UNC Asheville Athletics • January 2018

Bulldog Bites

Bulldogs’ Big Economic Impact 2 • Bulldog Bites January 2018 Bulldogs’ Big Economic Impact: UNC Asheville Athletics is Making a Huge Difference in the Community In a report conducted by SYNEVA Background Economics, it was determined that UNC Asheville athletics is a significant driver The UNC Asheville athletics depart- in Asheville’s regional economy. In fact, ment retained SYNEVA Economics LLC UNC Asheville athletics has raised the to conduct a comprehensive analysis of local economic impact by $16.6 million. the department’s impact upon the Ashe- The economic impacts of UNC Ashe- ville North Carolina regional economy. ville athletics for the fiscal year 2017 on The purpose of the analysis was to gain the Asheville, N.C. metro area shows that a greater understanding and appreciation UNC Asheville athletics contributes to of the UNC Asheville athletics’ economic the local economy in three vital ways: effects upon the region. The analysis UNC Asheville Athletics Campus Op- is expected to objectively quantify lo- erations ($14.3 million output) cal spending that occurs as a result of Outside Visitors ($2.3 million output) the presence of UNC Asheville athlet- Planned Capital Improvements (averag- ics’ activities and track that spending ing $2.9 million in output over the next as it moves through the local economy. five years) Results of the analysis can demonstrate “We pride ourselves in being a valuable the economic contribution and value of part of the Asheville community, and local jobs annually and raises labor in- federal revenues by $1.9 million annually. UNC Asheville athletics in terms of local these numbers show that the investment come by $5.9 million, and local economic supported jobs, increased income, value in UNC Asheville athletics supports not activities stimulated by UNC Asheville UNC Asheville Athletics Outside added, raised economic output and addi- only the strategic plan of the university Athletics generate annual tax revenues of Visitor Spending tional tax revenues generated. and garners local, regional and national just over $2.3 million. UNC Asheville’s intercollegiate athlet- media exposure, but also engages stu- An examination of employment impacts UNC Asheville athletics attracts outside ics has participated in NCAA Division I dents, faculty, staff, alumni and commu- by industry demonstrates the far-reaching visitors to attend or participate in sport- competition since 1986 and is a member nity members,” UNC Asheville Director effects of UNC Asheville athletics on the ing events. Over the 2016-2017 fiscal of the . UNC Ashe- of Athletics Janet R. Cone said. “UNC Asheville economy. For example, UNC year, it is estimated that $1.3 million was ville offers 16 sports, including baseball, Asheville athletics will continue to strive Asheville athletics supports 21 local jobs spent locally by outside visitors partici- basketball, cross country, indoor and out- to become an even bigger economic in restaurants and lodging, 16 local jobs pating in or attending UNC Asheville door track, soccer, and tennis for men and driver in this community over the coming in retail trade and 15 jobs in local real es- athletics events. Spending patterns of basketball, cross country, golf, indoor and years.” tate and rental services. outside visitors are derived from a model outdoor track, soccer, swimming, tennis The economic impact from Bulldog ath- of sporting event spending utilized by the and volleyball for women. UNC Ashe- letics is just part of an even bigger impact UNC Asheville Athletics Operations National Association of Sports Commis- ville Athletics is an exemplary NCAA to the area by UNC Asheville with the sions. Division I program that champions UNC university having an important $450 mil- UNC Asheville athletics operations Asheville’s mission and strategic plan by lion total economic impact annually. includes local spending on products and Spending by outside visitors supports creating an environment where student- services associated with conducting 25 local jobs, adds $739,000 in local athletes have high-impact learning expe- UNC Asheville Athletics Total the operations of the athletics programs income and raises local output by $2.3 riences and engage internal and external Economic Impact and the additional spending impacts of million. Outside visitor spending leads to constituents and communities. student- athletes earning scholarships $316,000 in additional tax revenues. Bulldog student athletes participated in The total economic impact for UNC through the department. over 2,500 hours of community service Asheville athletics is the sum of two ma- UNC Asheville athletics operations sup- Planned Capital Improvements this past year. The graduation success jor economic activities: port a total of 118 local jobs; 35 directly, rate and grade point average for UNC 26 indirectly and 57 induced. In terms of Over the next five years, the total im- Asheville student-athletes were higher • UNC Asheville Athletics Operations income activity, athletics campus opera- pact of UNC Asheville athletics’ planned than the overall student body, a point • Outside Visitor Spending tions spending cause local labor income capital improvements will on average of pride for the program and distinctive to increase by $5.1 million. Annually, annually support 21 local jobs and add among NCAA Division I schools. UNC The major reason for the local spending economic value rises $8.1 million and $739,000 in local income. In addition, Asheville athletics strives for national for operations is due to UNC Asheville’s total economic output increases by $14.3 UNC Asheville will raise $1.1 million in recognition for developing “Champions NCAA Division I 16 sports (seven men’s million in the Asheville region as a result local economic value and increase local in Athletics and Leaders in Life” by programs and nine women’s programs) of spending on operations by UNC Ashe- economic output by $2.9 million as well winning in the classroom, community and spending by those who attend UNC ville athletics. As local purchases are as generate $244,000 in tax revenues. and competition and to be one of the top Asheville’s athletic events. made they generate additional tax rev- men’s mid-major basketball programs in UNC Asheville athletics supports 143 enues; increasing county, local, state and the country. January 2018 Bulldog Bites • 3

Ahmad Thomas and Kevin Vannatta of UNC Asheville men’s basketball are the only pair ever of four-year Big South Conference classmates each with 1,000 points, 500 rebounds and 200 assists during the same four-year span. 4 • Bulldog Bites January 2018 UNC Asheville to Host Bulldog Basketball & Alumni Weekend Feb. 2-3, 2018

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – UNC Asheville family with former 10-year coach Betsy both legends from the UNC Asheville of the Sherrill Center. To gain access, all men’s basketball head coach Nick McDe- Blose on staff here, as well as building a men’s and women’s basketball programs alumni must purchase an alumni ticket. vitt knows it’s about family. base with the young ladies that have gradu- are completely FREE and open to the pub- Starting at 4:30 p.m., the UNC Asheville That’s why he is so excited for the up- ated under our tenure in the past five years. lic. men’s basketball team will then battle Pres- coming 2018 Bulldog Basketball & Alumni We are really looking forward to the leg- In addition, The Hop Ice Cream Café byterian College. During halftime, UNC Weekend. ends game that will occur on Friday night, owned and operated by UNC Asheville Asheville will honor the 10th, 15th and “UNC Asheville is a special place, and as it’s been a while since we have done alumni Greg and Ashley Garrison will 20th anniversary teams of the men’s Big for alumni to be able to bring their families something like that. We are also apprecia- be selling their delicious ice cream at the South championship teams of 1998, 2003 and friends back to our beautiful campus tive of everything the university is doing games. and 2008. makes for an exciting weekend,” McDevitt for all UNC Asheville alumni that weekend If you are an alumni basketball player UNC Asheville legend Eddie Biedenbach said. “We are really looking forward to to make this a special experience for every- interested in attending and/or playing, will also be in attendance to honor these welcoming our alumni and all former Bull- one involved.” please contact and RSVP to Betsy Blose at teams and welcome back all Bulldogs. dogs back to UNC Asheville.” The 2018 Bulldog Basketball & Alumni [email protected]. The fun weekend of all things Bulldog UNC Asheville women’s basketball Weekend will be held Feb. 2-3, 2018, on the The first game of the men’s and women’s will conclude from 7:30-9:30 p.m. at Twist- head coach Brenda Mock Kirkpatrick also campus of UNC Asheville. basketball doubleheader on Saturday, Feb. ed Laurel in downtown Asheville with a knows it’s a very important weekend. The weekend will open with Bulldog fans 3, will take place inside “Bulldog Bash.” “We are so excited to welcome back given the chance to see UNC Asheville starting at 2 p.m. with the women’s basket- Alumni, to learn more, purchase tickets many women’s basketball alums in Febru- greats on the hardwood once again with the ball team playing host to Big South Confer- and register, please visit https://www. ary to reunite with former teammates and Alumni Legacy Games at Kimmel Arena ence rival Winthrop. eventbrite.com/e/bulldog-basketball-alum- also spend a little time with our current inside the Sherrill Center at 7:30 p.m. on After the conclusion of the women’s ni-weekend-tickets-40031827273. players,” Kirkpatrick said. “We have such a Friday, Feb. 2, 2018. game there will also be a special Alumni For more information about all things unique advantage in building this Bulldog The Alumni Legacy Games featuring Zone in the atrium of the main concourse Bulldog, please visit uncabulldogs.com. January 2018 Bulldog Bites • 5 Fitzgerald Tabbed Big South Conference Player of the Week

CHARLOTTE – Announced by the points and 13.5 rebounds. She tallied 27 terian on Jan. 27, Fitzgerald posted sin- (602). She is the 11th Bulldog to achieve Big South Conference on Monday, Jan. rebounds including 11 offensive boards. gle-game career highs in points (23) and this career mark. 29, senior center Bronaza Fitzgerald Fitzgerald averages 4.0 offensive re- field goals made (10). She grabbed 16 The last time a Bulldog won the Big was tabbed the league’s Player of the bounds this season which ranks first in rebounds which was one shy of match- South Player of the Week was on Jan. Week after posting a pair of single- the Big South and 16th in the NCAA. In ing a career high that she set on Jan. 20 21, 2016 when Tianna Knuckles com- game career highs this past week. the 1-1 week for the Bulldogs, the Dan- at Winthrop. bined for 32 points, 11 rebounds, two Currently on a three-game double- ville, Va. native made 15 baskets in 25 In the game versus the Blue Hose, steals and a block in the undefeated double stretch, the senior averaged a attempts in 58 total minutes. Fitzgerald corralled 16 rebounds which week against UNCG and Western Caro- double-double this past week with 18 In the narrow 2-point loss to Presby- put her over 600 rebounds in her career lina. 6 • Bulldog Bites January 2018 Swimming Earns CSCAA Scholar All- America Team Honor for 11th Straight Semester

NORFOLK, Va. - For the 11th con- in the classroom and in the pool. The Compliance and Student Services, CAA Divisions which is the most ever secutive semester, the UNC Ashe- 2017 fall team grade-point average for their assistance in helping keep for a fall semester. To earn the honor, ville swimming team earned College (GPA) of 3.41 is the second-highest the team members on track with their teams were required to post a GPA of Swimming and Diving Coaches Asso- the program has ever earned,” said school work. The swimming staff 3.0 or higher for the fall semester, and ciation of America (CSCAA) Scholar head swimming coach Elizabeth is proud to have the team’s efforts the Bulldogs posted a 3.41 GPA for All-America Team honors on Monday, Lykins. “We’d like to thank Rebecca recognized by the CSCAA and our the 2017 fall semester. Jan. 29. Nelms, Assistant Athletics Director coaching peers.” Eight of the nine Coastal Collegiate “The swimming program has once for Student-Athlete Success, and Erin The teams represent 430 institutions Sports Association (CCSA) teams again shown we strive for excellence Punter Spence, Assistant Director of from across all NCAA, NAIA and NJ- were awarded with the honor. January 2018 Bulldog Bites • 7

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CHARLOTTE – Oli Nolan of UNC United Kingdom, Nolan closed out the Hons. In UNC Asheville’s 7-0 win with a 6-2 win at the No. 2 position in Asheville men’s tennis was recently first two spring matches of his career a over Mars Hill on Sunday, Jan. 21, at the victory over Lenoir-Rhyne. chosen as the Big South Men’s Tennis perfect 2-0. the Asheville Racquet Club Down- To learn more about UNC Asheville Freshman of the Week. In UNC Asheville’s 7-0 home win town, Nolan collected a 6-1, 6-1 win men’s tennis, please visit uncabull- The league office made the official over Lenoir-Rhyne on Saturday, Jan. over Mars Hill’s Tom Farman at No. 1 dogs.com. You can also follow them on announcement on Wednesday, Jan. 24. 20, Nolan picked up a 6-0, 6-0 win at singles. Twitter and Instagram at @UNCATen- A freshman from Birmingham, No. 2 singles over the Bears’ Tomas Nolan was 1-0 on the week in doubles nis. January 2018 Bulldog Bites • 9 McCluskey Joins UNC Asheville Women’s Soccer For 2018 Season

ASHEVILLE, N.C. - UNC Ashe- attacking half of the field as she Demko said. “She’s already fit- to growth and development that is ville women’s soccer head coach will slot in as a target striker for ting in well with her teammates self initiated,” said Demko. “Her Michelle Demko announced the the Bulldogs this upcoming sea- after being on campus with us for work ethic is what separates her addition of Courtney McCluskey son. 17544 a week.” from others. This type of mindful on Tuesday, Jan. 23. “I anticipate using her in the tar- McCluskey hails from Holladay, focus will continue to push our McCluskey is already enrolled at get striker role. Being 5’10,” we Utah where she played for her club program in a competitive direc- UNC Asheville and taking classes hope to take advantage of her size team - the Utah Avalanche. tion and ultimately increase the for the spring semester. and strength to hold the ball up in “I’m excited Courtney decided to level around her.” The 5-foot-10 inch forward will the final third and be ‘goal’ dan- begin her college career early with provide a dominant force in the gerous in the box off services,” us. She embodies a commitment **photo credit to Jeff Porcaro* 10 • Bulldog Bites January 2018 Three Local Standouts Join UNC Asheville Men’s Soccer Program

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – UNC Ashe- high-quality players from the area are then some.” and he was the 2017 North Carolina ville men’s soccer with the start of noticing what is being built with UNC A 5-foot-11, 155-pound defender/ High School Soccer Coaches Player the 2018 spring semester have added Asheville men’s soccer. midfielder, Evan Lewis joins the UNC of the Year. An all-state selection, three to their roster for the upcoming “The part that pleases me the most Asheville men’s soccer program out the A.C. Reynolds product was the season. about these three young men choosing of Asheville, N.C. The T.C. Roberson 2017 WMAC Co-Player and the 2017 The three in Ben Katt, Evan Lewis UNC Asheville is it says a lot about product was all-conference and all- Citizen-Times and Izaiah Vignali all join the UNC what we are doing here and it says a region last year and in 2016 he was Player of the Year. Vignali also was Asheville men’s soccer program out of lot about the quality of player that our tabbed to the Citizen-Times All-West- a member of the inaugural squad for the Western Carolina area. soccer community is developing,” ern North Carolina Team. Asheville City Soccer Club in 2017. “These three young men are our Mennell said. “Evan is a player that you love to “Izaiah is a special player,” Mennell first players who have graduated high A 6-foot-2, 170-pound midfielder, identify, recruit and eventually ma- said. “He possesses all the attributes school early and enrolled at UNC Katt (Feature by Mountaineer) joins triculate into your program,” Mennell you can wish for. Great athletic ability, Asheville for the spring semester,” the Bulldogs out of Tuscola High said. “He has a great engine, is left superb pace, fantastic technical ability, UNC Asheville men’s soccer head School. The Waynesville, N.C. native footed, is keen to play wide and loves excellent tactical savvy and a palpable coach Mathes Mennell said. “To be was an all-conference and all-region to grind. He is going to be a nice ad- desire to compete are all hallmarks able to spend the spring in our envi- selection last year. dition to our team as a versatile left- of his game. He has garnered a lot of ronment will really help them to hit “Ben is a player that we are really sided player. I am always excited when honors in his young career and we the ground running this fall. What quite pleased about signing,” Mennell we are able to add talented players think he is just getting started. We are makes it even more exciting is they are said. “He is a very rangy midfielder from Asheville to our roster and Evan beyond excited to work with him here all local talents and have excelled for who has the ability to impact the game is exactly that.” at UNC Asheville.” their respective high schools and for both on and off the ball. He also has a Vignali is one of the most deco- To learn more about UNC Asheville Highland Football Club, where they charismatic, positive personality that rated recruits to ever join the UNC men’s soccer, please visit uncabull- all played on the same team (HFC Red really adds quality to any group he is Asheville men’s soccer program. The dogs.com. 99).” a part of. His brother, Chris Katt, was 5-foot-11, 170-pound midfielder from Mennell knows that the trio join- a standout player here and Ben has the Fairview, N.C. is a 2017 United Soccer **Photo of Vignali is by Mike Keat- ing the Bulldog program shows that potential to be that type of player and Coaches Association All-American ing** January 2018 Bulldog Bites • 11

It may have been held indoors due to the weather over the course of the week leading up, but that did not deter anyone from having a tre- mendous time at the Second Annual Maybin Mission Youth Camp on the campus of UNC Asheville. The Maybin Mission Youth Camp is a complimentary baseball program hosted by Major League Baseball outfielder and Asheville native Cameron Maybin. In addition to being able to learn from Maybin, all of those in attendance also had the unique opportunity to learn from and work with the 2018 UNC Asheville baseball team. The camp featured five interactive stations that focused on base running, hitting, throwing/pitching and infield and outfield.

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ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Sponsored by Chancellor Joe Urgo, Director of live auctions on three great prizes among many other great prizes. Highland Brewing, Vannoy Construc- Athletics Janet R. Cone and Head as well as a multitude of silent auc- The Asheville baseball season kicks off tion, Twisted Laurel and Biltmore Baseball Coach Scott Friedholm all tions ranging from a signed and on Feb. 16 for a three-game series at Lip- Farms Hotels, the UNC Asheville spoke in front of a sold out crowd at framed Tom Brady jersey, a signed scomb. The first home game for the Bull- baseball team hosted a successful Highland Brewing. and framed Hank Aaron jersey, a dogs is on March 6 as they host ACC mem- Baseball Night in Asheville as three- With the 2018 baseball season just Lawrence Taylor signed jersey and ber Boston College for a 4 p.m. first pitch at time MLB All-Star Greg Holland, four weeks away, the Bulldogs held an UNC Asheville baseball package Greenwood Field. January 2018 Bulldog Bites • 13 McDevitt Once Again Serves as Subway Sandwich Artist for a Great Cause

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – UNC Ashe- fight against cancer through the American Cancer Society and the ing SUBWAY® restaurants from ville men’s basketball head coach Coaches vs. Cancer campaign. National Association of Basket- Jan. 15 through Feb. 28 with 100 Nick McDevitt always looks for- McDevitt joined Western Caro- ball Coaches. Locally, the North percent of the proceeds going to ward to the opportunity. lina head coach Larry Hunter on Carolina Basketball Coaches As- the local Coaches vs. Cancer pro- He knows it is extremely impor- Wednesday, Jan. 17, at the Subway sociation has joined the effort gram. tant and that’s why even with snow at the Oakley Plaza at 801 Fairview to promote healthy living, raise Last year, more than $25,000 in still falling outside he made sure to Road, Asheville, NC 28803, from awareness and support for the fight North Carolina was raised and they once again make an appearance as 12-1 p.m. against cancer. want to raise even more this year. a Subway Sandwich artist to help The Coaches vs. Cancer program Donations in any amount can be For more information on Coaches raise awareness and support for the is a collaboration between the made at the checkout of participat- vs. Cancer, visit www.cancer.org. 14 • Bulldog Bites January 2018 Evans Named Big South Conference Freshman of the Week

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Freshman Helping aid the Bulldogs to an unde- down two baskets where she matched a (11). She also matched personal marks guard Nadiria Evans was named the feated week, the Gainesville, Fla. native career-best mark with four rebounds. in field goals attempted (8) and offen- Big South Conference Freshman of the set or matched several career bests. In the 30-point win at home versus sive rebounds (2). Week on Monday, Jan. 15, after setting She totaled 15 minutes in the 67-56 Longwood, Evans set personal records The last time a Bulldogs was named multiple career bests in the 2-0 week for road victory at Radford, which ended in minutes played (23), field goals made Big South Freshman of the Week was the UNC Asheville women’s basketball the Highlanders 21-game home win- (4), field goal percentage (.500 percent), on March 7, 2016 by current junior So- team. ning streak. In that game, she knocked free-throws attempted (6) and points nora Dengokl. January 2018 Bulldog Bites • 15 Over 5,000 Students Participate in Rocky’s Readers Presented by Zaxby’s

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – The All students who complete their Over 5,000 students from 13 Candler Elementary Rocky’s Readers program pre- reading and return their log to the schools participated in Rocky’s Emma Elementary sented by Zaxby’s asks students school are invited to come to the Readers presented by Zaxby’s this Evergreen Community Charter to read five age appropriate books special Rocky’s Readers game. year with over 1,150 completing Hall Fletcher Elementary over the winter school break to The 2018 Rocky’s Readers game the program. Jonathan Valley Elementary earn a ticket to cheer on the UNC presented by Zaxby’s was held In total, 5,078 books were read Johnston Elementary Asheville women’s basketball on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018. The with one student even reading 30 New City Christian School team, and this year was another Bulldogs treated all of those in books. North Buncombe Elementary huge success. attendance to a dominating win North Canton Elementary For the last 10 years, students with UNC Asheville women’s Schools That Participated in Oakley Elementary from the Western Carolina area basketball securing an 82-52 Big Rocky’s Readers Presented by Pleasant Gardens Elementary have participated with their school South Conference victory over Zaxby’s Sand-Hill Venable Elementary in the Rocky’s Readers program. Longwood. Weaverville Elementary 16 • Bulldog Bites January 2018 Kevin Vannatta Named Candidate for the 2017-18 Senior CLASS Award

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – “We are very proud of what Kev- Vannatta was named to the 2016- positive character on campus and UNC Asheville senior guard Kev- in has been able to accomplish, 17 College Sports Information in the community. in Vannatta has been selected as both on and off the court, during Directors of America (CoSIDA) Each of the 30 candidate classes a candidate for the 2017-18 Senior his time here at UNC Asheville,” Academic All-District® 3 Men’s will be narrowed to fields of 10 CLASS Award® in men’s colle- UNC Asheville men’s basketball Basketball first-team in addition finalists in February, and those giate basketball. head coach Nick McDevitt said. to being tabbed as a DI-AAA 10 names will be placed on the To be eligible for the award, a “To be part of a list of candidates ADA Scholar-Athlete last season. official ballot. Ballots will be student-athlete must be classified that includes individuals such as Among the 60 candidates in distributed through a nationwide as an NCAA Division I senior and Grayson Allen of Duke and Joel men’s and women’s basketball, all voting system to media, coaches have notable achievements in four Berry II of North Carolina, speaks are in excellent academic standing and fans, who will select one areas of excellence: community, to the hard work that he has put with 14 having grade-point aver- male candidate and one female classroom, character and competi- forth on and off the court.” ages of 3.5 or higher. Eight of this candidate who best exemplifies tion. Vannatta enters the final semes- year’s candidates were 2016-17 excellence in the four Cs of com- An acronym for Celebrating ter of his senior season with the CoSIDA Capital One Academic munity, classroom, character and Loyalty and Achievement for Bulldogs owning a 3.93 grade- All-Americans®, and seven re- competition. Staying in School ®, the Senior point average as an Accounting turned to the court this season af- The Senior CLASS Award win- CLASS Award focuses on the to- major. ter receiving All-America honors ners will be announced during the tal student-athlete and encourages Vannatta also represents UNC for their performances a year ago. 2018 NCAA Men’s Final Four® students to use their platform in Asheville and the Big South Con- Each of the candidates also vol- and NCAA Women’s Final Four® athletics to make a positive im- ference on the NCAA Division I unteers his or her time with chari- this spring. For more information pact as leaders in their communi- National Student-Athlete Advi- table organizations and causes on each of the candidates, visit se- ties. sory Committee. while upholding a reputation for niorCLASSaward.com. January 2018 Bulldog Bites • 17 UNC Asheville Baseball To Host VS. Cancer Game on April 4 at McCormick Field

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – UNC Ashe- their heads shaved following the game In the past four years, because of the Highlights of Last Year’s VS. Can- ville head baseball coach Scott Fried- in support of the cause. efforts of UNC Asheville baseball, Vs. cer Game holm announced Wednesday, Jan. Cancer has been able to assist Mission 3, that the annual VS. Cancer game, About VS. Cancer with purchasing iPads and laptops for Seven Bulldogs recorded a hit in last which is slated for April 4 versus patients to use to keep up with home- year’s game versus Western Carolina, Western Carolina at McCormick Field Vs. Cancer operates on a 50/50 mod- work during treatment as well as help but the biggest hit of the game was Joe - the home of the . el of giving. Every gift to Vs. Cancer with building a teen room to serve the Tietjen’s grand slam in the seventh in- First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. does two jobs: make life better for kids older group of patients that are going ning. Asheville was down 3-1 at the Donations will be collected prior to currently fighting cancer at local chil- through cancer treatment at an espe- time of the game-changing hit, but the the game, and after the game, the do- dren’s hospitals and fund research into cially difficult age. Bulldogs turned the tables and secured nations will be given to the Vs. Cancer life-saving treatments for pediatric Vs. Cancer is a non-profit fundrais- the 5-3 victory over the Catamounts. Foundation to help battle childhood brain tumors. ing campaign of the Pediatric Brain Justin Woods and Kole Harris closed cancer. Over the previous four years, The foundation gives half of the Tumor Foundation. They are dedicated out the game combining for three UNC Asheville baseball has raised proceeds to pediatric brain tumor re- to saving kids’ lives by empowering innings of work on the mound and close to $24,000. The Bulldogs col- search and the other half back to the athletes and communities to fund life- only allowing a hit. Catcher Andrew lected over $8,600 in 2017 alone. local hospital in the community where saving childhood cancer efforts. For Friedholm tallied a double in two at- As part of the evening’s events, that money was raised. For UNC more information on this worthwhile bats, and first baseman Jake Madole members of the UNC Asheville base- Asheville, that is Mission Children’s cause, visit www.vs-cancer.org. recorded the fifth run of the game off a ball team and coaching staff will have Hospital. sacrifice bunt. 18 • Bulldog Bites January 2018 Jandrew Named Assistant Athletics Director for Athletics Advancement/Major Gifts

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – UNC Ashe- iar with,” Jandrew said. “I appreciate veloping a comprehensive sponsorship 65 percent at The First Tee, while as- ville Director of Athletics Janet R. the opportunity afforded me by Janet and marketing plan to increase rev- sisting in raising funds for a $750,000 Cone and Vice Chancellor for Uni- R. Cone, and I know I am joining the enue and in-kind trade for the athletic capital campaign for the existing The versity Advancement Carla S. Willis athletics department at a special time department. First Tee facility. recently announced the addition of where this role can be a big part of the Prior to joining The First Tee, Jandrew earned his Bachelor of Arts David Jandrew as Assistant Athletics continued and future success of UNC Jandrew spent three years in his degree in History and Secondary Director for Athletics Advancement/ Asheville athletics.” hometown of Hickory, N.C. as the Education from Charlotte in 1996 and Major Gifts. Jandrew spent two years at Charlotte Operating Director of the Piedmont completed his Master of Science de- Jandrew joins UNC Asheville after in the Charlotte 49ers Athletics As- Educational Foundation at Lenoir- gree in Sports Administration from St. most recently serving as the Director sociation as the Assistant Director Rhyne. Jandrew was responsible Thomas University in 1998. He taught of Development for The First Tee of of the Athletic Annual Fund. During for the operation and execution of and coached at three North Carolina Greater Charlotte. his time there he was responsible for all fundraising activities for Lenoir- high schools (Newton-Conover, New- “We are extremely excited to have the identification and cultivation of Rhyne University athletics and the ton, N.C.; Fred T. Foard High School, David join our advancement and donors to the Charlotte 49ers Scholar- Piedmont Educational Foundation/ Newton, N.C.; Vance High School, athletic leadership team,” Cone said. ship Fund and assisted in the planning Bears Club. He increased PEF/Bears Charlotte, N.C.) before moving to the “David has extensive advancement and execution of special events for Club membership by 63 percent in his collegiate ranks. He worked as West- experience and he has worked at USC the Athletic Foundation, including the time in Hickory and he doubled the ern Carolina’s Director of Basketball Upstate, Charlotte, Lenoir-Rhyne annual auction, golf tournament and overall revenue during his first year to Operations during the 2002-03 season and most recently at The First Tee of other hospitality events. set foundation benchmarks. Jandrew before returning to his alma mater Greater Charlotte. His knowledge and He left Charlotte to start the new also increased the Foundation’s cash as Charlotte’s video coordinator and experience will help us greatly as we athletic booster organization, the U reserves by 45 percent in his first two athletic academic advisor for three continue to focus on raising additional Club, at USC Upstate. In his role as years and assisted in raising $1.1 mil- seasons from 2004-06. scholarship funds and other athletic the Associate Athletic Director for lion for FieldTurf for Lenoir-Rhyne’s Jandrew was also the Director of funding to enhance the student-athlete Development, Jandrew worked ex- football stadium. Men’s Basketball Operations at UN- experience.” tensively with the individual athletic Jandrew was responsible for a com- CW (2008-10) and assistant basketball Jandrew is thrilled for the opportu- programs on creating new fundraising prehensive development program, in- coach and academic coordinator at nity at UNC Asheville. initiatives to increase financial sup- cluding corporate partnerships, annual VMI (2006-08). “I am excited about returning to a port and helped increase the number giving, planned giving and capital giv- To learn more about UNC Asheville Big South university and a UNC sys- of Endowed Scholarships and funding ing during his time with The First Tee. athletics, please visit uncabulldogs. tem school, both of which I am famil- for current scholarships, while also de- He increased sponsorship dollars by com. January 2018 Bulldog Bites • 19 Visit From Interim Chancellor Dr. Joseph Urgo Highlights Latest BAA Board Meeting

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – The Bulldog Ath- Lesley, attended. passion for athletics and put that passion Asheville Director of Athletics Janet R. letic Association Board meets monthly Dr. Urgo spoke with the BAA Board on display later in the evening during Cone said. “UNC Asheville is in great to help the UNC Asheville athletics about the university’s strategic plan, of- the UNC Asheville men’s basketball Big hands over the coming months under Dr. department in a variety of ways in “The fered his perspectives on the importance South Conference win over Longwood at Urgo’s guidance in his new role. I look Pursuit of Champions and Leaders.” of a liberal arts education and access to Kimmel Arena (90-80). forward to everyone getting to know him At the latest BAA Board meeting on education, and answered questions from “We are so thankful that the Urgos better during UNC Asheville athletic Tuesday, Jan. 9, UNC Asheville Interim the group. were able to make it to our first BAA events as he cheers on his beloved Bull- Chancellor Dr. Joseph Urgo and his wife, In addition, Dr. Urgo discussed his Board Meeting of the 2018 year,” UNC dogs.” 20 • Bulldog Bites January 2018 UNC Asheville Athletics Works With Arby’s and United Way to Host ‘Hands on Asheville’

**Story written by senior swimmer Deck was sponsored by Arby’s and “These kids don’t take anything for worked hard to supply food and ad- Shannon Kennedy** United Way. granted. They get a hot meal, get to mission to the UNC Asheville men’s “Hands On Asheville” is a local sit down with tutors and work on their basketball game on Monday, Jan. 15. ASHEVILLE, N.C. – The UNC Ashe- United Way volunteer center and as- homework. It was my hope and thought Hicks emphasized that it was impor- ville athletics department had the priv- sists local middle school students to reward them for their efforts,” said tant these students came to the game ilege of hosting “Hands On Asheville” with after-school homework diners. Mike Hicks, a BAA Board member since most of them haven’t had the op- on Jan. 15 for a men’s basketball game The homework diners allow volunteer and Director of Marketing for Brumit portunity to step on a college campus. where approximately 75 local teenage tutors to work with student on their Restaurant Group . “The end goal is to “Most of these kids haven’t started students were able to enjoy a pregame homework and also creates an envi- have them stay a little longer and work thinking about college, but these meal and an exciting 10-point victory ronment for learning and community, a little harder to achieve their goals.” events will allow UNC Asheville to be over Charleston Southern. while providing a meal for the students Hicks felt these students deserved on their radar in their future college The event on the Arby’s Scholarship and their families.= a reward for their hard work, and he decisions,” Hicks said.