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Monday, July 16, 2012

Drake Tickets Go On Sale Today

Season tickets for Drake football, volleyball and men's and women's soccer go on sale to the general public beginning today. The Drake Athletics Olympic Sports Pass also will go on sale today. The defending conference co-champion Bulldogs’ football team opens its six-game home schedule Thursday, Aug. 30, against Grand View, followed by a Sept. 8 matchup with Rob Ash's Montana State squad in advance of its home Pioneer Football League schedule. Women’s soccer opens at home on Friday, Aug. 17, vs. Northern Illinois while men’s soccer’s home opener is Friday, Aug. 31, vs. Loyola. The Bulldogs’ volleyball team hosts its first match at the Knapp Center on Friday, Sept. 14, vs. Wichita State. Buy your season tickets early to be sure you catch all the action of the Bulldogs’ fall sports. Fans may purchase tickets in one of three convenient ways. The best option is to purchase tickets online at www.GoDrakeBulldogs.com. Fans may also purchase tickets either in person at the Drake Ticket Office or by phone at (515) 271-DOGS (3647).

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Drake Hurdler Marissa Smith Has Personal Best In 100 Meters

Drake women's track standout Marissa Smith (Ajax, Ontario) sprinted to a new personal best of 13.34 in the 100-meter hurdles Saturday at the 2012 North American, Central American and Caribbean (NACAC) Under-23 Track and Field Championships. Smith who was a representative of her native Canada at the championships, finished in fifth place in the event. It was her first experience at a large international competition. Brianna Rollins of the United States won the event in 12.60, while Smith's Canadian teammate Ashlea Maddex finished in third at 13.21. Americans dominated the sixth NACAC Under-23 Track and Field Championships, winning 43 of the 66 events on the weekend. Smith would not have been the only familiar face for Drake fans at the event. Many champions, such as Kimberlyn Duncan (U.S.) and Andrea Guebelle (U.S.) competed at Drake Stadium throughout the 2012 season. Smith, a senior, is the defending Missouri Valley Conference outdoor champion in the women's 100-meter hurdles and Valley indoor champion in the women's 60-meter hurdles. She will attempt to defend her titles next season.

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About the North American, Central American, and Caribbean (NACAC) Championships: Founded in December of 1988, the NACAC is the continental confederation governing body for national governing bodies and multi-national federations within the region. It is one of six area associations of the International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF). The organization holds senior and under-23 Track and Field championships, as well as Mountain Running and Cross Country championships. Neville McCook of Jamaica is the current president, serving since 2007.The NACAC have held the bi-annual Under-23 Track and Field championships since 2000. [This story was written for Ron Maly by Trygve D. L. Jensen of Drake's sports information staff].

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Honor for Drake's Jordan Clarke

Fifth-year senior forward Jordan Clarke has been announced as a member of the 2011-12 Honors Court by the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC), reflective of his excellence in academics during the 2011-12 academic year.

The NABC Honors Court recognizes the talents and gifts that these men possess off the court, and the hard work they exhibit in the classroom. In order to be named to the Honors Court, an athlete must meet a high standard of academic criteria.

Clarke (Rockville, Md.), a co-captain for the Bulldogs, earned second-team Missouri Valley Conference Scholar-Athlete recognition in 2011-12, competing as a junior in eligibility. Playing the center position he ranked seventh in the league in rebounds per game (7), setting a career high in that category. Clarke’s 49 steals ranked sixth in the Valley and were the most in school history by a Bulldog center.

The qualifications for the NABC Honors Court are as follows:

1. Academically a junior or senior and a varsity player.

2. Cumulative G.P.A. of 3.2 or higher at the conclusion of the 2011-12 academic year.

3. Students must have matriculated at least one year at their current institution.

4. Member of an NCAA Division I, II, III, or NAIA Institution.

[This story was written for Ron Maly by Paul Kirk, Drake's assistant athletic director for communications].

29-37 Record Earns McCaffery a Pay Raise, New Contract At Iowa

A two-season record of 29-37 [11-20 in 2010-11 and 18-17 in 2011-12] has earned Fran McCaffery a pay raise and an extended contract as Iowa's basketball coach. The new seven-year agreement guarantees McCaffery a minimum average of $1.66 million annually over the length of the contract, beginning with a base salary of $1.3 million in 2012-13. The base salary moves McCaffery to the upper half of the Big Ten Conference in comparison to his colleagues. McCaffery’s average compensation for the full term of the new contract could climb to $1.86 million per year should next year’s team make it to the 2013 NCAA tournament. As was the case with his previous contract, McCaffery can also earn additional compensation annually by achieving certain competitive and academic benchmarks. “Two years into his tenure, I’m thrilled with where Fran is taking our program,” said athletic director Gary Barta. “He has done an outstanding job, in all phases. We are pleased that the victory total has increased in the last two seasons. But, as important, Fran has demonstrated a total commitment in all phases of the program, including recruiting, community involvement and commitment to academic performance.” Said McCaffery: “I am very excited to sign this contract. We have made tremendous progress in all phases of the program in two seasons. I appreciate the support and confidence expressed by President Sally Mason and Gary Barta in signing this contract. We are committed to continued improvement.We have made progress during both the regular season and in post-season play with our participation in the 2012 NIT. Our players know they have the complete support of the University and we look forward to the upcoming seasons.” [This story was written for Ron Maly by Matt Weitzel of Iowa's sports information office].

Friday, June 29, 2012

Megan Franklin Named Drake's Associate Athletic Director

The Drake University athletic department announces the addition of Megan Franklin as associate director of athletics and senior woman administrator. Franklin will begin her duties at Drake on July 2. Franklin will provide leadership to the internal operations of the department. Specifically, her role directly influences the culture of the department and the student-athlete experience. She will oversee the compliance and academic services departments, as well as the athletic training room, strength and conditioning room and the majority of sport programs. “I am delighted to welcome Megan Franklin into the Bulldog family,” said athletic director Sandy Hatfield Clubb. “She is an outstanding fit for our department, both professionally and personally. Her passion and enthusiasm are contagious and I can’t wait to partner with her on the future of Drake athletics.” Franklin comes to Drake from Virginia Tech, where she is completing her doctorate in educational leadership and policy studies. She spent four years as director of student life for the Hokies’ athletic department from 2003-07, which included implementation of the NCAA/CHAMPS Life Skills Program and the planning and implementation of career development programs and workshops for Virginia Tech athletes. Prior to that role, Franklin spent two years as an assistant academic counselor at her alma mater, the University of Nebraska. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Nebraska in 1998 and her master’s degree in educational administration from the institution in 2001. "I am excited to join Sandy Hatfield Clubb's team of athletic administrators, coaches and staff at Drake University,” Franklin said. “I believe her vision for a culture of excellence and ethics is spot-on for the future of intercollegiate athletics in higher education. I look forward to shaping the culture that builds character for Drake student-athletes and my colleagues in athletics and the campus community." Most recently, Franklin has served for two years as the assessment coordinator for the Virginia Tech Office of Assessment and Evaluation, following three years as assistant director of the school’s Office of Recovery and Support. [This story was written for Ron Maly by Paul Kirk, Drake's assistant athletic director for communications]

Lots Of Drake In This Program: Amy sSephens Joins Lisa Stone's Coaching Staff At St. Louis U.

St. Louis University women's basketball coach Lisa Stone said Amy Stephens [pictured] and Brian "Lou" DiFeo have been added to her staff as assistant coaches, and Brittney Marshall has been retained as director of operations and video coordinator. Stephens, DiFeo and Marshall join associate head coach Barb Smith, who joined the program earlier this month. Stone (26), Stephens (17) and Smith (five) have 48 years of collegiate head-coaching experience among them. Both Stone and Stephens are former head coaches at Drake. Stone preceded Stephens in the Bulldogs' job. "It is with energy and excitement that I announce the remainder of my staff for the upcoming year," Stone said. "We have found coaches who have experience, passion and tremendous vision to help build a championship program at St. Louis University. Every member of our staff shares in the Saint Louis philosophy of educating, competing and building community. I take great pleasure in welcoming Amy, Lou and Brittney to the Billiken family. I could not be more excited about this staff. Barb, Amy, Lou and Brittney are quality people with quality values. We will work as a team to help Saint Louis University women's basketball grow to exciting new heights." Stephens compiled a 151-130 record in nine seasons at Drake. The Bulldogs earned an NCAA tournament berth in 2007, and the 2011-12 Bulldogs made the program's fourth WNIT appearance under Stephens' guidance. The 2007-08 Drake squad was 23-11 and captured the Missouri Valley Conference regular-season title. "Amy brings a wealth of knowledge and experience as a successful head coach," Stone said. "She has done it all in women's basketball as a player and as a coach. Amy has tremendous drive and vision and is a great teacher of the game. She is well connected in the midwest and will be an asset in recruiting quality student-athletes. Amy will be assigned as our defensive coordinator and will work primarily with our perimeter players, She is widely respected by her peers, and we are thrilled to have her join our staff." [St. Louis University].

Iowa's Ferentz, Barta Happy With Playoff Format

Gary Barta, Iowa's athletic director, and Hawkeye football coach Kirk Ferentz feel the move toward a championship football game in 2014 is good for college football and approve the announced four-team format. The BCS Presidential Oversight Committee on Tuesday approved a four-team postseason equipped with seeded semifinals within the existing bowl structure, and a championship game to follow, beginning with the 2014 season. A selection committee will rank the four teams using selected criteria that is not finalized. "With the popularity of college football, through record attendance and TV ratings, we all knew and agreed, that whatever changes are made, let's not take away from that," said Barta. "A committee is a good solution. Giving the committee as much direction as possible, in advance, is a key. The more criteria determined going in, the better. I think there is a place for a poll to factor in the process." The semifinal games will rotate among six bowl sites, with the inaugural semifinals set for Dec. 31, 2014 and Jan. 1, 2015. The first championship game will be held Jan. 12, 2015, at a yet to be determined neutral site. "I believe this is a positive step for all associated with college football," said Ferentz. "While it appears that details still need to be worked out, I would imagine this development will be well received and will continue to enhance the growth and popularity of college football. "The format protects what is good in college football. The elements that have made college football so popular, the regular season and the bowl system, are maintained, while enhancing the overall picture." "No matter where we draw the line, there will be controversy remaining," concluded Barta. "The next team is always going to feel left out. The goal is to preserve the regular season and the bowl system, and I think this does a nice job of both. At the end of the day, if anyone thinks this will solve all controversy, that is not going to go away. We will just have a clearer picture of who will be the national champion." In recent history, Iowa football would have been part of the discussion in both 2002 and 2009. The 2002 Hawkeyes won their final nine games of the regular season, and tied Ohio State for the Big Ten title with a perfect 8-0 record. Iowa was ranked third at the end of the regular season, met USC in the 2003 Orange Bowl, and ended the year ranked eighth in both major polls. In 2009, the Hawkeyes won their first nine games and were ranked sixth nationally. An overtime loss at Ohio State in the second-to-last game of the year kept Iowa from at least a share of the Big Ten title. Iowa was selected to compete in the 2010 Orange Bowl, scoring a 24-14 win over Georgia Tech, to rank seventh in the final national rankings. [This story was written for Ron Maly by Steve Roe of Iowa's sports information staff].

JOLTIN' JOE GOT IT STARTED

When Ron Maly was a kid in Cedar Rapids, he wanted to enter an essay contest, and he did. He wrote about Joe DiMaggio of the New York Yankees being his favorite baseball player. For finishing second in the contest, Ron won a Louisville Slugger baseball bat autographed by DiMaggio. Ron later wanted to be the first person in his family to attend college, and he was. He earned a degree in political science from the University of Iowa, and did what all political science majors do. He became a sportswriter. He had, after all, covered high school football, basketball and baseball games for the Cedar Rapids Gazette while he worked parttime during his university days. Ron wanted to sit in the press box and write about an Iowa-Minnesota football game, and he did. It happened while he was the sports editor at the Albert Lea [Minn.] Tribune, and the game was at Memorial Stadium in Minneapolis. Ron wanted to cover a World Series, and he did. Also when he was working for the Albert Lea newspaper. Ron wanted to cover Rose Bowls, Sugar Bowls, Orange Bowls, Cotton Bowls, Holiday Bowls, a Freedom Bowl, a Sun Bowl, a Super Bowl and NCAA basketball tournaments, and he did those things after he moved to Des Moines. Ron was a four-time sportswriter of the Year in the state of Iowa [the years were 1977, 1978, 1994 and 1996]. In 2006, he was named a charter member of the University of Iowa's media Wall of Fame in the Kinnick Stadium press box. A photo of the plaque that's displayed in the press box is displayed above this story. Following Ron's retirement from the newspaper business, a publisher asked him if he wanted to write a book about the rich football tradition at the University of Iowa, and he did. The hardback version of "Tales from the Iowa Sidelines" was a best-seller, and so was the revised, softback version. Now he's been asked by his publisher to update the book for a second time. He's in the process of doing that at the present time. Ron considers being asked to update a best-selling book for the second time to be the supreme compliment, considering the Hawkeyes won just four games in the 2012 season. When Ron isn't working on books, he's busy traveling and spending time with his family. Indeed, he attends the athletic, theatrical and musical [both vocal and instrumental] events in which his six grandchildren participate. He also writes about anything that interests him for his many websites. Every chance he gets, Ron proudly wears his America Needs Farmers T-shirt.

The Hawkeyes' Rich Football Tradition, Revisited

I mentioned a while back that I was in the process of updating my Tales from the Iowa Sidelines book. Updating it for the second time. The original hardback edition of Tales from the Iowa Sidelines [pictured at the right] was published in 2003, during the 10-3 season, when coach Kirk Ferentz and his Iowa football team had a 10-3 record that included a 37-17 victory over 15th-ranked Florida in the Outback Bowl and after the Hawkeyes went 11-2 in 2002. That book was a best-seller, so the publishers came to me again in 2005, a season that finished with a breathtaking 30-25 victory over No. 11 Louisiana State in the Capital One Bowl on New Year's Day, 2005. Because buyers had cleaned out the the shelves in the bookstores, the publishers wanted to know if I'd do an updated version of the book. I agreed, The revised, soft-cover edition [pictured at the left] was published in 2005. Warren Holloway, who teamed with quarterback Drew Tate on a miraculous 56-yard touchdown pass to win the Capital One Bowl, was featured on the cover. That book, too, turned into a best-seller, So I had reason to feel very good about my years as a published author. It's not every day that a the original version is a best-seller, and so is the updated version. Then, imagine my surprise when I received an e-mail from a senior editor at the publishing company last fall, wanting wanted to know if I was interested in doing a second updated version of the book. It came at a time when things weren't going well for the Hawkeyes in the 2012 season. They lost their last six games and finished with a 4-8 record. Frankly, the thought of doing a revised edition of the book during a 4-8 season seemed to be a stretch. "Maybe producing a revised edition in a year or two would be a better idea," I told the publishers. "We'd like to do it now," I was told. "Let me think about it," I said. After a few days of thought, I accepted the idea. I talked myself into the idea that this was the supreme compliment--being asked to do a second book update during a 4-8 season showed strong confidence by the publishers in me and in the Hawkeyes' football program. So I got back into the business of interviewing players and coaches again, going to postgame press conferences, weekly press conferences and a scrimmage in West Des Moines. After a press conference in Iowa City, I did a one-on-one interview with coach Kirk Ferentz, and mentioned to him that I was in the process of doing a revised edition of my two best-selling books. I congratulated him on the excellent things he had done for Iowa's football program--all of which contributed to the success of my books. "I think Coach Fry had more to do with it," he told me, bringing up the name of Hayden Fry, his one-time boss at Iowa and a man who brought Iowa's football program back from the dead in the 20th century. That's modest Kirk Ferentz for you. Even though the 2012 season wasn't something Hawkeye coaches, players and fans will recall with any special feeling, Ferentz has a 14-year record of 100-74 at Iowa that includes two 11-victory seasons [2002 smd 2009], two 10-victory seasons [2003 and 2004], plus he's been the Big Ten coach of year in 2002, 2004 and 2009, and national coach of the year in 2002. Indeed, Ferentz has done some wonderful things at Iowa City, and I fully expect his success to continue. I've concluded my writing for the second update of Tales from the Iowa Sidelines, and the senior editor has furnished me with an early look at the book. Not only are the Kirk Ferentz years included in the updated version, but so is the stuff I previously wrote about Howard Jones, Dr. Eddie Anderson, Heisman Trophy winner Nile Kinnick and the 1939 Hawkeye Ironmen, Ronald Reagan, Ozzie Simmons, Ossie Solem, Randy Duncan, Alex Karras and lots of other legends from Iowa's rich football history. I expect the book to be in stores soon. I hope you like it.