2006-07 RACER QUICK INSIDE THE GUIDE MSU Quick Facts ...... 1 FACTS Racer Rifl e History ...... 2 Racer Rifl e All-Americans ...... 3 Racer Rifl e Hall of Fame...... 4 Location: Murray, Ky. Pat Spurgin Rifl e Range ...... 5 Founded: 1922 Head Coach Morgan Hicks ...... 6 Enrollment: 10,200 2006-07 Roster/Student Athlete Bios.....7-10 Nickname: Racers Weaver Academic Center...... 11 Colors: Navy & Gold Murray State University Information.....12-14 Athletics Director Allen Ward...... 15 Conference: Ohio Valley Athletics Administration...... 16 Affi liation: NCAA Division I University Administration...... 17 President: Dr. Tim Miller (Interim) Athletics Staff & Coaches...... 18 Dr. Randy Dunn (Begins Dec.1) Ohio Vally Conference Information...... 19-20 Faculty Representative: Bill Whitaker MSU Team & Individual Photos...... IBC Athletics Director: Allen Ward 2006-07 Rifl e Schedule...... BC Senior Women’s Admin: Velvet Milkman Athletics Web Site: www.goracers.com

COACHING INFORMATION Head Coach: Morgan Hicks CREDITS Alma Mater: Murray State ‘04 The 2006-07 Murray State Rifl e Media Guide was Tenure at Murray State: 1st season written and produced by athletic media relations Offi ce Telephone: (270) 809-4407 assistant Josh Perigo, with assistance from Kev- E-Mail: [email protected] in Britton, Dave Winder and David Snow. The guide was printed by MSU Publications and Print- ing Services. Cover photo by Josh Perigo and Dvae WInder. Covers designed by Linda Pierce PROGRAM INFORMATION of MSU Printing and Publications Department. First Season: 1956-57 Seasons: 51 NCAA Championships: 3; 1978, 1985, ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS 1987 SID Contact: David Snow OVC Championships: 9; 1994, 1995, Offi ce Telephone: (270) 809-3351 1996, 1997, Offi ce Fax: (270) 809-6814 1998, 1999, E-Mail: [email protected] 2000, 2001, Mailing Address: 2004 Athletic Media Relations 217 Roy Stewart Stadium Murray, KY 42071

AMR Director: Dave Winder Offi ce Telephone: (270) 809-4271 Sports Info. Asst.: Kevin Britton Offi ce Telephone: (270) 809-7044 AMR Assistant: Josh Perigo Offi ce Telephone: (270) 809-7051 AMR Student Assistant: Ryne Rickman Offi ce Telephone: (270) 809-7051

1 This is RACER RIFLE NCAA Champions 1978 • 1985 • 1987 NCAA Champions (Individual) Olympic Gold •Smallbore: In 1984, Mur- Pat Spurgin ...... 1985 ray State’s Pat •Air RiÁ e: Spurgin made Pat Spurgin ...... 1984 Olympic history Marianne Wallace ...... 1986 when she be- Deena Wigger ...... 1988 came the ¿ rst Benjamin Belden ...... 1995 female shooter Marra Hastings ...... 1997 to win a Gold Morgan Hicks ...... 2004 Medal. Spur- gin’s gold medal OVC Championships came at the 1994, 1995, 1996, 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. In addition to her gold medal, Spur- 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 gin won two NCAA individual cham- 2004 pionships and was an eight-time All- American. In honor of her oustanding colle- Murray State giate and international career, Mur- ray State named its riÀ e range the Olympians Pat Spurgin RiÀ e Range in the early 1984...... Pat Spurgin 1990s. (Gold - Air RiÀ e) 1984...... William Beard Deena Wigger 1984...... Mary Anne Schweitzer 1988 NCAA Champion 1984...... Roger Withrow (Paralympics) Legendary Coach 1988...... Deena Wigger One of the sport’s 2004...... Morgan Hicks greatest coaches, former Racer head NCAA Cham pions coach Elvis Green led the Racers to na tion al 1984...... Pat Spurgin (AR) prom i nence in the 80s 1985...... Pat Spurgin (SB) and 90s. 1986...... Marianne Wallace (AR) Among his accom- 1988...... Deena Wigger (AR) plishments were two 1995...... Benji Belden (AR) NCAA championships Benji Belden Marianne Wallace (1985 and 1987). 1995 Champion 1986 Champion

2 RACER RIFLE ALL RACER- AMERICANS RIFLE 1964...... Robert Beard(SB) 1987...... Pat Spurgin(AR,SB) 1968...... Robert Arledge(SB) Gary Stephens(AR) Roger Estes(SB) Deena Wigger(AR,SB) Nancy Harrington(SB) Marianne Wallace(AR) Ernest Vande Zande(SB) 1988...... Gary Stephens(AR,SB) 1969...... Robert Arledge(SB) Deena Wigger(AR,SB) William Beard(SB) Alison Schultz(AR) Roger Estes(SB) Marianne Wallace(AR) Rhonda Rothrock(SB) 1989...... Lance Goldhahn(SB) Ernest Vande Zande(SB)RACER RIFLE Lance Goldhahn Don Kristiansen(AR,SB) 1989 1970...... Robert Arledge(SB) 1990...... Deena Wigger(AR,SB) William Beard(SB) RACER Lance Goldhahn(AR,SB) RIFLE William Schweitzer(SB) 1991...... Beth Herzman(SB) Ernest Vande Zande(SB) Rusty Kendle(SB) 1971...... William Schweitzer(SB) Anne Tully(AR) Ernest Vande Zande(SB) 1991...... Lance Goldhahn(SB) 1972...... William Schweitzer(SB) Beth Herzman(SB) 1973...... Robert Estes(SB) 1993...... Beth Herzman(SB) William Schweitzer(SB) Kate Kelemen(AR) 1976...... Gary Kramp(SB) Lance Gooldhahn(SB) Beth Herzman 1978...... Micheal Gross(SB) 1994...... Kate Kelemen(AR) 1991, ‘92, ‘93, ‘94 William Patzke(SB) Beth Herzman(AR) 1979...... William Patzke(SB) Diana Muth(AR) 1980...... Mark Del Cotto(SB)RACER1995...... Benji RIFLE Belden(AR) Mark Rabenstein(AR,SB) 1997...... Marra Hastings(AR,SB) Mary Anne Schweitzer(SB) Ken Hicks(SB) 1981...... Mark Del Cotto(SB) 1998...... Marra Hastings(AR,SB) Scott Lewandowski(AR) Ken Hicks(SB) Mary Anne Schweitzer(SB) 1999...... Marra Hastings(AR,SB) 1982...... Mark Del Cotto(SB) Ken Hicks(SB) Scott Lewandowski(AR) Crystal Kern(SB) Mary Anne Schweitzer(SB) 2000...... Marra Hastings(AR,SB) Kate Kelemen 1983...Scott Lewandowski(AR,SB) Martin Wheeldon(AR,SB) 1993, 1994 Mary Ann Schweitzer(AR,SB) 2001...... Morgan Hicks(SB) Mark Rabenstein(SB) 2002...... Morgan Hicks(AR,SB) Michael Rabenstein(AR) Robert Purdy(AR) Kerry Spurgin(SB) 2003...... Morgan Hicks(AR,SB) 1984...... Kerry Spurgin(SB) 2002...... Morgan Hicks(AR,SB) Pat Spurgin(AR,SB) Robert Purdy(AR) Michael Rabenstein(AR) 2003...... Morgan Hicks(AR,SB) 1985...... Pat Spurgin(AR,SB) 2004...... Morgan Hicks(AR,SB) Marianne Wallace(AR) Robert Purdy(AR) Gary Stephens(SB) 2005...... Robert Purdy(AR) 1986...... Pat Spurgin(AR,SB) Diana (Muth) Stone Cameron Hicks(SB) 1992, 1994 Gary Stephens(AR) 2006...... Cameron Hicks(SB) Marianne Wallace(AR) Bryant Wallizer(AR) Deena Wigger(AR,DB) NOTE: All-American selections are awarded by the National Rilfe Association at the NCAA Championships 3 Racer Rifle Hall of Fame Murray State inducts noteworthy individuals into its Atletics Hall of Fame each year during Homecoming week.Induction is based on outstanding contributions to Racer athletics, whether it be through coaching, athletics adiministration, or partici- pation in a sport as a student-athlete. Since the Hall of Fame’s inception in 1965, five members of Murray State’s 51 year rifle history have become part the exclusive club, and the sixth member will be inducted in January of 2007. Ernest Vande Zande was the first Racer representing rifle inducted to the Hall of Fame in 1988. He was Muurray State’s first four-timeThis All-American inis rifle, having been named each year from 1968-71. Vande Zande was instrumental in MSU claiming four National Rifle Association National Champion- ships during his career. In 1975, he won a gold medal in rifle at the Pan American Games in Mexico City, followed by a gold and two silver medals in the ‘79 Pan American Games in San Juan Puerto Rico. Also in 1979, Vande Zande won a silver medal at the World Air Gun Championships in Seoul, Ernest Vande Zande South Korea. In 1981, Vande Znade tookRACER five golds and set two world records at the ChampionshipsRIFLE of Americans in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Robert “Bob” Beard became a Hall of Fame member in 1989. Part of Murray State rilfe from 1962- 66, Beard helped the Racers achieve national success in his final year, with the team finishing third in the country. Duing his career as a Racer, Beard set all of the Murray Sttae and Kentucky Rifle League records, and also shot his way to four consecutive first-place finishes in the KRL. After graduating from Murray State, Beard began his Ph.D work at the University of Missouri, Columbia, where he graduated with a doctorate in chemistry in 1970. Robert Beard Now in his 24th year as the head rifle coach at UT-Martin, Beard has helped the Skyhawks gain national recognition, leading them to a sixth overall national finish in 1988. Also, prior to their joining the OVC, Beard guided the Skyhawks to 87 consecutive match wins in the GulfSouth Conference, and nine conference championships. Beard and his wife, MaryThis Elaine, ishave two children, Gail and Allen. Perhaps the most prominent shooter in Murray State rifle history is Pat Surgin Pitney, who was inducted in 1993. Pitney was the first female shooter to be named an All-American in both air-rifle and smallbore, achievingRACER that honor eight times duringRIFLE her four-year illustrious career. As a freshman at Murray State, she won the NCAA Individual Air-Rifle Championship in 1984, and returned the next year towin the national invidual championship in smallbore. The peak of her career came in the summer of 1984, where she claimed a gold medal in the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, becoming the first Olympic medalist from Murray State and the first woman Pat Spurign Pitney to win a gold medal in Olympic shooting. Pitney returned to Murray to help her team once again attain national prominence with two more national team titles. Further solidifying Pitney’s impact as a Racer, in 1994, Murray State officially named its rifle range the “Pat Spurgin Rifle Rang” in honor of her achiev- ments. The second female shooter to be inducted into the Hall of Fame was also only the third United States Olympic shooter to come from Murray State. Deena Wigger, an eight-time All-American during her four years as a Racer, helped her team claim the 1987 NCAA Rifle Championship, as well as two more run- ner-up finishes during her career. Following her junior year, she traveled to Seoul, South Deena Wigger Korea, where she competed in the 1988 Olympic Games. In 2004, Elvis Green became the only rifle coach to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. During his 19-year career as the Racers head coach, Green led the program to 17 top five finishes, including NCAA Championships in 1985 and 1987. He also served on the NCAA Rifle Committee, with a one-year term as its chairman. Before coaching at Murray State, Green served 26 years in the United States Army, and was awarded such honors and accomplishments as the Meritorious Service Medal and the Bronze Star. He stepped down as the Racer head coach in 1999. Green is married to Annelise Elvis Green Methfessel, and they have three audlt children. In January of 2007, Murray State will induct its sixth rifle alum to the Hall of Fame. Gary Stephens, a rilfe team member from 1984 to 1988, was an All-American selection all four years of his collegiate career. Stephens was named to the NCAA’s second-team in the smallbore rifle in 1985, 1986, 1987, and he was a first team NCAA All-American member in rifle in 1986, 1987 and 1988. During Stephens time with the Murray State Rifle program, they won two NCAA championships and finished second twice. Gary Stephens 4 Pat Spurgin Rifl e Range

As one of the top rifl e programs in the country it is only fi tting that the Murray State rifl e team shoots in one of the top rifl e ranges in the nation. Pat Spurgin Pitney Spacious and modern, the Pat Spurgin Rifl e Range is • 8-Time All-American considered one of the fi nest shooting venues in America. • Gold medalist in the 1984 Which is why the facility has hosted the NCAA champion- Los Angeles Summer Olympics. ships seven times. With adjustable targets and electric carriers, the per- manent range features a roomy 16 shooting points. The range also houses an arms room and lockers for conve nient storage of shooting equipment. For special matches such as the NCAA Championships, range has served as the host of seven NCAA champi- the range can be expanded to allow simultaneous 16- onships. shooter smallbore and air rifl e competition. Media and Roy Stewart Stadium is located at the junction of U.S. hospitality rooms are located nearby, with match scoring Highway 641 and Ky. Highway 121 on the north side of provided by a custom-made computer program that offers the Murray State campus. Ample parking for visiting teams competitors timely scoring results. and media is available in the parking lot di rectly behind The range was named in honor of Pat Spurgin Pitney, the stadium. one of the top shooters in NCAA and international history. The Pat Spurgin Rifl e Range is located in Room 230 on Spurgin-Pitney was an eight-time All-American and gold the north side of Roy Stewart Stadium. medalist in the 1984 Los Angeles Summer Olympics. The

The state-of-the-art Pat Spurgin Ri fle Range is one of the largest and most impressive facilities in the na tion.

5 Head Coach Morgan Hicks

After an oustanding career as a student-athlete at Murray State, spending a year in competing in Olympic and World Cup events, and spending last season as the graduate assis- tant, Morgan Hicks will be at the helm as head coach this year. Hicks was a four-year letterwinner for the Racers from 2000 to 2004 and an eight-time All-American selection. She fi nished her collegiate carrer at MSU with a fl ourish, winning the 2004 NCAA Air Rifl e title, turning in a score of 398 out of a possible 400. On the heels of taking home the NCAA title, Hicks was selected to compete as a member of the 2004 United States Olympic team, becoming just the sixth Olympian to compete in the sport in the school’s 51 years of rifl e history. Hicks fi nished 12th in smallbore rifl e at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece. After taking a year off from shooting, Hicks returned to competition this past summer, log- ging over 16,000 skymiles, traveling to four different countries for the US Women in World Cup and National events. Throughout those events, Hicks solidifi ed herself as one top American women, especially in the smallbore catagory, fi nishing fi fth in the Nationals in Ft. Benning, GA. On August 1, 2006, after former head coach Ann Proctor resigned, Hicks became the sixth head rifl e coach at Murray State. “It’s kinda different being on the other side of things, going from being a member of the team to coaching them,” said Hicks, who at 24, is the youngest rifl e head coach in the nation. “The work ethic of this year’s team,” says Hicks, “being so willing and motivat- ed to improve and help the program makes my transi- tion from graduate assistant to head coach a lot easier.” Personal: Hicks, a native of Roy, Wash., is the daughter of Ross and Janet Hicks. She earned her un- dergraduate degree from MSU in physical education and health in 2004, and is currently, completing work for a masters degree in secondary education. Perhaps there is something genetic about Morgan’s interest in rifl e, because she also has and older brother, Graham, who graduated from foe Jacksonville State Uni- versity on a rifl e scholarship, and a younger brother, Cam- eron, who is a returning senior on this year’s MSU squad.

6 2006-07 Season Outlook Having eight student-athletes return from a team that fi nished fi fth nationally last year, the expecta- tions are high for the current Racer rifl e squad. In her fi rst season as head coach, Morgan Hicks, expects this group of shooters to fi nish higher than last year’s team did, which was fi fth out of 39 universities which participate in NCAA rifl e com- petition. Only the top seven teams qualify for the NCAA championships.Hicks, who was a national champion her senior year, believes the experience and work ethic of the returning players,which include two All-Americans, will factor into a stellar season. “Out of 27 NCAA Rifl e championships, Murray State has only missed one.”, says Hicks. “That being said, obviously there is a lot of tradition here and this team is motivated to work hard and carry on that tradition. They are all willing to put in the time and effort to improve as individual shooters, as well as improve the program as a whole.”

RIFLE COACHING STAFF Head Coach: Morgan Hicks (Murray State, 2005), First Season Racer Profi les Dan Belluzzo JUNIOR CHISHOLM, MINN. • Chisholm HS Murray State: Named to 2006 All-OVC Smallbore Second Team...Scored a team best 586 in smallbore at the NCAA Sectional, helping qualify the Racers for the NCAA Championships...Tied for fi rst in air rifl e at the Withrow Invite, scoring a 588, including three 99s...Finished 20th in the 2005 NRA Intercollegiate International 3-Position Smallbore Rifl e National Sectional Championship...Junior Champion at the 2005 National Smallbore Rifl e NRA 3-Position Championship at Camp Perry, Ohio. Before MSU: State champion in both smallbore and air rifl e and Amy Belluzo...majoring in occupational safety health ad- twice...state Junior Champion in both smallbore and air rifl e four ministration. Coach’s Thoughts: “Dan is one of our most consistent times. Personal: Born May 2, 1986...son of Robert smallbore shooters. I expect to see stronger scores in that category and in air rifl e as he improves year to year.”

Brandy Boucherie GRADUATE

HENDERSON, KY. • Henderson County HS Murray State: Tied for 22nd at the Withrow Invite, scoring a 578 in air rifl e, including a 99 and a 100…Scored a 587 in air rifl e, including two 99s, at the Newkirk Invitational in 2006…Earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Business with an Area in Business Administration in spring of 2006…Dean’s List (three years), National Dean’s List (three years), and the Collegiate Rifl e Coach’s As- sociation All-Academic Award (two years)… Before MSU: Graduated from Henderson County as Salutatorian, ranked 8th in her class of 512...qualifi ed for Junior Olympic Rifl e Cham- and Martha Boucherie...currently seeking MBA at MSU. Coach’s pionships in Colorado Springs, Colorado in both smallbore and air rifl e Thoughts: “As the team captain this year, Brandy should bring good four years...was Kentucky state smallbore and air rifl e champion two leadership to our team. She has proven to be a strong asset at the range years. Personal: Born on Nov. 29, 1984...the daughter of Johnny and in the classroom.” 7 Josiah Brooks SENIOR

CRESTON, WASH. • Home Schooled Murray State: Shot a 575 in smallbore at the NCAA Championships, including a 99 and a 100...Tied for 16th at the Withrow Invite, scoring a 581, including a 99...Prior to 2005-06, spent fi rst two seasons mostly on practice...Collegiate Rifl e Coach’s Association All-Academic Award recipient in 2004. Before MSU: 2003 Washington State Prone Champion. Personal: Born on Sept. 4, 1983...the son of Michael and Sallie Brooks...majoring in civil engineering technology/architectural engi- neering. Coach’s Thoughts: “Josiah has some of the best work ethics I have ever seen. I beleive that hard work will pay off for him during his senior year with high smallbore.”

Cameron Hicks JUNIOR

ROY, WASH. • Bethel High School Murray State: An All-American in smallbore in 2005 and 2006...fi nished tied for fi fth at the 2006 NCAA Championships fi ring a 585 out of a possible 600 in smallbore competition..One of only four mem- bers of the All-OVC Smallbore First Team in 2006…Shot a perfect 100 and two 99s at the Newkirk Invitational in 2006…fi nished fi fth in the 2005 OVC Rifl e Championships...fi nished 16th in the 2005 NRA Intercollegiate International Air Rifl e Sectional...Collegiate Rifl e Coach’s Association All-Academic Award. Before MSU: Had a class rank of seventh out of 542 students at Bethel...state champion for four years in smallbore, two years in air rifl e...fi nished eighth two years in a row in smallbore at the National Junior Olympic Rifl e Championships in Colorado Springs, Colo. Personal: Born on March 14, 1986...the son of Coach’s Thoughts: “I expect Cameron to be one of our top shooters this year, Ross and Janet Hicks...majoring in telecommunications systems management. bringing strong scores and leadership to the team.”

Harley Jette FRESHMAN

PUYALLUP, WASH. • Gov. John R. Rogers HS Before MSU: 2006 participant in the Junior Olympic Trials...practiced at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo... outstanding high school shooting career...hob- bies include camping, fi shing, and hunting. Personal: Born March 4, 1988...son of Kelly and Holly Jette...majoring in geoscience. Coach’s Thoughts: “Harley has a great attitude towards shooting. For his fi rst year, I expect him to smash any goals he creates for himself, and to see improvement with every competition.”

8 Erica Meece SOPHMORE

EUBANK, KY. • Pulaski County HS Before MSU: Placed fi rst in individual 3- position air rifl e at the 2005 Bluegrass State Games...placed fi rst in individual air rifl e in the 2004 State Junior Olympics...member of the second place air rifl e team in the 2004 Kentucky High School Champion- ships...participated in the 2003 Kentucky State Junior Olympics, fi nishing in second place in individual air rifl e, second place in individual smallbore, and second place in individual overall. Personal: Born on June 23, 1987...the daughter of Raymond “Eugene” and Patricia “Ann” Meece...majoring in forensics. Coach’s Thoughts: “Erica is one of our most dedicated shoot- ers. She is improving every time she competes. I expect to see increases in her scores this year, especially in air rifl e.”

Kasey Meyer FRESHMAN QUINCY, ILL.. • Quincy Senior High Before MSU: Finished 6th at the National Junior Olympic 3P Champi- onships in Bowling Green, Ky…won 2006 Illinois State Rifl e Individual Championship…won high school Most Valuable Player awards both junior and senior years…competed at the Junior Olympics in Colorado Springs, Colo. during junior year…led high school team to 3 consecutive state ti- tles…member of National Honor Society. Personal: Born Feb. 20, 1988…son of Steve Meyer and Dave and Kimi Yuchs...majoring in history.

Joe Shane SOPHMORE

POPLAR BLUFF, MO. • Poplar Bluff Senior HS Before MSU: Earned NRA Expert Quali- fi cation in prone, air rifl e, and smallbore 3 position...received the “Top Shooter of the Year” award for the 2003-2004 season...high school average of 268/300, with his personal best as 281 in a match...heavily involved in high school ROTC program...is currently a special- ist in Co C 2/123 Armor out of Benton, Ky. (National Guard)... loader on a M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tank. Personal: Born on March 14, 1986...the son of Michael and Cindy Shane…ma- joring in civil engineering. Coach’s Thoughts: “Last year, Joe improved immensely, and I expect that to continue this year. I am looking forward to seeing higher scores in both air rifl e and smallbore from Joe.”

9 Bryant Wallizer SOHPMORE

LITTLE ORLEANS, MD. • Hancock Senior HS Murray State: 2006 Air Rifl e All-Ameri- can…Named 2006 OVC Newcomer of the Year in smallbore…member of 2006 OVC All-Newcomer Team in air rifl e…placed second at the NCAA sectionals in air rifl e with a 591, and third in smallbor with a 584...Before MSU: Maryland state Junior Olympic gold medalist in smallbore and air rifl e in 2004 and 2005...Maryland state 3-position air individual champion... NRA Junior Sectional gold medalist in 3-position air in 2005... placed third at the National NRA Junior Sectionals in air rifl e... Maryland state Junior Olympic silver medalist in air rifl e and smallbore in 2003...Personal: Born on April 6, 1987...the son of Patrick and Donna Wallizer...majoring in animal health technol- in air rifl e last year, I expect Bryant to not only bring good air ogy. Coach’s Thoughts: “After receiving All-American honors rifl e scores, but competitive smallbore scores as well.”

Kevin Witbrodt SOPHMORE

SUNSET HILLS, MO. • St. Louis University HS Murray State: Received OVC Academic Medal of Honor in 2006 with the highest GPA (4.0) in rifl e throughout the conference...named 2006 OVC Freshman of the Year…Tied for tenth in air rifl e and fourteenth in smallbore at the Withrow Invite in 2006, including career-best scores of 587 in air rifl e and 579 in smallbore... Before MSU: Set the national record for 3-position air rifl e J2 20-shot kneeling match (tie) with a score of 200-20X out of a possible 200... competed in National Junior Olympic Rifl e Competition in Colorado Springs, Colo. during sophomore, junior, and senior years...holds the St. David and Donna Witbrodt...majoring in chemistry, minoring in biol- Louis University High school record for 3-position smallbore...received ogy... Coach’s Thoughts: “Within just one year, Kevin has shown vast SLUH Academic First Honors throughout high school...member of improvement. I believe he will add stronger contributions to the team on National Honor Society. Personal: Born Jan. 20, 1987...the son of the line and in the classroom.”

10 Weaver Academic Center Backing up its commitment to ensure that Racer student-athletes have every opportunity to excel in the classroom as well as on the athletic fi elds, Murray State athlet- ics has established a state-of-the-art academic center. Named in honor of longtime sup- porters Jan and Dick Weaver, who provided funding for the building of the center, the Weaver Academic Enhancement Center was opened at Roy Stewart Stadium on June 30, 1997, and immediately began to pay dividends in the MSU athletics pro- gram. Today, the Weaver Center is a spa- cious facility equipped with individ- ual and group study areas, but the centerpiece of the Weaver Center is its computer lab. Featuring 24 Edge PC computers, student-athletes use the computers four nights a week. During study the computer lab and offers support to access the Internet for research hall, student-athletes have access to to students on computer usage. The and to complete class projects and tutors, study groups and comput- center is open 12 hours a day, six papers. ers. days a week during the school year, MSU athletes also use the Weaver The Weaver Center is under the di- with an abbreviated schedule dur- Center for study hall, which meets rection of John Osting, who oversees ing the summer and holidays.

John Osting Rosanne Radke Weaver Center director CHAMPS/Life Skills Director

Weaver Center Info Opened ...... June 30, 1997 Location ...... Roy Stewart Stadium on the offi ce level Area ...... 3,000 square feet Student-athletes take advantage of the study facilities and tutors Equipment 24 Edge PC computers, in an effort to maintain one of the Ohio Valley Conference’s two printers best grade-point averages. Student-athletes’ GPAs Cost ...... $100,000 have seen a consistent increase since the introduction of the Weaver Academic Enhancement Center.

11 This Is ... urray State University is home to 10,200 Mstu dents. They come from near by, from through out the nation and from around the world. From thousands of uni ver si ties, students choose Mur ray State Uni ver si ty because of its ac a dem ic reputation. Along with exceptional teachers, they get Murray State’s per son al ap- proach to living and learning. Long considered one of the best-kept secrets in higher ed u ca tion, the word is starting to get out about the ex cel lence of Murray State University. Students don’t just pick Murray State—they’re drawn to it. World-Wide Recognition U.S.News & World Report has recognized Murray State University’s continuing excellence as a top tier university for 15 consecutive years. Murray ranks sixth in the South among Top Public Universities - Master’s, and is the only Kentucky university to be ranked in the top tier for 15 years in a row. In the 2006 U.S.News college guide, the university received its highest overall ranking ever, coming in at 17th among all public and private universities in the southern region of the country. Additionally, Murray State was named in the South’s best mas- ter’s universities Great Schools at a Great Price category, where MSU was recognized as one of the top two best values among public schools in the South. Murray State University’s solid academic program and affordable price make it an excellent buy for students seeking success.

High Academic Standards Murray State is certifi ed by national and regional ac cred i ta tion agen cies, which means MSU meets rigid standards. As one of the best public, liberal arts universities has at tracted stu dents of high academic standing. In fact, entering MSU stu- dents have the highest ACT average of all Kentucky regional campuses. They are ac cus tomed to challenges and they are not disappointed. Murray State’s highly-respected liberal arts cur ric u lum is built on a core of cours es called Uni ver si ty Studies. Uni ver si ty Studies is de signed to ed u cate each stu dent broadly in the various areas of human knowl edge: the arts, the hu man i ties, the natural sci- ences and the social sciences. Equal ly im por tant, the curric u lum helps students de vel op com mu ni ca tion skills vital to be com ing a re spon si ble cit i zen and a lifelong learner.

The Campus Since its founding in 1922, Murray State has gained a rep u ta tion of having one of the most beautiful campuses in the country. That rep u ta tion is based on the well-kept, tree-fi lled 200 acres which is the site of Murray State University.

12 ... Murray State University Adding to the natural, scenic beauty of the cam pus are the many well-maintained and aesthetically-pleasing buildings. Over the years, MSU has kept its historical look despite dozens of ad di tions. Currently, the university has three major building proj- ects un der way and several others on the drawing board. Most notably, the univer si ty just completed a project which included an im pres sive entrance to the campus and a fence reminiscent of the ones which encircle the many thoroughbred horse farms which Ken tucky is known for.

Residential Colleges Through the newly created Residential Colleges, Murray State offers students a way of collegiate life that leads to individual and team suc cess. In 1998, MSU decided to trans form its housing com plex (dor mi to ries) into separate col leg es where stu dents who share the same ma jors or are ded i cat ed to see ing each stu dent reach his or her po ten tial. Class size ed u ca tion al pursuits share the en tire col le giate experience. is about 30-35 stu dents. In es sence, Mur ray State not only made a trans for ma tion, it Outside of the classroom, Murray State offers many ath let ic and so cial pro- sep a rated itself from other high er ed u ca tion in sti tu tions. grams. Intramural sports oper ate year-round, while fra ter ni ties and so ror i ties From the moment stu dents en roll at Murray State, they allow students to form bonds with “broth ers” and “sis ters” which will last a life- be come a part of their own res i den tial college within the time. Murray State also at tracts a wide array of na tion al ly-ac claimed speak ers, uni ver si ty. It means belong ing. It means each col lege will top con certs and oth er events. have its own gov ern ment, its own ath let ic teams, its own Perhaps the biggest event on cam pus each year is Homecoming. Each fall fac ul ty ombudsperson and its own tra di tions. thou sands of alumni return to Mur ray State to renew old friend ships and visit When the Chronicle of High er Ed u ca tion featured the place they called home for four years. MSU’s im proved style of educ ation, it wrote of “a sense of col lege uni ty” and “com pe ti tion that carries over into the Racer Athletics class room.” The university’s intercollegiate ath let ic The London Times re ferred to the idea as a vision of programs are a source of tra di tion, school Oxford Uni ver si ty in Ken tucky. “The system is clos est to pride, spirit and en tertain ment for students, elite U.S. uni ver si ties, such as Harvard and Yale, which alumni and com mu ni ty members alike. as sign their many stu dents to res i den tial houses,” wrote Com pet ing at the high est level of col lege the Times. ath let ics, MSU is a mem ber sion I and the Ohio Valley Con ference in its 18-team Student Life pro gram. Murray State is committed to Murray State University of fers an ac tive, vibrant and ath let ic excellence, which is ev i dent by its chal leng ing en vi ron ment for its students. From the class- 96 OVC championships in the 54 years room to the res i den tial col lege room, the Mur ray State that the Rac ers have been competing in ex pe ri ence is one which stu dents will harbor for a the league. lifetime. One of the greatest benefi ts of In the class- room, educators

13 Rac er ath let ics to Murray State is the atten tion and acclaim which it EExcellentxcellent AcademicAcademic CollegesColleges brings to the uni ver si ty. The Murray State bas ket ball team has achieved College of Business and Public Affairs extensive no to ri ety by com pet ing in College of Education the NCAA Tour na ment in most years. College of Health Sciences and Human Services Also, the Rac ers find them selves College of Humanities and Fine Arts be ing writ ten about in such pub li - College of Science, Engineering and Technology ca tions as Sports Il lus trated, ESPN (the mag a zine), The Sport ing News, School of Agriculture USA Today and dozens of pub li ca tions and news pa pers across the coun try. Ad di tion al ly, Murray State is featured sev er al times each year on ESPN Sixteen Years and Fox Sports Net South as part of Of Top Rankings Among their col lege bas ketball and foot ball broad casts. America’s Best Colleges Murray State has also sent its share of player to the NFL, the NBA, Major or 16 consecutive years U.S. League Base ball and other pro fes- F sion al leagues around the world. News & World Report has ranked Murray State University among Local Community Located in Murray-Calloway Coun ty thet best universities in far western Kentucky, Mur ray State in America. This as- is surround ed by a neigh bor ly Main Street com mu ni ty of near ly 50,000 sures MSU students peo ple. Known for its friendly citizens and parents that Mur- and beau tiful, wooded land scape, Mur- ray is providing excel- ray-Calloway County is a grow ing and thriv ing area. lent higher education In addition to its strong ed u ca tion al, ata an affordable price. employment and qual i ty of life oppor - tu ni ties, Murray-Calloway Coun ty’s location is ben e fi cial in many ways. An American Treasure MSU 54th (in-state value) and 52nd Located in the Jack son Purchase Murray was one of only six public (out-of-state value). Judges reviewed region of West Ken tucky, Murray is universities in the nation to be se- quality of academics, admission rates, eight miles from Tennessee, (ap prox i - lected by Kaplan, Inc. as a “Hidden freshmen retention, average class mate ly) 50 miles from Illinois, 65 miles Treasure.” The honor was based on size, graduation rates and average from Missouri and 150 miles from the results of a Market Measurement, college debt after graduation. Indiana, Mur ray State is easily able Inc., national survey of high school to draw stu dents from fi ve dif ferent guidance counselors. Satisfi ed Customers states. Also, four ma jor cit ies (St. According to a Kentucky Council on Louis, Nash ville, Mem phis, Lou is ville) A “Best Value” Postsecondary Education statewide are with in a few hours’ driving distance Kiplinger’s Personal Finance maga- survey of recent graduates, Murray from Murray. zine has twice ranked Murray as one outranks all Kentucky public universi- One of the biggest attractions in West of America’s top public universities. ties in “graduate and alumni satisfac- Ken tucky is scenic Ken tucky Lake and When 500 public colleges around the tion.” the Land Between the Lakes. Just a nation were studied, Kiplinger’s rated 15-minute drive from the Murray State campus are boating, fi shing, hunting, camp ing and hiking opportunities, QUICK FACTS which students often take ad van tage of during fall and spring weekends. Founded: ...... 1922 Enrollment: ...... 10,200 Location: ...... Murray, Ky. (Calloway County) President: ...... Dr. Tim Miller (Interim) / Dr. Randy Dunn

14 AAthleticsthletics DDirectorirector AllenAllen WWardard

Allen Ward joinedjoined to enhance the fanfan theth Murray M State St t athletics thl ti experience anandd game- staff as its director on March day atmosphere. 30, 2005. Ward continues In his wildest imagination, to emphasize the Ward could not have importance of envisioned all of the changes building a well- and challenges he would balance program, experience during his fi rst one that excels in year on the job. the classroom as “It’s been a tremendous well as in athletic competition. The Ward family (L-R): Allen, Nathan, fi rst year,” Ward said. “We Nicole and Sharon have accomplished a lot this “Murray has fi rst year, but the basketball an excellent academic reputation, one that is recognized championship and NCAA tournament birth was the pinnacle. It throughout the nation,” said Ward. “I expect the student- doesn’t get any better than that”. athletes at MSU to take advantage of their opportunity. My Ward spent a lot of his time fi lling his staff. Ward became goal is for every student-athlete to leave Murray State with a the fi rst Racer athletics director since 1978 to hire a new football championship ring on one hand and a degree in the other.” coach and men’s basketball coach in the same year. Both Ward, 39, came to Murray State from the University of choices, head football coach Matt Griffi n and head basketball North Texas, where he served in numerous capacities over 14 coach Billy Kennedy, have received wide acclaim throughout years, including his last six years as senior associate athletics the nation. director. In all, Ward completed 11 searches for head coaches and Spend a few moments with Ward, and it is very clear that senior level staff. he has a passion for intercollegiate athletics. Ward continues to underscore the importance of recognizing “The well-being of our student-athletes is my No. 1 fans and contributors for their concern,” Ward said. “They annual support. In July 2005, are what makes Murray State the Racer Club was established ‘The well-being of our student- athletics successful.” as the department’s fundraising Under Ward’s leadership, program. In just over a year, athletes is my No. 1 concern. They the resources needed to create its membership has grown to are what makes Murray State an environment in which MSU over 750 and annual giving student-athletes can achieve surpassed the $450,000 mark. athletics successful.’ at the highest level are being “The fi rst year of the provided. Racer Club has been an “I love to win, but there is overwhelming success,” Ward said. “Racer fans understand a right way and a wrong way to go about it,” Ward said. “We what it takes to stay atop the OVC. I can’t thank them enough are a proud program with a rich history. We will continue to win for their continued support.” championships while, at the same time, prepare our student- Other highlights of the fi rst year of the Ward administration athletes to excel long after they have played their last game for include launching the new GoRacers.com website, two sports Murray State.” (baseball and women’s ) earning the OVC Sportsmanship Upon completing his fi rst year at Murray State, Ward Award, 24 percent of all student-athletes earning recognition has given clear indications as to where he plans to take the on MSU’s Dean’s program. List, implementing “I expect to be a leader in the OVC in everything we do. the new Ticketmaster I expect to win championships and advance to compete on a ticketing and donor national level. I fully intend to put the pieces in place that will database system, allow MSU athletics to lead the way in academic achievement. I distinguishing MSU want our student-athletes to be recognized for their outstanding as an offi cial NCAA athletic abilities as well as their extraordinary citizenship and Champs/Life Skills character.” program, completing A native of Rolla, Mo., Ward is a 1989 graduate of William Allen Ward spent some time on the Jewell College and earned his master’s degree in sports air with the voice of the Racers, Neal important facility enhancement projects, administration from Wichita State. Ward and his wife, Sharon, Bradley, at the 2005 OVC Baseball have two children: Nathan, 8, and Nicole, 5. Tournament and utilizing strategies 15 AAthleticsthletics AAdministrationdministration

Darron Boatright Scott Hobbs Assistant Athletics Director, Assistant Athletics Director, Marketing & Development Compliance

Darron Boatright joined the MSU in Scott Hobbs joined the MSU July 2005 after being named the assistant athletics department in July. Hobbs director of athletics for marketing and came to Murray after serving in the development. athletic department at the University In addition to overseeing the athletic of Maine. department’s marketing and promotions He began his tenure at Maine in strategies, Boatright is also the department’s contact for all corporate 2001 as the Assistant ADirector for Compliance and was pro- giving and oversees the ticket offi ce, baseball program, cheerlead- moted to Associate AD for Compliance in August 2003. Hobbs ing and the Racer Club. was responsible for the oversight of NCAA compliance for 19 Since the Racer Club began in the summer of 2005, its mem- NCAA varsity sports and served as sport administrator for wom- bership has grown to 750 and annual giving has surpassed the en’s ice hockey, and , baseball and softball. $450,000 mark. Before arriving at the University of Maine, Hobbs worked in Boatright graduated from Murray State in 1998 with a double- the compliance offi ce at Niagara University during the 2000-01 major in political science and history, and earned his master’s academic year. He has also worked in the Buffalo Bills’ market- degree in higher education administration from Alabama in 2004. ing and community relations offi ce. Boatright served as a student assistant coach with Racer In 1987 Hobbs received his bachelor’s of science degree in basketball under head coach Mark Gottfried from 1995 to 1998 industrial and management engineering from Rensselaer Poly- and then served as director of basketball operations at Alabama technic Institute in Troy, N.Y. A year later he earned a master’s from 1999 to 2005. of engineering degree from Rensselaer. Hobbs earned four He most recently served as special campaigns director in the letters as a member of Rensselear’s football team. offi ce of the University of Alabama athletics development. He earned a law degree from Capital University Law School Boatright and his wife, Chaney, a 1995 Murray State graduate, in 1999 and a master’s of sports administration in 2002 from are natives of Benton, Ky. They have a son, Fletcher, 2. Canisius College. Hobbs and his wife Christina reside in Murray.

Matt Kelly Dave Winder Assistant Athletics Director, Assistant Athletics Director, Academics Media Relations

Matt Kelly is in his third year as as- Dave Winder is in his fi fth year sistant director of athletics for academics with Murray State athletics and third in after spending two years at the University media relations. of Missouri-Kansas City. Winder “offi cially” joined the Racer A 1994 graduate of Alma College, he athletics program in 2001, but in many also earned his master’s in physical edu- ways, the Jackson, Mo., native has cation and sports administration at Eastern Kentucky in 1996. been a part of Murray State athletics for years. Kelly oversees the academic progress of more than 300 Winder fi rst came to MSU as a sophomore baseball player Murray State student-athletes. He is a member of the National in the fall of 1983. He played three seasons for Johnny Reagan Association of Advisors for Athletics and serves on the review board and became an All-Ohio Valley Conference fi rst baseman in for the Athletic Insight journal. 1987. Winder still holds the OVC’s single-game record with 12 Before arriving at Missouri-Kansas City, Kelly spent four-and runs batted in. a-half years as an academic advisor for the football and swimming After graduating from MSU in 1987 with a journalism degree, and diving teams at Florida State University. He was also the study Winder served as the radio voice of Southeast Missouri State hall/tutor coordinator for all sports at FSU. athletics from 1988 to 1991. He returned to Kentucky in 1991 to While working on his master’s at Eastern Kentucky, Kelly was become the sports director at WPSD TV-6 in Paducah. a graduate assistant in the athletics academics department and He began hosting the Murray State football and basketball an adjunct faculty member in the health and physical education television shows in 1993, a labor of love he still does today. department. Since becoming assistant athletics director for media rela- Kelly and his wife, Laura, have a son, Cole, 5, and a daughter, tions in 2004 Winder has increased the size of the sports informa- Olivia, 3. tion staff and its production. In addition, his department oversaw the launch of the new athletics website in March of 2006. Winder and his wife, Janice, have a daughter, Meagan, 11, and son, Matthew, 9. 16 UUniversityniversity AdministrationAdministration Dr. Thomas I. (Tim) Miller Dr. Randy Dunn Interim University President University President Dr. Thomas I. (Tim) Miller Dr. Randy J. Dunn will began his duties as interim presi- become Murray State’s 11th dent on Aug. 15 and will serve president on Dec. 1, 2006. through Dec. 1, when Dr. Randy Dunn serves as the Illinois State Superintendent Dunn becomes Murray State’s of Schools, and is currently 11th full-time president. on leave from SIU-Carbon- Miller is a professor of ac- dale, where he chairs the counting at Murray State, having Department of Educational been a part of the MSU accounting Administration and Higher faculty for 37 years. Miller also Education. serves as the executive director Dunn earned a doctor- of the Murray State University ate degree from the Uni- versity of Illinois in 1991, Foundation. he earned his bachelor’s Miller earned his doctorate degree in elementary educa- degree from the University of Arkansas in 1973, after gaining his bachelor’s tion (1980) and his master’s degree in educational administration and (1966) and master’s (1967) degrees from Murray State. foundations (1983) from Illinois State University. Miller is a diplomate of the American Board of Forensic Accounting, and Dunn has served in capacity, from classroom teacher and building is a certifi ed public accountant. principal to district superintendent and university professor. His expertise in accounting has led him to be called as an expert witness During his tenure at SIU, he published mroe than 29 professional in court cases involving fi nancial matters and business valuations. articles and book chapters and made more than 30 presentations at state and national conferences. As executive director of the MSU Foundation, Miller answers to a 25- Dunn has directly infl uenced hundreds of educators, teaching member board of trustees. The board ensures that donors’ contributions are more than 11 different graduate courses and serving on more than 40 used as directed and are invested to earn an acceptable rate of return to provide doctoral dissertation committees in the last 10 years. scholarships and meet other needs of the university. To date, about $55 million Dunn has done consulting on education issues throughout the is invested through the MSU Foundation. state of Illinois, and has authored a number of funded grants since Miller is married to the former Patsy Purdom, a 1967 MSU graduate, with 1991, totaling nearly $650,000. His writings include published articles two children, both MSU alumni: Anne Morgan and Mark Wells Miller. on a range of education issues in professional journals as well as book Tim and Patsy Miller also have three grandchildren who are sure to maintain chapters, book reviews and monographs. His memberships include the International Society for Educational the family’s Murray State tradition. Planning, where he serves on the board of directors, the American Association of School Administrators, Phi Delta Kappa and the Mid- Western Educational Research Association. Murray State University Board Of Regents

Marilyn Buchanon Olivia Burr Gina Winchester Peggy Hays Bill Adams Grand Rivers Paducah Staff Regent Hopkinsville Murray Murray

Beverly Ford Vice Chair Benton

Alan Stout Terry Strieter Vickie Travis Jeff Taylor Scott Ellison Marion Faculty Regent Murray Owensboro Student Regent Murray St. Charles, Mo.

17 AAthleticsthletics SStaff/Headtaff/Head CoachesCoaches

Manny Banks Molly Cochran Susan Rogers Butch Dowty Saundra Edwards Catherine Ellis Eric Frederick Marketing & Racer Club Darnell Equipment Manager Offi ce Receptionist Asst. Athletic Trainer Asst. Athletic Trainer Promotions Coordinator Ticket Manager

Janet Futrell Joe Haynes Phyllis Jones Bethany Karcher Shaun Jones Lyndsi Keel Cheryl Whitaker Administrative Asst.- Television Specialist Administrative Clerk Offi ce Receptionist Cheerleaders Coach Marketing & Men's Basketball Accounts Promotions Secretary Coordinator

Alan Lollar Paul Mills Crystal Morrow Paul Radke Mike Thieke Bill Whitaker Marteze Head Athletic Trainer Offi ce Receptionist Administrative Asst. Football/Basketball Internal Operations Faculty Hammonds Public Address Director Representative Academics Asst.

MURRAY STATE HEAD COACHES

Beth Acreman Dereck Chavis Joi Felton Matt Griffi n Bill McLean Eddie Hunt Women’s Soccer CC/Track & Field Women's Basketball Football Rowing Men's Golf

Connie Keasling Billy Kennedy Rob McDonald Velvet Milkman Mel Purcell David Schwepker Women’s Tennis Men’s Basketball Baseball Women's Golf/SWA Men’s Tennis

18 Ohio Valley Conference Entering its 58th year, African-Americans. the Ohio Valley Conference In the late 1970s, women’s embarks on a new era while athletics began a rebirth on continuing to build on the the national scene, as the success that has made it the NCAA began sponsoring nation’s eighth-oldest NCAA and marketing women’s Division I conference. sports. Recognizing the In 2003, the OVC extended need to provide increased its geographical footprint opportunities for female into Alabama for the fi rst athletes, the OVC established time, expanding the league’s women’s championships in the LEE MOSES membership to a record 11 sports of basketball, tennis and Director of institutions with the addition track in 1977, with cross country Institutional Services of Jacksonville State University and volleyball added over the Dr. JON and Samford University. next four years. Those sports STEINBRECHER The OVC’s proud past dates were initially governed by the Commissioner back to 1948, but seeds for Association of Intercollegiate the new league were actually Athletics for Women, but the planted in 1941. It was then that overall strength of women’s Murray State athletics director programs in the league was Roy Stewart, Eastern Kentucky demonstrated by the automatic athletics director Charles bids the OVC instantly received “Turkey” Hughes and Western when the NCAA became the Kentucky public relations governing body in 1982. JENNIFER BROST director Kelly Thompson fi rst Through the early years of Director of broached the idea of forming a the league, administrators Championships new conference. wrestled with fan behavior Discussions were put on due to the close proximity of hold by World War II, but re- the conference members and RON ENGLISH emerged on Feb. 27-28, 1948, the intense rivalries which Assoc. Commissioner at the Kentucky Hotel in developed. Just as it did for Operations Louisville, as the three original decades ago, the OVC took the institutions combined with leadership role on what has Morehead State, Louisville and become a national issue. Evansville to form the OVC. In 1995, the OVC In the 1950s, the OVC implemented a fi rst-of-its-kind became a pioneer on a “Sportsmanship Statement,” much more signifi cant scale a policy which promotes KYLE YEAGER socially. During times of racial principles of fair play, ethical Director of segregation, league member conduct and respect for one’s External Affairs Morehead State became one of opponent. The statement has the fi rst non-traditionally black become a model for others to mid-southern institutions to follow across the nation, and has accept a black student. In answered the challenge of the KIM MELCHER 1958, Marshall Banks earned NCAA Presidents Commission Asst. Commissioner athletically-related aid at to improve sportsmanship in for Media Relations Morehead, which signed a collegiate athletics. second black athlete, Howard The OVC has also produced Murphy, a year later. With several Olympic athletes, while racial barriers broken, the rest some of the greatest players of the institutions in the league in professional sports were HEATHER BROWN began to provide educational educated at OVC institutions. Assistant Director, and athletic opportunities to The list includes former greats Media Relations

19 Ohio Valley Conference

such as basketball’s Popeye Jones (Murray State), Clem characteristics of sportsmanship and citizenship. Haskins (Western Kentucky) and Bubba Wells (Austin The vision of leadership demonstrated by the Peay) and football standout Phil Simms and two-sport star founding fathers in 1948 remains alive today as the Ohio Steve Hamilton (Morehead State) as well as present-day Valley Conference prepares for the future. One example standouts like basketball player Trenton Hassell (Austin is in regard to the current trend in collegiate athletics administration for increased involvement of university Peay); football players Chad Bratzke (Eastern Kentucky), presidents in setting policies and making rules. The Marquis Walker (Southeast Missouri), Chris Watson presidents of OVC institutions, however, have always (Eastern Illinois) and Brent Alexander (Tennessee State); governed the Conference, long before presidential baseball players Brandon Berger (Eastern Ken-tucky), governance became a national theme. Kirk Rueter (Murray State), Kerry Robinson (Southeast The Ohio Valley Conference spon-sors the following Missouri) and Jamie Walker (Austin Peay) and professional sports: baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, golfer Jeff Sluman (Tennessee Tech). tennis and track for men, and basketball, cross country, The playing fi eld isn’t the only place where OVC athletes golf, soccer, softball, tennis, track and volleyball for are working hard. The league also recognizes excellence women. In addition, the OVC also sponsors the combined in the classroom. The prestigious OVC Academic sport of rifl e. Achievement Banner is awarded annually to the league Over the last decade, the league has grown not only school whose athletes produce the highest grade-point in the number of athletics opportunities it provides for students, but in terms of the number of institutions in average when compared to the general student body. the conference. In 2003, Jacksonville State University Awards are presented yearly to male and female athletes, and Samford University became the newest members of while others are commended for their academic success by the OVC. Other current representatives include charter being Medal of Honor recipients or earning a spot on the members Murray State, Eastern Kentucky and Morehead Commissioner’s Honor Roll. State, along with Austin Peay State (joined in 1963), Also, six Scholar-Athlete Awards are presented yearly to Eastern Illinois (1998), Southeast Missouri State (1991), male and female athletes, while others are commended for Tennessee-Martin (1992), Tennessee State (1987) and their academic success by being Medal of Honor recipients Tennessee Tech (1948).the newest members the OVC. or earning a spot on the Commissioner’s Honor Roll. Other current representatives include charter members Additionally, the Steve Hamilton Sportsmanship Award Murray State, Eastern Kentucky and Morehead State, - named in honor of the former Morehead State student- along with Austin Peay State (joined in 1963), Eastern athlete, coach, and athletics director - is presented annually Illinois (1998), Southeast Missouri State (1991), to a junior or senior student-athlete with signifi cant Tennessee-Martin (1992), Tennessee State (1987) athletic contributions who best exemplifi es the and Tennessee Tech (1948).

20