DAVID W. LEEBRON Rice President

Rice Leadership R DAVID W. LEEBRON Rice President

Though he grew up in Philadelphia, David W. Leebron was not part of the Franklin Field crowd that pelted Santa with snow- balls at the infamous 1968 Eagles game. Indeed, Rice’s president says he and his wife and children prefer the spirit of Rice athletic events. "Our family has enjoyed watching our student–athletes Leebron serves on the National War Powers Commission perform in a wide range of competitions," the president said, (ex-officio), the National Security Higher Education Advisory Board, "everyone from our incredible baseball pitching staff to our volley- the Jacobs University Bremen Board of Governors, the Harvard ball players defying the laws of gravity." Law School Visiting Committee, the Greater Houston Partnership Leebron became the seventh president of Rice University and board of directors and the board of directors of IMAX Corp. a member of its political sci- "Rice students are extraordinary," he said. "They compete in ence faculty on July 1, 2004. Rice Presidents everything from intramurals to club and intercollegiate sports, all Upon his arrival at Rice, he Edgar Odell Lovett 1907-46 while pursuing serious scholarship. We take great pride in the began engaging faculty, staff, William V. Houston 1946-60 diversity of our student body and the diverse talents of all our students, alumni and commu- Kenneth R. Pitzer 1961-68 students." nity members in a dialogue Norman Hackerman 1970-85 Leebron is married to Y. Ping Sun and has two young children, George R. Rupp 1985-93 on the opportunities and Malcolm Gillis 1993-2004 Daniel and Merissa. challenges that the university David W. Leebron 2004-present faces in the coming decade and beyond. His Call to Conversation produced a strategy, the Vision for the Second Century, which calls for Rice to grow in size and scope, including significant increases in its research endeav- ors and international collaborations. Leebron also has led a wide-reaching program to engage the faculty and students with the city of Houston through Passport to Houston and other community engagement programs. A graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School, Leebron was elected president of the Law Review in his second year. Prior to joining Rice, he served as dean and the Lucy G. Moses Professor of Law at Columbia University. He also served as a visiting fellow at the Max Planck Institute for Foreign and Comparative Law in Hamburg, Germany, and as the Jean Monnet Visiting Professor of Law at Bielefeld University. Leebron has authored a textbook on international human rights and written numerous articles on issues of international trade, human rights and corporate finance. He is a member of the New York State Bar and an inactive member of the Hawaii and Pennsyl- vania bars.

Rice University President David W. Leebron served as an honorary coach during the Owls’ 2008 spring football game. The football team went on to win the Texas Bowl at Reliant Stadium last December.

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Board of Trustees

James Crownover J.D. Bucky Allshouse D. Kent Anderson Keith T. Anderson Teveia Rose Barmes Alfredo Brener Chair

Vicki Whamond Robert T. Brockman Nancy P. Carlson Robert L. Clarke Bruce W. Dunlevie Lynn Laverty Bretthauer Elsenhans

Douglas Lee Foshee Susanne Morris David W. Leebron Robert R. Maxfield M. Kenneth Oshman Jeffery O. Rose Glasscock

Judge Lee H. Hector de J. Ruiz Marc Shapiro L. E. Simmons Robert B. Tudor, III James S. Turley Rosenthal

As of July 1, 2008

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Administration

Dr. Eugene Levy Dr. James Coleman Kathy Collins Edward P. Djerejian Dr. Robin Forman Dr. William H. Glick Provost Vice Provost for Vice President for Director of the Dean, Undergraduate Dean, Jesse H. Jones Research Finance Baker Institute Education Graduate School of for Public Policy Management

Dr. Sallie Keller- Kamran Khan Dr. Kevin Kirby Dr. Lars Lerup Sara Lowman Dr. Dan Carson McNulty Vice Provost for Vice President for Dean, School of Vice Provost and Dean, Wiess School of Dean, George R. Brown Information Administration Architecture University Librarian Natural Sciences School of Engineering Technology

Dr. Mary McIntire Chris Muñoz Dr. Carol Quillen Dr. Lyn Ragsdale Dr. Paula Sanders Dr. Roland B. Smith Jr. Dean, Susanne M. Vice President for Vice Provost for Dean, School of Dean, Graduate and Associate Provost Glasscock School of Enrollment Academic Affairs Social Studies Postdoctoral Studies Continuing Studies

Linda Thrane Dr. Gary S. Wihl Scott W. Wise Dr. Robert Yekovich Richard A. Zansitis Darrow Zeidenstein Vice President for Dean, School of Vice President for Dean, Shepherd General Counsel Vice President for Public Affairs Humanities Investments and School of Music Resource Treasurer Development

2009 RICE OWLS BASEBALL 83 R Rice Leadership CHRIS DEL CONTE Director of Athletics

In two years since being named Rice University’s director of athletics, Chris Del Conte’s vision for the future of the program is rapidly becoming a reality. Reckling Park, the home of the Owls powerhouse baseball program and one of the showcase venues for the sport, saw significant upgrades to its playing surface last fall. At the same time, a state-of-the-art information 2006, after previously serving as senior associate athletics director at the and video board was installed to enhance the game experience for fans. University of Arizona. His first year on campus was truly a memorable one. This fall, the dream of a renovated Autry Court will come to fruition. The Owls returned to a bowl game for the first time in 45 years, base- The $27 million project is on track to provide Rice basketball and volleyball a ball earned its sixth trip to the College World Series, three teams earned completely renovated home court later this year. The project also includes Conference USA titles, the school had the conference players of the year in a new academic center, training facility, locker rooms and administrative both men’s basketball and baseball and produced a pair of first-round picks offices. in professional drafts. The new facility will offer fans the amenities they have come to expect Nearly 12, 000 Owls filled multiple hotels in New Orleans for Rice’s trip including new VIP seating and club area, concession stands and a state-of- to the R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl, making it the largest gathering of the-art video display. alumni for an event not held on the Rice University campus. But an even more dramatic reshaping of the scope of the department Also during his first year at Rice, Del Conte’s vision for a revamped was announced last spring, when Rice President David Leebron announced and aggressive approach by the department saw a consolidation of various a restructuring of administrative responsibilities. The merging of the inter- marks and logos used by Rice’s different sports into a unified, readily identi- collegiate programs with the campus recreation and intramural areas to fiable mark first made famous by the national baseball team, the Old English create an all-encompassing department under Del Conte’s leadership was “R.” The department also took over the administration of the licensing of its announced along with plans for a new $41 million Recreation and Wellness logos and entered into an agreement with Host Communications (now IMG Center, which broke ground in late spring and is set for a 2010 opening. College) to maximize marketing opportunities. This past summer, Rice and To bring these three projects to reality, Del Conte has directed a cam- IMG College announced a 10-year extension of the relationship. paign that has raised over $72 million for facilities since he came to South As a further extension of the effort to create a consistent image for Main. Rice Athletics, Del Conte negotiated an expanded apparel and equipment Rice Athletics has maintained a balanced budget in each of the last relationship with Nike for all Rice teams, beginning in the fall of 2008. two years under Del Conte’s direction. He also initiated the implementation In addition to his duties at Rice, he also serves on the Conference USA of a strategic plan for the department, outlining the mission of the depart- Television Committee. ment and clearly drawing the focus on a heightened experience for each Del Conte spent five-plus years on the athletic department staff at the student-athlete. University of Arizona. When he joined the UA program in December of 1999, Del Conte’s efforts have allowed the Owls to become co-hosts for the he oversaw all aspects of athletic fund development. In 2002 his respon- 2008 and 2010 NCAA Men’s Basketball Regional Championships, as well as sibilities were expanded to include overseeing the ticket office, marketing, the 2011 Final Four at Reliant Stadium. corporate sales and trademarks and licensing. That same year, he imple- While the new building projects will provide a foundation for the de- mented a capital campaign known as Campaign Arizona for the Student- partment’s future, the athletic program has seen unparalleled success both Athlete, which raised more the $120 million One year later, he was named on the playing fields and courts as well as in the classroom during Del Con- one of three senior associate athletics directors. He oversaw media rela- te’s two years at the helm. tions, business operations and external affairs, and helped co-manage the This past year, the Rice baseball team advanced to the College World day-to-day operation of the university’s 19 athletic programs. He worked Series for the third straight year. Baseball was one of four Rice teams to directly with all coaches, department heads and staff and participated in capture Conference USA championships during the year. Three teams ad- the hiring of coaches and other personnel. He also oversaw all contracts, vanced to NCAA Championship play. including corporate sponsorships, broadcast rights, sporting events and The athletic program’s academic success continues to rank among the Web site agreements. leaders in Division I. Del Conte has a master’s degree in education administration from Eight of the Owls’ 16 athletic programs were awarded Public Recogni- Washington State University where he served as assistant athletics direction Awards by the NCAA, emblematic of their finishing in the top 10 percent tor for external operations before he joined the staff at Arizona. He received of their respective sport in terms of their APR (Academic Progress Reports). a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology from the University of California, The eight awards were four times the combined amount presented to other Santa Barbara. institutions in the state of Texas, with no school being honored for more than Del Conte is married to Robin Ward, Clinical Assistant Professor of one individual team. The Naval Academy was the only other FBS institution Mathematics and Associate Director for Curriculum Integration for the to have 50 percent or more of its programs recognized with the award. Rice University School of Mathematics Project. They have two daughters, Del Conte was named the 14th director of athletics at Rice on June 22, Sienna (seven) and Sophia (five).

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David Sayler Leslie Claybrook Senior Executive Athletics Director Senior Associate Athletics Director Senior Woman Administrator

David Sayler is now in his third year as Senior Executive Athletics Director, re- Leslie Claybrook begins her second year as Senior Associate Athletics Director/Senior sponsible for assisting in the day to day operations of the entire athletic department, di- Woman Administrator at Rice University. She joined the Rice staff on May 1, 2007. rectly overseeing all internal operations of the athletic department, as well as providing Claybrook provides adminstrative oversight to all of Rice’s 16 sports programs with administrative oversight for all of Rice’s 16 sports programs. Sayler has also worked regards to student-athlete services. In addition, she is responsible for overseeing the Univer- on the development of a new Strategic Plan for Rice Athletics and he serves as the sity’s completion of the NCAA Self Study and has been an integral part of the development administrator of that plan for the department. of a new strategic plan for Rice Athletics. He is currently overseeing the funding and planning for the 26 million dollar reno- She also represents Conference USA on the NCAA Legislative Council, is a member vation of Autry Court as well as the 41 million dollar brand new Recreation Center on of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Rules Committee and serves on the NCAA Ameuturism campus. During his time at Rice, Sayler has overseen several other facility improve- Fact Finding Committee. ments including: the installation of Fieldturf (1 million dollars) at Rice Stadium, the Claybrook came to Rice from Samford University where she served as the Associate replacement of Cameron Field (1.2 million dollars) at Reckling Park, the installation of Athletics Director for Compliance. She worked closely with Samford’s student-athletes and a brand new scoreboard ($500,000) at Reckling Park, as well as serving on the steer- coaches in all areas of NCAA compliance and student-athlete welfare. She was also involved ing committee for the new Recreation Center. in the oversight and management of all Bulldog sports. Sayler also served as the Assistant Tournament Director for the 2008 NCAA Before her time at Samford, Claybrook served in a similar capacity at Birmingham- Men’s Basketball South Regional held in Reliant Stadium. In addition, he also served Southern College in Alabama. While at BSC, she started the school’s NCAA compliance as the Tournament Coordinator for the 2007 and 2008 NCAA Baseball Regional and program. She was also instrumental in the department’s transition from NAIA to NCAA Divi- Super Regionals held on the Rice University campus. sion I and led the institution in the completion of the NCAA certification process. Claybrook Under his watch, Rice Athletics had a balanced budget for fiscal years 2007 and also oversaw the internal operation of the athletics department, including the administration 2008, the first times ever under the board approved budget funding model for athletics. of 14 sports. Accomplishments on the field the past two years include the football team making a Prior to her time at BSC, Claybrook served as a compliance assistant with the South- bowl game for the first time in 45 years, the baseball team making consecutive trips to eastern Conference. She also served stints as an assistant women’s basketball coach at the College World Series in Omaha and the Women’s Track and Cross Country team Mercer and Troy. winning the Conference USA Championship. In her spare time, she has been actively involved in refereeing basketball at the col- Sayler came to Rice in August 2006 after spending two seasons as Associate lege, WNBA and international levels. Her expertise allowed her to represent USA Basketball Athletic Director for Business Operations at Oregon State University. as a referee at the 2007 Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro. At Oregon State, Sayler managed all aspects of the department’s $36 million an- A native of Luverne, Ala., Claybrook is a graduate of the University of Alabama where nual budget and worked directly with each coach to plan their sport budgets as well as she was a four-year letterwinner for the women’s basketball team and a three-time selection serving as the tournament coordinator for the 2005 and 2006 NCAA Baseball Regional to the SEC Academic Honor Roll. Claybrook received a master’s degree from Mercer Uni- and Super Regionals held at OSU. In addition, Sayler planned and directed consecu- versity. tive trips for the Beaver baseball team to the College World Series with them capturing She is married to Perry Robinson the National Championship in 2006. Prior to Oregon State, Sayler was the Associate Athletic Director for Business Operations at Bowling Green State University (2001-2005) in Ohio. At BGSU, he oversaw operations for the department’s business, ticket and marketing departments. At Bowling Green, he directed the process of evolving from an operating deficit of $900,000 upon his arrival to working with a balanced budget in his last two years. Russ Dean Prior to his arrival at BGSU, he served nearly two years as the Assistant AD for General Manager Business Operations at the University of Houston (1999-2001) and as the Assistant AD for Business Operations at the University of Hartford (1998-1999). Rice Sports Properties By going to the University of Hartford, Sayler switched over to the internal side of collegiate athletics after spending years on the external side of the business. He worked at the University of Georgia Athletic Association for two years (1996-1998) as the Director of Promotions for Women’s Sports before leaving for Hartford. At Georgia, Sayler marketed 6 of the Top 10 crowds in Women’s Basketball history at UGA, includ- Russell Dean begins his third year affiliated with Rice University and his first as Gen- ing the 1st sellout ever for the program. He also sold sponsorships, managed and eral Manager for Rice Sports Properties. fulfilled them with companies such as Wendy’s and Coca-Cola. For IMG College, Dean oversees the Rice Owl Radio Network, sponsorship sales for Sayler began his intercollegiate career with a two-year stint as a Marketing Assis- all sports and production of the game day programs. Dean also oversees the Marketing, tant at the University of Connecticut (1994-1996) – where he also earned his Masters Sports Information and Ticket Offices. He also handles the licensing program for the entire in Sports Administration. At Connecticut, Sayler assisted in the generation of over $1 university. million of sponsorship revenue. Dean joined the Rice staff after spending three years as an assistant athletics director After graduation from Ohio Wesleyan University (1991) with a Bachelor of Arts in for sales and ticketing at the University of Arizona. Accounting, Sayler worked three years in the private sector spending time with Ernst & During his tenure at Arizona, Dean oversaw the corporate sales program which totaled Young in Cleveland and Peterson Consulting in Chicago. more than $3 million per year. He was also in charge of the ticket office and a ticket sales Sayler is married to the former Katie Fitzgerald of Bowling Green, Ohio. The program that produced more than $9 million in ticket revenue. couple have one boy, Connor, born on Jan 16, 2007.

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Prior to working at Arizona, Dean served as an assistant athletics director at Tulane Dean graduated Magna Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa with a B.A. in History from (1999-2003), handling sales and marketing. At Tulane, he was the primary solicitor of all Birmingham-Southern in May 2005. corporate sponsorships from 1999 through 2001, and he set records of all corporate spon- While at BSC, Dean served as an intern in the BSC athletic department and served sorships during the 1999-00 and 2000-01 fiscal years. Dean also created ticket policies and four years as the student-equipment manager for the BSC Baseball Team. campaigns for all sports including post-season events and oversaw the increase of football Dean, a native of Birmingham, Alabama, married the former Andrea Boohaker in July season ticket sales by 100 percent between the 2002 and 2003 seasons. 2008. The couple lives in Pearland. During a two-year stint at the University of Houston (1997-98), Dean designed and implemented marketing plans for football, men’s and women’s basketball, women’s soccer and baseball while assisting with “Sellout `97” where more than 50,000 tickets were sold for the football season opener. Before coming to Houston, Dean was a marketing assistant at Arizona (1995-96). Clint Haggard Dean graduate from the University of Connecticut with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Assistant Athletics Director sociology in 1992. He received his master’s degree in sports administration from UConn in 1996 while working as a graduate assistant in UConn’s athletic marketing department. Sports Medicine Dean is married to the former Heather Hardin (Rice, 1999). They have a three-year old son, Caleb, and welcomed the birth of twins Camden and Catelyn in December 2008. The couple are associates at Wiess College.

In May 2006, Clint Haggard joined the Rice athletic department staff as the Assistant Athletics Director for Medical Services/Head Athletic Trainer. Haggard came to Rice after spending the previous two seasons as an assistant foot- Suzanne Boué ball athletic trainer at the University of Alabama. Prior to his tenure working with football, Assistant Athletics Director Haggard was a graduate assistant trainer at Alabama for two years. While at Alabama, Haggard developed and implemented the Alabama Sports Medi- Student-Athlete Development cine Worship which provided opportunities for high school athletic trainers from throughout the southeast. In the fall of 2001, Haggard served as the coordinator of medical services for the Geor- gia State Football Championship, providing medical coverage for more than 700 athletes. He has also served internships for the Indianapolis Colts (summer, 2001) and for the Cincinnati Suzanne Boué returned to her alma mater as Assistant Athletics Director for Student- Reds (summer, 2000). Athlete Development in July, 2008. He has been a speaker at numerous conferences around the country, and in addi- Boué previously served in the role of Partner & Director, Client Services at Game Plan tion, has had several articles published. He has also successfully procured several athletic Management, Ltd. As co-founder of the athlete representation firm, she helped orchestrate training-related grants. off-field aspects of clients’ careers including marketing, community and non-profit relations, Haggard received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Exercise and Sport Science from public relations, career development and life skills. the University of Georgia in 2002 and received a Master of Arts Degree in Health Sciences Boué worked seven years for the Chicago Botanic Garden, moving into the position of from the University of Alabama in 2003. He is currently pursuing an Ed.D. in higher education director of visitor services and becoming the primary advocate for the overall visitor experi- administration from Alabama. ence and customer service provided to nearly one million annual visitors. Haggard is certified by the National Athletic Trainers Association and licensed by the Boué worked two years in the University of Michigan Athletic Department as a market- state of Texas. Additionally, he is certified as an emergency medical technician-basic. Hag- ing and promotions representative (1992-94) and also worked one year as a marketing and gard holds memberships with numerous national, state and district athletic training associa- community relations for the Chicago Cubs tions. With her hire, Boué’s career comes full circle. Haggard and his wife Erin have a daughter, Reagan Ashliegh, born Jan. 25, 2008. Boué is a 1991 cum laude graduate of Rice University, receiving her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sports Management and Sports Medicine (Wiess College). While an undergraduate, she served as a student athletic trainer. She also received M.S. in Sports Management from the University of Massachusetts in 1992. Boué and her husband Adelqui have children, Jason (five) and Marisa (one). Dr. Brad Hovious Assistant Athletics Director Development Michael Dean Assistant Athletics Director Compliance Dr. Brad Hovious took over the reins of the Owl Club in January, 1999, when he was named Assistant Athletics Director for Development. Hovious advocates fun mixed with the philanthropic satisfaction of giving Rice student- athletes a great collegiate athletic experience coupled with excellent academic preparation. Events ranging from a Super Bowl party to hosting a dinner at Minute Maid Park have been Michael Dean was promoted to assistant athletics director for compliance in October hosted to bring Owl Club members together for food, fun and support of the Owls. Contri- 2008. He came to Rice after stops at Birmingham-Southern and West Virginia. butions to the Owl Club are up 225 percent since Dr. Hovious began, and he credits the His responsibilities involve managing the compliance program to ensure that the entire unbelievable loyalty and support of Owl Club members and the recruitment of an excellent Rice University community meets all of Rice, C-USA, and NCAA rules and regulations. staff as the keys to success. Prior to his arrival at Rice, Dean served as Compliance Assistant at West Virginia from No stranger to college athletics, the 62-year old Hovious was the Director of Athletics 2005-06, while earning a Master’s in Sport Management in December 2006. at the University of Texas-El Paso from 1987 to 1993. The Miners’ track and field, golf, tennis

86 2009 RICE OWLS BASEBALL Rice Leadership R and football teams all experienced their best seasons under Hovious’ watch, with the football Miners being extended an invitation to the Independence Bowl and the basketball team ad- vancing to five NCAA tournaments. Following his tenure at UTEP, Hovious became the Director of Athletics at Arkansas Kim Koehn State where he had a major role in increasing booster club donations by an average of seven percent each year. ASU won the Sun Belt Conference’s Commissioner’s Cup for the 1994-95 Assistant Athletics Director season which recognized the league’s top athletic program for the year. Team Giving & Special Gifts After a stint as a consultant for the Norwest Sun Bowl, Hovious accepted a position as the assistant head golf pro in Charlottesville, Va., a position he left to head Rice athletics’ “team behind the teams.” A native of Oxford, Miss., Hovious was a two-sport letterman at Ole Miss. He received his bachelor’s degree from Ole Miss in 1969 and added a master’s in physical education in Kim Koehn is in her first year with the Development Office, but the Assistant Athletic 1970. After two years as an officer in the army, he coached at the high school level for three Director for Team Giving & Special gifts is no stranger to Rice Athletics. Koehn is in her 12th years before enrolling in Ohio University’s sports administration program. He graduated from year the athletic department after spending the previous six years as the director of opera- Ohio in 1975 and two years later earned a doctorate in education administration from Loui- tions for the Owls’ storied baseball program. siana State University. After earning his doctorate, Hovious served 10 years as the athletic In her new post, Koehn will oversee and manage the fundraising efforts for the Sports director at Delta State University in Mississippi. He also served as an assistant professor in Interest Groups (SIGs) to ensure they have the resources necessary to raise monies, in- the education department and tennis coach. crease exposure with donors and friends, and operate in the fundraising model of the Rice Hovious is married to the former Marcia Simmons. He has two daughters, Mary Kath- Athletics Fund. She will serve as the liaison to the R Association, other alumni groups, and erine, a graduate of Washington & Lee Law School and Taylor Wilkinson, an Ole Miss grad. athletic advisory groups in creating opportunities to re-connect with the sixteen varsity sports. Koehn is the primary contact for the varsity teams in realizing their fund-raising and friend- raising potential. Koehn was responsible for the off-the-field operation of the baseball office. She coordinated all team and recruiting travel in addition to assisting with the logistics of on-campus Julie Griswold recruiting. Koehn also served as the liaison for visiting teams, campus affairs, and the RBI Associate Director of Academic Advising Club. Koehn coordinated the program’s travel for four trips to the College World Series, including its community outreach and youth/charity initiatives while the team was in Omaha, for Athletics Neb. She was the director of operations who coordinated all the postseason activities and requests when Rice baseball won the NCAA National Championship in 2003. Prior to joining the baseball program, Koehn served as the assistant director of marketing for two years. As an undergraduate at Rice, the San Antonio native spent three years as the student intern in athletic marketing. In charge of monitoring the academic progress of more than 350 student-athletes, Julie Koehn is a 2000 graduate of Rice with a B.A. in sports management, and an associate Griswold in now in her 23rd year at Rice University. As Associate Director of Academic Advis- at Brown College. She married Corey Koehn in October, 2006. The couple welcomed their ing for Athletics, she oversees an office staff of three and more than 50 academic tutors. first child to the family, Braden James, on New Year’s Day 2009. Griswold works individually with each student-athlete as a part of the university’s academic advising office and with the divisional advisors in each of Rice’s nine colleges – to set up a student’s academic path. Griswold works daily towards the ultimate goal of seeing each and every student earn his or her degree, guiding each student-athlete through freshman orientation, helping to select a major, arranging class schedules and monitoring eligibility and Marc Laney academic progress. Assistant Athletics Director The hard work of Griswold and her staff is proven annually as the Owls regularly rank among the top 10 in the nation in total graduate rates for athletes. Ticket Operations In 2008, eight of the Owls’ 16 athletic programs were awarded Public Recognition Awards by the NCAA, emblematic of their finishing in the top 10 percent of their respective sport in terms of their APR (Academic Progress Reports). The eight awards were four times the combined amount presented to other institutions in the state of Texas, with no school being honored for more than one individual team. Navy was the only other Division I FBS Marc Laney was named Assistant Athletics Director of Ticket Operations on Jan. 1, institution to have 50 percent or more of its programs recognized with the award. 2008. His broad range of responsibilities include supervision of event planning and game-day In 2003, Rice received the USA Today/NCAA Academic Achievement Award for having operations, staffing and event reconciliation, as well as playing host to potential postseason the highest graduation rate in Division I-A. competitions. Additionally, he oversees online/gameday ticket sales and the day-to-day op- In the past, Griswold has served as the CHAMPS/Lifeskills coordinator at Rice and as eration of the ticket office. Laney is also overseeing the implementation of the new Autry an advisor for the Student Athlete Advisory Committee. She has also served as an advisor to Court seating configuration. other student groups including the Rice Fellowship of Christian Athletes and ADVANCE (Ad- Laney joined the Rice athletic department staff from Vanderbilt University where he vocating Diversity and Assisting in Career Exploration). Griswold is an associate of Hanszen was the assistant ticket manager (2006-07). While in Nashville, he helped Vanderbilt play College. host to its first ever NCAA baseball regional, increased gross sales to numbers never Griswold came to Rice in the fall of 1986, shortly after earning her master’s degree in achieved before and was a part of the athletic program that played host to a record number higher education student affairs/counseling from Indiana University. While working on her of sell-out crowds. Men’s basketball season tickets sold out for the first time since 1992 and graduate degree, Griswold served as an academic graduate assistant (1984-86) in the Hoo- baseball recorded its first ever sellout. siers’ athletic department. Prior to his employment at Vanderbilt, Laney interned in the ticket office and business A 1981 cum laude graduate of Miami University in Ohio with degrees in mathematics office at the University of Alabama. The Houston native earned both a bachelor’s degree and education, Griswold also has an impressive coaching background which includes the in financial planning and a master’s degree in sports management from the University of prestigious Indiana women’s basketball state championship in 1983. Alabama. She is active in her church, City of Refuge Churge, serving as a Sunday school teacher The Strake Jesuit graduate grew up a Rice fan after attending basketball camps at and member of the church choir. Autry Court.

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Jerry Lewis Kelly Riccardi Associate Athletics Director Assistant Athletics Director Finance Equipment Operations

Jerry Lewis is in his sixth year in his role as Associate Athletics Director for Finance and Kelly Riccardi begins her third year as Assistant Athletics Director of Equipment Opera- is responsible for managing the athletic department’s finances. He joined the Rice athletic tions at Rice University. family in August of 2002 after spending four years as the assistant controller, disbursements, In her position, Riccardi is responsible for purchasing, receiving, distribution and inven- for Rice University. tory of equipment for the department’s 16 intercollegiate sports including football. Lewis is no stranger to Houston or the Rice community. He was the director of internal Prior to joining the Rice athletic staff, Riccardi served as an intern for Disney’s Wide audit for the University (1987-99) before moving to the assistant controller position. World of Sports in Orlando, Fla., and as a graduate assistant for the West Virginia University Prior to his work with Rice University, Lewis was controller of oilfield services company athletics department, specializing in facilities and operations. manufacturing plants for Weatherford International. As an undergraduate at WVU, Riccardi was a four-year student manager for the Lewis has been a certified public accountant in the state of Texas since 1981. His Mountaineer football program. Her duties included daily practice set up, game-day team work career began in 1962 with US Rubber Company where he was an internal auditor and operations, assisting with on-field personnel situations, and laundry and equipment mainte- controller. The company later changed its name to UNIROYAL. nance. A 1962 graduate of Bryant College in Providence, R.I., Lewis earned a Bachelor of A native of Lansdale, Pa., Riccardi is a 2005 and 2006 graduate of WVU with a B.S. in Business Administration Degree in Accounting and Finance. He and his wife, Mary Anita, physical education specializing in sports management and an M.S. in sports management. have five children – Gerald R. Jr., Suellen, Andrew, Jennifer and William. The couple also She is a member of the Athletic Equipment Managers Association and is AEMA Certified. has seven grandchildren.

Jerry Pickle Assistant Athletics Director Football Operations

Jerry Pickle joined the Rice staff in June as the Assistant Athletics Director for Football Operations. He came to Rice after 24 years at Baylor, including the last 13 as the director of football operations. He joined the Baylor program full-time in 1986 as recruiting coordinator and administrative assistant to Hall of Fame coach Grant Teaff. In his current role, Pickle handles administrative responsibilities for the Rice football program. His broad range of responsibilities include team travel, on-campus recruiting,roster upkeep, compliance, camps/clinics, golf tournaments, coaches/players tickets, academics, banquets, walk-on programs and game-day duties. Pickle also serves as the NFL liaison and is a liaison for the program with various athletic and university departments. Pickle began his coaching career at the high school level and then coached five years in the college ranks in Mississippi and Missouri before going to Baylor. He has both bachelor’s (1976) and master’s (1980) degrees in health, physical education and recreation from Delta State in Cleveland, Miss., where he lettered in football and track. Pickle is married to the former Julie Turner and they have two sons, Matthew and Jonathan.

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David Bailiff Jim Bevan Ben Braun Wayne Graham Chris Huston Seth Huston Elizabeth Schmidt Football Women’s Track & Field Men’s Basketball Baseball Soccer Swimming Women’s Tennis

Drew Scott Ron Smarr Genny Volpe Jon Warren Greg Williams Golf Men’s Tennis Volleyball Men’s Track & Field Women’s Basketball

Rice Athletics Support Staff

Blakely Allen Mickey Beavan Drew Caskey Jareel Combest Megan Dodge Amber Freeman Matt Luce Marketing Director of Facilities Assistant Ticket Director of Event Director of Marketing Assistant Video Ticket Office Coordinator & Operations Manager Management Coordinator

Nick Kallail Don Knodel Victor Mendoza Linda Pinsent Andrew Stephens Kristina Julie Waibel Account Executive, “R” Association Video Production Marketing Director of Villavicencio Assistant Development IMG Executive Director Coordinator Assistant Ticket Sales Compliance Director/Stewardship Coordinator & Special Events

2009 RICE OWLS BASEBALL 89 R Rice Leadership

Rice Area Code: 713 Rice Athletic Staff Directory ADMINISTRATION R ASSOCIATION Chris Del Conte, Athletics Director 348-6920 Don Knodel, Executive Director 348-6915 David Sayler, Senior Executive Athletics Director 348-8872 RICE SPORTS PROPERTIES (IMG) Leslie Claybrook, Associate Athletics Director/SWA 348-5829 Russ Dean, General Manager 348-6917 Suzane Boue, Assistant Athletics Director/Student-Athlete Development 348-6954 Nick Kallail, Account Executive 348-6962 RoseLinda Cantu, Office Assistant 348-4077 Judith DuVall, Executive Assistant 348-6935 SPORTS INFORMATION Chuck Pool, Assistant Athletics Director/Sports Information 348-5775 ACADEMIC SERVICES Jay Jameson, Assistant Sports Information Director 348-8874 Julie Griswold, Assistant Athletics Director/Academic Services 348-8880 Ron Mears, Assistant Sports Information Director 348-3929 Heather Jensen, Assistant Coordinator 348-2982 John Sullivan, Assistant Sports Information Director 348-5636 Heather Kaufman, Assistant Coordinator 348-2810 Fax Machine 348-6019 Mike Yeakel, Assistant Coordinator 348-8881 SPORTS MEDICINE BASEBALL Clint Haggard, Assistant Athletics Director/Medical Services 348-4738 Wayne Graham, Head Coach 348-8864 Mindy Borman, Assistant Trainer 348-6363 David Pierce, Assistant Coach 348-8863 Emily Kouht, Assistant Athletics Trainer 348-4739 David Taylor, Assistant Coach 348-8859 Donna Papagellin, Assistant Athletic Trainer 348-6937 Patrick Hallmark, Assistant Coach 348-8862 Nathan Peck, Assistant Athletic Trainer 348-6363 Lee Ann Lassiter, Director of Operations 348-8864 Layne Schramm, Assistant Athletic Trainer 348-2870 Fax Machine 348-6936 Dawn Stuckey, Assistant Athletic Trainer 348-5410 BUSINESS OFFICE Richie Valdes, Assistant Athletic Trainer 348-4739 Jerry Lewis, Associate Athletics Director/Finance 348-5093 Joe Vargas, Assistant Athletic Trainer 348-2870 Barbara Gill, Accounting Assistant 348-5090 SOCCER Lisa Zalesky, Accounting Assistant 348-5083 Chris Huston, Head Coach 348-6955 COMPLIANCE Nicky Adams, Associate Head Coach 348-6956 Michael Dean, Compliance Coordinator 348-6919 Justin Zoslow, Assistant Coach 348-6959 Kristina Villavicencio, Compliance Coordinator 348-6919 Craig Waibel, Volunteer Coach 348-4077 DEVELOPMENT STRENGTH & CONDITIONING Brad Hovious, Assistant Athletics Director/Development 348-6921 Clayton Oyster, Associate Director/Strength & Conditioning 348-4728 Kim Koehn, Assistant Athletics Director/Team Giving & Special Gifts 348-6924 Kristi Lobpries, Coordinator/Strength & Conditioning 348-4707 Julie Waibel, Assistant Director/Stewardship & Special Events 348-6922 Scott McLafferty, Coordinator/Strength & Conditioning 348-4724 Tamara Lee, Data Coordination 348-6957 Matt Taylor, Coordinator/Strength & Conditioning 348-4724 EQUIPMENT SWIMMING Kelly Riccardi, Assistant Athletics Director/Equipment 348-6027 Seth Huston, Head Coach 348-4710 Mathew Holt, Assistant Equipment Manager 348-2493 Jada Hallmark, Assisant Coach 348-8867 Alex Santos, Assistant Equipment Manager 348-5677 TICKET OFFICE FACILITIES Marc Laney, Assistant Athletics Director/Ticketing Operations 348-5068 Mickey Beavan, Director of Operations & Facilities 348-8785 Andrew Stephens, Director of Ticket Sales 348-5956 Jareel Combest, Director of Events Management 348-8752 Drew Caskey, Assistant Ticket Manager 348-4068 Rice Ticket Office 522-OWLS (6957) FOOTBALL David Bailiff, Head Coach 348-6901 VIDEO PRODUCTION Jerry Pickle, Assisant Athletic Director/Football Operations 348-6903 Blake Evans, Athletic Video Coordinator 348-5684 Chuck Driesbach, Assistant Coach 348-6910 Victor Mendoza, Video Production Coordinator 348-3928 D.J. Eliot, Assistant Coach 348-6912 Amber Freeman, Assistant Video Coordinator 348-5684 Rick LaFavers, Assistant Coach 348-6908 VOLLEYBALL Blake Miller, Assistant Coach 348-6905 Genny Volpe, Head Coach 348-8884 Craig Naivar, Assistant Coach 348-6927 Melissa Ferris, Assistant Coach 348-8883 Darrell Patterson, Assistant Coach 348-6902 Jason Washington, Assistant Coach 348-6906 WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Joyce Rannals, Staff Assistant 348-6931 Greg Williams, Head Coach 348-5676 Deborah Reedy, Staff Assistant 348-6914 Carlos Quintero, Associate Coach 348-5674 Tom Keresztury, Graduate Assistant 348-6911 Kim Austin-Mbadinga Nzamba, Assistant Coach 348-5679 Michael Slater, Graduate Assistant 348-6900 Rebecca Kates, Assistant Coach 348-5678 Jae Cross, Director of Operations 348-6205 GOLF Mary Santos, Staff Assistant 348-5677 Drew Scott, Head Coach 348-4763 Austin Burk, Assistant Coach 348-4126 WOMEN’S TENNIS Elizabeth Schmidt, Head Coach 348-6035 MARKETING Kristina Kraszewski, Assistant Coach 348-8856 Megan Dodge, Director of Marketing 348-6923 WOMEN’S TRACK & FIELD Linda Pinsent, Marketing Assistant 348-3094 Jim Bevan, Head Coach 348-8869 Blakely Allen, Marketing Coordinator 348-6930 Andrea Blackett, Assistant Coach 348-6023 MEN’S BASKETBALL Nancy Wenzel Sanregret, Assistant Coach 348-8882 Ben Braun, Head Coach 348-4075 Louis Reyanud, Associate Head Coach 348-8851 OTHER UNIVERSITY OFFICES Kevin Mouton, Assistant Coach 348-4778 Alumni Affairs 348-4057 Mike Roberts, Assistant Coach 348-3656 Marching Owl Band 348-6018 Marcos Marco, Director of Operations 348-4779 News/Media Relations 348-4795 Rice University Switchboard 348-8101 MEN’S TENNIS Rice University Relations 348-4700 Ron Smarr, Head Coach 348-5716 Efe Ustundag, Assistant Coach 348-8855 Rice Facimile Directory Athletics Director 348-6926 MEN’S TRACK AND FIELD Coaches Suites 348-6041 Jon Warren, Head Coach 348-6021 Ticket Office 348-5434 Casey Thorn, Assistant Coach 348-8861 Wen Yong Yang, Assistant Coach 348-8861

90 2009 RICE OWLS BASEBALL