of all NCAA rules. ### Contact:
Tysen Kendig, associate vice
chancellor Kevin Trainor, director of sports information
Athletics
(479) 575-2751, ktrainor@uark.edu
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