AUGUST 23, 2024 | written by STEVE ULRICH

The news that you need to know about DIII non-scholarship college athletics and those who love it.
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TOP STORY
1. Teammate Charged in 2023 Death of Gustavus Hockey Player

by Mike Stunson, The News & Observer

“A former college hockey player was charged a year after causing a crash that killed one of her teammates, Minnesota authorities say.

The 20-year-old woman, who McClatchy News is not naming, is charged with a single count of gross misdemeanor reckless driving following the Aug. 20, 2023, crash in Chippewa County.

The crash killed Jori Jones, a 19-year-old rising sophomore who was a part of the Gustavus College women’s hockey team that won the NCAA Division III championship her freshman year.”

» Situational Awareness. “A Minnesota State Patrol trooper said the driver, who was 19 at the time, was speeding as she went through a stop sign. With three of her teammates also in the SUV, the driver crashed into a van that was proceeding through an intersection after having made a “full stop,” according to a criminal complaint.”

» The Bottom Line. “If found guilty, the SUV driver faces up to 364 days in jail and/or a $3,000 fine, court records show.”

» Continue Reading

APPRECIATION

2. Dan Wooldridge 1934-2024

“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Dan Wooldridge, the first commissioner of the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC). He passed away on Tuesday, August 20, at the age of 90.

Wooldridge, a 1956 graduate and athletics Hall of Fame inductee at then Lynchburg College (now University of Lynchburg), fostered the growth of the ODAC from its inception in 1976-77 through 21 years of service upon his retirement in March 1997. Wooldridge’s commitment to Division III and non-scholarship athletics impacted not only those competing, but also the small college officiating landscape. A prominent basketball and football official and officials supervisor for several major conferences, Wooldridge was one of two referees from the United States to officiate games at the 1976 Olympics in Montreal.

Officiating, specifically highlighting Division III referees, was a major factor in bringing the first NCAA championship to Salem, Virginia. The Stagg Bowl (Division III Football Championship) was previously competed in Phenix City, Alabama, and Bradenton, Florida, outside of the Division III footprint. It was also officiated by an all Division I crew. Wooldridge, along with support from the City of Salem and Rotary Club of Salem, successfully convinced the NCAA to bring the Stagg Bowl to Salem in 1993 and employ Division III officials on the contest for the first time. The quality of the event – both in venue and operation – kicked off a venture that has grown to include more than 100 NCAA championships in 10 sports for Division II and III events.”

» Of Note. “The Wooldridge namesake is still visible in local and national collegiate athletics. The Dan Wooldridge Overall Champions Cup is one of three awards that comprise the ODAC Commissioners Cup competitions. Beginning in 1997 and through the Salem Rotary Club Wooldridge Scholarship Foundation Fund, the Salem Rotary presents two scholarships annually in Dan Wooldridge’s name to the two winners of the Jostens Trophy, a Rotary sponsored award that recognizes the top Division III male and female basketball student-athletes in the country.”

» Quotable. “People, from all walks of life, have a common theme about Dan. They say he gave them their first chance at officiating, athletics administration, insurance, etc. I’m deeply thankful for my chance. I know Salem is thankful for its championship run of 100+ NCAA events and the ODAC continues today due in part to Dan's vision and passionate stewardship. Today we honor the ODAC's greatest fan who will always have a seat at the end of the press table for its conference basketball championships. Our thoughts and prayers are with Dan's family and friends during this difficult time.” - Brad Bankston, ODAC Commissioner

» Read More

SOCCER (W)

3. Championship Streaks 🏈 

Just four DIII institutions have seen their football program qualify for the last five NCAA championship tournaments. Mount Union leads the pack, advancing to the NCAAs each year the championship has been conducted since 1992.

Consecutive Appearances in NCAA Tournament

31 - Mount Union (started 1992)
7 - North Central IL (2016)
6 - Delaware Valley (2017)
5 - UW-Whitewater (2018)
4 - Aurora (2019)
3 - Bethel, Cortland, DePauw, Endicott, Springfield, Trinity TX, UW-La Crosse (2021)

courtesy of NCAA Stats

ROUNDUP

4. Lightning Round ⚡️ 

» 🏀 Basketball (M). UW-River Falls will take on the University of Wisconsin men’s basketball team in an exhibition matchup on October 30.

» 🎾  Tennis (M). The Empire 8 Conference announced the addition of current North Atlantic Conference institutions SUNY Delhi, Lesley University, Norwich University, Thomas College, Vermont State University Johnson, and Vermont State University Lyndon as affiliate members in the sport of men’s tennis effective with the 2024-25 academic year.

» 🗞️ News. Top officials at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have blamed last year’s U.S. Supreme Court decision barring race-conscious admissions for lowering diversity in the institution’s incoming class compared to cohorts of recent years.

TRANSACTIONS
5. Comings and Goings

• BALDWIN WALLACE - Rob Becker named associate athletic director for facilities and operations. Christine Varga named associate AD of club sports and recreation. Jason Zastrow named assistant AD for compliance. Jake Grasso named director of esports

• CAPITAL - Ian Kellogg named director of cross country/track and field 

• EAST TEXAS BAPTIST - Ashton Davis-Leveille named head acrobatics and tumbling coach

• MAINE FARMINGTON - Sean Cabiness named director of track and field/cross country 

• MORRISVILLE - Sophia Testani named assistant athletic trainer

• NEBRASKA WESLEYAN - Brandon Bradley resigned as head wrestling coach

• PITT-GREENSBURG - Josiah Ferenczy named head tennis coach

• REGIS - Sharon Millett and Ashley Wilson named assistant athletic trainers

• TRINE - Mike Avery named interim head men’s soccer coach

• WASHINGTON U. - Lisa Stone named head women’s basketball coach 

• WISCONSIN-STEVENS POINT - Marissa Nelson named athletics communications specialist

1 THING

6. Backyard Sports Is Back

“The "Backyard Sports" video game franchise, including the iconic "Pablo Sanchez," will be making its return in the near future. Playground Productions announced that the video game will be relaunching, while the series will also be appearing in film and television in the future.

"'Backyard Sports' is more than just a game; it's a cherished part of childhood for millions of people," Backyard Sports creator and Playground Productions founder Lindsay Barnett said in a statement." (CBS Sports)

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