ATHLETICS NEWS
| News and information from the men's and women's athletic departments. |
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FOR RELEASE: Friday, October 09, 2009
Letter From Jeff Long FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The following is a statement from University of Arkansas Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Jeff Long: Earlier this year, the University of Arkansas department of athletics announced a new partnership with medical care providers ensuring that more than 460 Razorback student-athletes will receive the highest quality medical care possible. For the first time, Razorback athletics, in a combined department, is providing state-of-the-art health care to meet the needs of all men’s and women’s student-athletes at an unparalleled level. Recently, published reports have questioned both the university’s rationale for choosing medical providers, as well as its transparency in sharing details on the selection process. One such editorial was published without providing the university an opportunity to address any allegations and was based solely on a third-party report. I am disappointed that the athletic department was not afforded a chance to share its perspective or to respond to some serious assertions. In light of these circumstances, I wanted to share this letter with you to set the record straight. First and foremost, the health and safety of our student-athletes has been and remains our number one priority. As such, it was essential to secure the necessary health care providers who possessed the most current and up-to-date expertise and training in the field of sports medicine.
In preparation for these meetings, a power point presentation was developed. The final slide of the presentation used in the meetings addressed a variety of matters, including the issue of an official partnership. We raised the issue of becoming an official sponsor because the athletic department had sold its media and sponsorship rights to another party last year, and any partnership would not be able to operate as it had in the past when the university controlled those rights. As reflected in my April 23rd email to Chancellor Gearhart, we hoped that any health care providers would also want to consider sponsorships. That issue, however, was independent of our efforts to achieve the department’s health care objectives. Our priority and focus concerned quality, access, and continuity of care at the highest level for all of our student-athletes. We stressed this fact to all of the potential health care providers. In response to a Freedom of Information Act request, I released a copy of the power point presentation that is at the heart of the assertions about the athletic department’s compliance with Freedom of Information Act. The university complied with the request. Contrary to published assertions that the final slide was “omitted” from my FOIA response, I want to be unequivocal in stating that I did not omit or intentionally withhold any record. In this instance, I did not have a copy of the final presentation in my records. I released an earlier version of the document that was the only copy contained in my records. The suggestion that I would have purposefully withheld such a record from a presentation prepared by a member of my staff many months ago is absurd because the document was distributed and given to potential health care providers. I can also say unequivocally that the University of Arkansas, as a public trust, takes its responsibilities and accountability to the citizens of Arkansas very seriously. Razorback athletics is no exception. The athletic department fully recognizes and abides by its obligations under the Freedom of Information Act. The athletic department has a long history of working with reporters as well as members of the public to respond to a large volume of requests. The athletic department remains committed to fulfilling its legal obligations. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, we may fail to provide a record simply from an oversight or a mistake. If we discover any such error, we supplement our previous responses in an effort to be forthcoming. In the future, we hope to avoid any confusion arising from a response to a particular FOIA request through a constructive dialogue and examination of any discrepancies that may be perceived to exist. I take the allegations regarding this matter with the utmost seriousness. And I want to let Razorback fans know that the athletic department remains committed to serving our student-athletes and the citizens of the State of Arkansas with honesty and integrity.
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FOR RELEASE: Friday, October 02, 2009
SEC 'Together We CAN' Drive Pushes Total Contributions Above 236,000 Pounds BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Southeastern Conference Student-Athlete Advisory Committee’s third annual league-wide community service project, the “SEC Together We CAN Drive,” concluded on Sept. 27. And with student-athletes and administrators from all 12 SEC institutions participating, the project raised more than 42,500 pounds of food and financial contributions, bringing the initiative’s overall total to more than 236,000. The SEC SAAC encouraged fans and supporters to donate at various sporting events, on campuses and in the community from Sept. 18-27. All proceeds from the effort benefit food banks and local charities across the Southeastern Conference region. “It is great to see how student-athletes in the SEC supported and encouraged fans to help those around them during increasingly difficult times,” said SEC SAAC staff liaison, Torie Johnson. “There are families in the southeast that will have a meal tonight and in the months ahead because someone thought enough to bring a can or make a donation. I am proud of our students and thankful for administrators who helped alongside them.” The SEC SAAC is comprised of two student-athletes from each institution. It was established in 1992 to serve as a medium of communication through which student-athletes, conference administrators, institutional representatives and coaches discuss and take action on issues relating to rules governance, student-athlete welfare and community service. Members of the SEC Student-Athlete Advisory Committee for 2009-10 are: Allyson Angle (Alabama, women’s swimming); Nathan Corder (Alabama, men’s track); Amanda Caldwell (Arkansas, softball); Michelle Stout (Arkansas, gymnastics); Addison Ragsdale (Auburn, soccer); Dan Mazzaferro (Auburn, men’s diving); Bobby Walsh (Florida, men’s swimming); Ashley Kerr (Florida, gymnastics); Jamaal Parker (Georgia, men’s track); Taylor Adams (Georgia, women’s track); Christine Johnston (Kentucky, women’s tennis); Jennifer Pason (Kentucky, rifle); Lauren Saucier (LSU, women’s track); Orlando Gunn (LSU, football); Juliana Smith (Ole Miss, women’s track); Colin Moleton (Ole Miss, men’s track); Misty Flesher (Mississippi State, softball); D.J. Looney (Mississippi State, football); Patrick Rada (South Carolina, men’s golf); Kacie Brewer (South Carolina, soccer); Geoff Sanders (Tennessee, men’s swimming); Holly Kane (Tennessee, women’s track) and Jessica Cohen (Vanderbilt, women’s swimming). Food banks and charities receiving donations from the “2009 SEC Together We CAN Drive” include: West Alabama Food Bank; Northwest Arkansas Food Bank, Food Bank of East Alabama; Bread of the Mighty Food Bank; Food Bank of Northeast Georgia; God’s Pantry of Lexington; Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank; Oxford Food Pantry; Mississippi State University M-Club; Harvest Hope Food Bank; Second Harvest Food Bank; and the Second Harvest of Middle Tennessee. |
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FOR RELEASE: Friday, September 25, 2009
D.J. Williams Nominated for 2009 FedEx Orange Bowl/FWAA Courage Award Arkansas' D.J. Williams is the first weekly nominee for the 2009 FedEx Orange Bowl/FWAA Courage Award, to be announced at the end of the season. Williams, a junior tight end from Little Rock, Ark., has overcome a childhood dominated by domestic violence to excel in the classroom, the community and on the field. Ten years ago this month, Vicky Williams took Vanessa, Valerie and D.J. and fled their home in a Dallas suburb. Vicky showed D.J. a map and asked the 11-year-old where he wanted to go. He chose Little Rock, where they lived in a shelter for battered women for several months, but have made a new life. For the fourth straight year, the Football Writers Association of America and the FedEx Orange Bowl will announce a weekly nominee each Wednesday during the season. A blue-ribbon panel will determine the winner from all of the nominees. The winner of the FedEx Orange Bowl/FWAA Courage Award will be announced in December and be presented with the trophy. The Courage Award was created by ESPN The Magazine's senior writer Gene Wojciechowski, also a FWAA member. A select group of writers from the FWAA vote on the winner each year. The requirements for nomination include displaying courage on or off the field, including overcoming an injury or physical handicap, preventing a disaster or living through hardship. Previous winners of the FWAA's Courage Award are Tulsa's Wilson Holloway (2008), Navy's Zerbin Singleton (2007), Clemson's Ray Ray McElrathbey (2006), the Tulane football team (2005), Memphis' Haracio Colen (2004), San Jose State's Neil Parry (2003) and Toledo's William Bratton (2002).
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FOR RELEASE: Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Parking at the Alabama v. Arkansas Game Due to tremendous rains in Tuscaloosa over the past two weeks, one of The University of Alabama's largest parking areas may be unavailable for use for the UA-Arkansas game Saturday, Sept. 26. The parking area is a grass lot between UA's paved "Soccer Lot" and University Boulevard. This grassy area normally holds about 1,000 vehicles during a regular game day. The heavy rains have caused the ground in the area to become too soft and unable to handle the weight of that many vehicles. If the grass lot does not dry out sufficiently by Saturday morning, it will be closed. Alabama and Arkansas fans should be aware that this grassy lot may not be available on Saturday. University of Alabama will continue to use all of the available paved parking lots on the east side of campus, and will open a new grass lot near the Capstone Village Retirement Center on 5th Avenue. Parking in these lots will cost $10 per vehicle and the Crimson Ride bus service to the Quad is free of charge. There are also many other options for parking. They include: • University Mall on McFarland Blvd. has no charge for parking. Tuscaloosa Charter provides service to the stadium for $10.00 per person. • Downtown parking deck by City Hall, just off University Blvd. on 7th Street and 22nd Avenue. Free parking. Tuscaloosa Charter provides service to the stadium for $10.00 per person. • DCH lot is at the corner of Hillard Blvd. and Bryant Drive, west of DCH Hospital. Parking is $10.00 per vehicle. Walking distance to stadium is 1 mile. • Marine Corps lot located at the corner of Greensboro and Jack Warner Parkway. Parking is $10.00 per vehicle. Tuscaloosa Charter provides service to the stadium for an additional $10.00. • Central High School is located on 15th Street, east of 10th Avenue. Parking is $10.00 per vehicle and ∏ mile walk to the stadium. • Boy Scout lot located off 15th Street, west of 10th Avenue. Parking is $10.00 per vehicle and ∏ mile walk to the stadium. • Tuscaloosa Magnet School located off McFarland Blvd. and Campus Drive East. Parking is $10.00 per vehicle. It is 3/4 mile walking distance to 5th Avenue East to the Crimson Ride stop. The Crimson Ride is free. More information about parking can be found on UA's Gameday Web site at www.uagameday.com.
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FOR RELEASE: Monday, August 10, 2009
Dorre to Retire After More Than 42 Years at University
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Tom Dorre, the associate athletic director for business affairs, has announced that he will retire from the University of Arkansas after 42 and a half years on Jan. 31, 2010. Dorre joined the athletic department on Aug. 22, 2002, and has served the last seven years as the head of the Razorbacks’ business affairs. "It has been an honor and a privilege to work at the University of Arkansas for more than 42 years," Dorre said. "I started with the university immediately after graduation and have been a part of this great institution ever since. I have had the opportunity to work with so many wonderful people at the University of Arkansas including working closely with those in the university administration and in the athletic department. "Coach Frank Broyles gave me an opportunity to join the athletic department back in 2002, and it has been a pleasure to be a part of the Razorback family. When Jeff Long came aboard, I told him that I was nearing retirement but would stay to help get things started with a combined department and a new administration. I appreciate Jeff’s support and am confident that Razorback athletics will continue to grow and prosper under his leadership. Although I am officially retiring in January, my love for the University of Arkansas and the Razorbacks will remain an active part of my life in the days and years to come." Since joining the athletic department in 2002, Dorre has overseen business operations, including budgeting and accounting, ticketing, contracts, travel and purchasing. The chief financial officer of the athletic department, Dorre is a member of the department’s executive and senior staffs and oversaw the combining of business operations from the former women’s and men’s athletic departments into one unit. "Tom Dorre has been instrumental in the financial matters of the University of Arkansas and the athletic department for more than four decades," Long said. "His leadership and expertise in business affairs has been crucial to the success of our recent combining of athletic departments as well as many other athletic-related projects in the past seven years. I appreciate his loyalty and dedication to the University of Arkansas and the Razorback program. I am also personally grateful for his service and counsel during the past 18 months as we faced important decisions regarding the financial future of our program. On behalf of Razorback athletics, I thank Tom for his many years of service. We all wish Tom and Connie the best in their retirement." Before joining the athletic department, Dorre spent the previous 16 years as the associate vice chancellor for finance. In that role over his last five years, he was responsible for the university’s tax compliance office and managed the in-house software development team that created and implemented the university’s business and administrative strategic information system. The system included applications for budgeting, general ledger, procurement, accounts payable, position control, departmental accounting, payroll, and personnel and electronic approval that met Y2K requirements and eliminated redundant data entry and the use of paper forms. From 1987 to 1997, Dorre, who earned a Master of Business Administration from the university in 1980, managed the budget and financial affairs offices, which included all general ledger accounting functions as well as grant and contract compliance, plant and property reporting and compliance, external financial reporting, external audit compliance, and IRS compliance and reporting. For just more than a year, from May 1993 to June 1994, he served as the interim vice chancellor for finance and administration. During that time, he managed the offices of financial affairs, business affairs, human resources, physical plant, computing service, public safety, financial management and analysis, and treasurer. Dorre, a 1967 Arkansas graduate with a bachelor’s degree in accounting, has been at the university in various positions since he graduated. He began his career in the controller’s office, a position he held from 1967 to 1975. From 1975 to 1981, he was university’s budget director. He worked as associate vice chancellor for administration from 1981 until becoming associate vice chancellor for finance in 1987. Dorre is currently on the Arkansas Alumni Association Board of Directors and the university’s Survey Research Center Policy Board. In the past, he has served on the athletic and financial advisory committees, the Faculty Athletic Committee, the Student Fee Review Board and the Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration Search Committee. He has also served two terms on the board of directors of the Economic Opportunity Agency of Washington County Inc., among others. Dorre and his wife Connie have one daughter, Kristy, and two grandchildren. |
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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: 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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