UNIVERSITY HISTORY & TRADITIONS University Origin The University Seal The was founded by The University of Toledo’s Seal was Jesup Wakeman Scott on October 12, 1872 placed in the middle of Centennial Mall and as a private arts and trades school, known as dedicated on October 23, 1995 by the Student Toledo University of Arts and Trades, offering Alumni Council, with the support of various painting and architectural drawing as its campus and community organizations. A only subjects. Scott, the editor for the Toledo tradition that was formally started by Omicron Blade newspaper from 1844 to 1847, was Delta Kappa, as part of their ritual, is that no a public-spirited Toledoan who felt the city Rockets past, present, or future who cross this should have a university to train young people path on their educational journey shall ever for responsible positions in the growing com- step on the seal. This is every Rocket’s sign of munity. Scott’s dream led him to endow 160 respect and gratitude for our great university. acres of land which later became the Scott It is a UT myth, and believed to be true, that if Park Campus. Scott died in 1874 and the you step on the seal in Centennial Mall you school was forced to close in 1878 due to a will fail your next exam. lack of funds. On January 8, 1884, the assets of the university were turned over to the city Toledo Edison Memorial Fountain of Toledo and the school reopened that year The Toledo Edison Memorial Fountain, a as the Manual Training School, later changing gift to the University of Toledo by the Toledo its name to Toledo University. In 1922, the uni- The Bell Tower was completed in 1931. Edison Co. for the Centennial of Light (1879- versity moved into an automobile mechanics 1979), is located on the north side of the training facility on Scott’s land that had been four corners of this architectural gem are Student Union and was built when Centennial constructed during World War I. After the four gargoyles which overlook and guard the Mall was constructed in 1980. The fountain, Toledo voters passed a bond levy in 1928, the University of Toledo. designed by Toledoan Phyllis Nordin, was main campus was moved north to the land The 156-step, 206-foot Bell Tower sits turned into a flower bed for four years be- located on Bancroft Street, with University Hall atop of University Hall. Completed in 1931, cause the rusted pipes of the fountain would being the first building constructed in 1931. University Hall was the first building built on have cost $50,000 to repair. After a fundraising On July 1, 1967, the University was given the Bancroft Campus. It took 400 men nearly effort by Student Government President Kevin the status of a state-funded university by the one full year to complete University Hall and Hopkins, Toledo Edison, and many others, the General Assembly and became known the second building built on campus, the flower bed was restored back into a fountain as the University of Toledo. On July 1, 2006 the Field House. The Collegiate Gothic structural in 1997. University merged with the Medical University design for University Hall set the standard for of Ohio, making UT one of only four institutions all other buildings to be constructed on the in the state with a medical school and a law University of Toledo’s Bancroft Campus. school. Centennial Mall Bell Tower and University Hall During the Blizzard of 1978, the land President Henry J. Doermann, the father in mid-campus, which used to be a faculty of the Bell Tower and the university’s struc- parking lot and Army barracks, was com- tural design, wanted all of the buildings on pletely covered by snow. Graduate students Bancroft Campus to be of a Collegiate Gothic in the university’s geography department architectural design to reflect the best design conducted a study and photographed the elements of the universities of Europe. Presi- paths on the snow made by students walk- dent Doermann felt such architecture would ing to class. The design of the sidewalks in provide an atmosphere to inspire students. He Centennial Mall was then constructed using also dreamed of a central tower that could be the layout of those paths. spotted from anywhere on campus. President There are 290 trees located in the 9.7 Doermann went against the objections of acres of Mall area. This shrine of trees is many Toledoans who felt the design was too known as the Circle of Champions. Centen- extravagant and a waste of money. He knew nial Mall was completed in 1980 and provides how much this Tower would mean to the UT the campus with an environmentally friendly community; therefore, he set out and accom- look, which contributes to UT’s ranking as plished his lofty goal of building the beautiful one of the “100 most beautifully landscaped high structure that resides at the north center places in the country,” according to the Ameri- part of Bancroft Campus. Residing on the top can Society of Landscape Architects. Only 22 college campuses are on the list. There are almost 300 trees located in the 9.7 acres of the Centennial Mall area. 2014-15 TOLEDO MEN’S BASKETBALL 186 UTROCKETS.COM /UTROCKETS @TOLEDOROCKETS @UTROCKETS UNIVERSITY HISTORY & TRADITIONS ATHLETIC TRADITIONS Nickname Origin The Rocket Fight Song When the University of Toledo played In 1961, the University of Toledo procured then-powerful Carnegie Tech in football in “U of Toledo” a genuine Nike-Ajax missile from the U.S. 1923, Pittsburgh sports writers were surprised Chorus Army missile program. Simply known as “The U of Toledo, we’ll fight for you to learn that UT did not have a nickname. Rocket,” it was placed behind the crossbar of (Fight! Fight! Fight!) Pittsburgh writers pressed James Neal, a UT U of Toledo, we love the Gold and Blue the north end goalpost, where the Larimer student working in the press box, to come up (Let’s go Blue!) Athletic Complex resides today. During the with a nickname. Men of the Varsity, the enemy must yield, renovation in 1989-90, the Rocket was moved Despite UT’s 32-12 loss, the student We’ll fight just like our ancestors to its present day position on the northeast and march right down the field! labeled the team “Skyrockets,” obviously corner of the Glass Bowl, just outside of the T-O-L-E-D-O, Toledo! impressed by his alma mater’s flashy wall. The one-ton Rocket carries two sets of performance against a superior team. The Verse (no longer used) fins and a propellant boost capable of guiding The Indians roamed the land sportswriters shortened the name to “Rockets,” the missile to supersonic velocity. In 2004, the Till along came Anthony Wayne. which has been used since. Old England was the ruler of the Lakes, rocket was refurbished and painted midnight Many other suggestions for UT’s nickname Till Perry gained his fame. blue and gold. have been considered through the years, in- They were fighters and victorious Legend has it that the rocket’s trajectory is cluding a Spanish theme of Toreadors or Bulls, And they drove back every foe. pointed toward Bowling Green State University, Gave their legends and traditions in honor of Toledo’s sister relationship with the 25 miles south. If the Rocket were to be lit, it To the school we honor so. city’s namesake in Spain. Others included is said, it would blast off and land directly on Commodores, Turtles, Bancroft Highwaymen Alma Mater the 50-yard line of the Falcons’ Doyt Perry and Jeeps. “Fair Toledo” football stadium. Toledo teams were referred to as the Blue In tower shadows voices now raising, and Gold, Munies (for municipal university) To alma mater Golden and Blue, The Spirit Rock and Dwyer’s Boys (after head football coach Fair Toledo praise to thee, In 1968, Nicholson Concrete and Supply James Dwyer) in sports stories prior to 1923. Portal of learning ever be, Co. donated an eight-ton rock to the Univer- Hallowed halls we shall revere, Vow to keep thy memory dear. sity of Toledo as a symbol of the spirit of its School Colors student body. The Spirit Rock was originally Midnight Blue & Gold were selected as the located on the grass between the William S. school’s official colors by the Varsity ‘T’ club, The Alma Mater Carlson Library and the Student Union. The at its organizational meeting on December 1, “Fair Toledo” was selected from eight large rock marked the final resting place of 1919. Ten of the 14 football lettermen met to entries which were submitted in the UT Alma the old Bancroft High image of UT. The original form the club, and also chose Ed Stader as Mater Song Contest, sponsored jointly by the their first president. Student Senate and the Alumni Association in 1959. The competition was held to replace The Fight Song “Golden and Blue,” set to “Amici,” a tune used “U of Toledo” was written in 1932 by Dave by various universities. Connelly, UT athletic director and baseball While driving to work, Gilbert Mohr heard coach through much of the 1930s and 1940s. Jim Uebelhart announce the contest on the Connelly loved to sing, but had never studied radio in January of that year. An amateur music. He wrote the words for “U of Toledo” songwriter, Mohr began humming different and sang the melody to a family friend, Bernie tunes, and later with his wife, Jean Strout, Jones. Jones played it on the piano and put wrote the lyrics. Their alma mater entry won it to music. the contest and the couple received a $100 The tune remained largely unchanged government bond. “Fair Toledo” debuted at until 1975, when UT associate professor of halftime of the Marshall-Toledo basketball music David Jex arranged the current version. game on March 2, 1959. At that time, the song’s one verse (see box above) was dropped from the official version of the fight song.

The Rocket was completely refurbished in 2004. EIGHT-TIME MID-AMERICAN CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS UTROCKETS.COM /UTROCKETS @TOLEDOROCKETS @UTROCKETS 187 ATHLETIC TRADITIONS

Rocky the Rocket designed to present more of a space rocket Rocky the Rocket, the University of Tole- image. do’s mascot, began in the 1966-67 academic Another Rocky costume, which was plush year by the Spirits and Traditions committee, with huge feet, was introduced in 1983, but an appendage of Student Government, with was only used until 1986 when a big blue various students being chosen to dress up for plush Rocky with smaller feet was unveiled. a couple different games. Then in the fall of Throughout the late 1980s and most of the 1968, Rocky was taken under the wing of Dan 1990s only minor changes were made to Seemann, Director of Student Activities at the Rocky’s costume. time, and the first official Rocky the Rocket, In 1998, at the Bowling Green football Bill Navarre, emerged. Navarre displayed game, a new Rocky arrived at midfield via Painting the Spirit Rock before a big match his super spirit at UT both home and away helicopter. The new Rocky had a blue and gold or game is a Toledo tradition. football and basketball games in the Rocky rocket-man costume, complete with jetpack Spirit Rock was moved by the university in the Rocket costume, which was made by the and astronaut helmet. order to make room for the Student Union theater department seamstress. The costume The latest Rocky, which was unveiled in expansion, and now resides by the pond at was essentially a wastepaper basket with a fall of 2008, maintains the futuristic space Scott Park Campus. pointed rocket top made of papier-mâché. concept but is depicted more as a cartoon The current Spirit Rock on main campus Over the years Rocky’s costume has super hero. was donated to the university in 1997 and changed many times. In the early 70s, Rocky placed in the Flatlands. Over the years, the wore a tall metal rocket helmet with many Cheerleaders rock has been a site for many Rocket pep different jumpsuit type outfits, including such Providing the spirit at all home women’s rallies. The Spirit Rock has been tarred and items as bellbottom pants. Then, in 1977, an basketball games are the cheerleaders. The feathered, burnt, and painted hundreds of authentic spacesuit, helmet, and boots were cheerleaders are also at every football con- test, and numerous public appearances on times, but it is tradition to paint it only during donated to the university by the NASA Space behalf of the UT Athletic Department. twilight hours. Center in Houston, TX with the help of former The UT cheerleading squad consists of Ohio astronaut and senator, John Glenn. The a varsity and a junior varsity squad. There is space suit was used for football games, but The Marching Band a total of 33 members—16 varsity, 16 junior The Rocket Marching Band is dedicated because of its mass, a lightweight replica was varsity and one mascot. to excellence in performance, as well as used for the basketball season. Both suits the musical and social enrichment of its were used until 1980 when Rocky took on a members. The Rocket Marching Band provides more futuristic look in a costume that was quality entertainment and spirit promotion at UT functions and athletic events. In addition, the band has appeared at professional football games, college bowl games and many high school marching band festivals. The band consists of students from large cities, small towns and rural areas, pursuing a myriad of careers and majoring in every- thing from architecture to zoology. The Rocket Marching Band has proudly represented UT with professionalism, dignity, spirit and excel- lence. Auxilliaries to the Rocket Marching Band include the Dancing Rock-ets and the Flag Line. The Rock-ets constitute a dance line of approximately 14 women who are chosen each spring by a special audition. The Flag Line is comprised of approximately 28 women who primarily twirl flags during Rocket Marching Band pre-game and half-time shows. A reunion of Rocky the Rocket costumes.

2014-15 TOLEDO MEN’S BASKETBALL 188 UTROCKETS.COM /UTROCKETS @TOLEDOROCKETS @UTROCKETS ATHLETIC TRADITIONS ATHLETIC TRADITIONS Student Pride Groups Rocket Fanatics for four full se- The Rocket Fanatics were organized in 1995 in an effort to mesters. increase student spirit, pride, attendance and participation. Today, The Blue every UT student is considered a Crew travels to Rocket Fanatic the minute they all home and enroll at the University of Toledo. away football The group exploded in popularity in games as well 2000, when the Fanatics adopted as both men the Athletic Department slogan, and women’s “See You at the Game,” and began basketball distributing thousands of Rocket Fanatic t-shirts to UT students. games dressed Waves of Rocket Fanatic t-shirts can now be seen in the student in blue and yellow Afro wigs, gold masks, painters overalls, and sections of Savage Arena and the Glass Bowl. Converse All-Stars shoes. True Blue is a masked group of University of Toledo students The Blue Crew/True Blue whose purpose is to create a positive image of our university and its The Blue Crew is a secret society of spirited individuals who student body. True Blue attend all home University of Toledo sporting represent the pride inside of every Rocket. This crazy 10-member events, and also attend as many away games as possible. They organization consisting of UT students is fully dedicated to institut- also support and promote other organizations on campus and their ing, reviving, and maintaining the University of Toledo’s traditions. activities as well in an attempt to better the college experience for Each member is hidden under an assumed identity and name. our fellow students. True Blue wear their masks in order to cause The members are only revealed at the end of the season of their people to look at us as a group and not as individuals. graduating year or after they have faithfully served in the position

THEY SUPPORT THE ROCKETS

Varsity ‘T’ Club Rocket Fund The Varsity ‘T’ Club is a support group of former varsity letterwin- The Rocket Fund is the UT Athletic Department’s official annual ners whose purpose is to support Rocket Athletic programs through giving program. Over 1,000 Rocket fans are donors to the Rocket Fund service projects and special events. The Varsity ‘T’ Club provides at the $100 gift level and up. Gifts may be designated for operations financial assistance to the athletic department on an annual basis. for a particular sport, for scholarship aid, or for unrestricted use. Over the years, the club has provided over $100,000 to fund the Benefits are provided at all gift levels of $100 or more. For more purchase of weight equipment in the Larimer and Savage Arena information on the Rocket Fund, visit our website at utrockets.com weight rooms. The club has also supported the replacement of the or call the Athletic Development Office at (419) 530-4183. Glass Bowl turf, the student-athlete handbook, senior scholar-athlete receptions, the annual Hall of Fame Banquet and has also assisted Downtown Coaches Association in raising funds through a summer golf outing, and most recently, The Downtown Coaches Association is a support group whose made a major commitment to the “Building Champions Campaign” purpose is to promote, encourage and stimulate interest in in- to name the Hall of Fame area in the Sullivan Athletic Complex at tercollegiate athletics at the University of Toledo. It was founded Savage Arena. in 1937 by athletic director and head football coach Doc Spears. In 1998, the Varsity ‘T’ Club completed a $300,000 capital cam- For over 75 years, the DCA has sponsored Monday luncheons and paign for the construction of the Varsity ‘T’ All-Sports Pavilion located assisted in the department’s fundraising efforts. The DCA sponsors just south of the Glass Bowl. The club sponsors pregame tailgate an annual reverse raffle and conducts 50/50 raffles at UT football receptions prior to all home football games for club members and and basketball games. guests. In 2007, the club reached an all-time high with over 530 dues In 2008, the DCA made a major commitment to the Building paying members. Champions Campaign to name the “Wall of Champions” in the Sullivan Athletic Complex. The wall features photos of every Rocket MAC Championship team.

EIGHT-TIME MID-AMERICAN CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS UTROCKETS.COM /UTROCKETS @TOLEDOROCKETS @UTROCKETS 189 PRESIDENT’S Welcome

Dear Friends,

Thank you for your continued support of the Toledo Rockets and welcome to Savage Arena, the finest basketball facility in the Mid- American Conference. Basketball season is an exciting time for our University and for Rocket fans all over the Toledo area…and the world! Attending a basketball game at The University of Toledo means being a part of a rich athletic tradition. Basketball greats like Steve Mix, Larry Jones, Dana Drew and Naama Shafir began their careers on this campus. Thousands more have walked across the stage in com- mencement ceremonies in Savage Arena to begin their journey as UT alumni. Our current men’s and women’s basketball teams are carrying on that great Rocket tradition. During the past six seasons, Women’s Basketball Coach Tricia Cullop has led the Rockets to a 141-60 record and two MAC regular-season titles. Coach Cullop is a three-time win- ner of the Mid-American Conference Coach of the Year award and has led UT to the postseason four times, including a WNIT title in 2011. Fifth-year Head Coach Tod Kowalczyk has molded the men’s basketball team into one of the top programs in the MAC, with winning records in each of the past three seasons. In 2013-14, the Rockets won a school-record 27 games and earned a share of the MAC regular-season championship. Our loyal fans have certainly been a big part of success of Rocket basketball. Thanks to you, the women’s basketball team has led the Mid-American Conference in attendance for an amazing 24 consecutive seasons, ranking 24th nationally with 3,932 fans per game in 2013- 14. On the men’s side, average attendance at home games topped the 5,000 mark last year, which ranked second in the conference. As much as we enjoy seeing our Rockets win on the court, it’s an ever greater honor to see them succeed in the classroom. UT was one of just 30 Division I men’s teams, out of 350, to be presented with the Team Academic Excellence Award by the National Association of Bas- ketball Coaches. Our women’s team has posted a team grade-point average of 3.0 or higher in 11 of the 12 semesters under Coach Cullop. For the 2013-14 spring semester, UT’s student-athletes from all of our varsity sports posted an overall grade point average of 3.181, the 11th consecutive semester above a 3.1. Those are impressive numbers, but we are always striving to improve. This year’s renovation of the Marcia and Roy Armes Rocket Academic Center in the Larimer Athletic Complex is a testament to our commitment to our student-athletes. The new academic center features tutoring rooms, offices for academic advisers and additional work spaces for students to study. I’m excited about where your University of Toledo is now and where we are headed. On behalf of the faculty, staff, and students, I appreci- ate your support of The University of Toledo and Rocket Athletics, and I can’t wait to see you in Savage Arena again this season. Go Rockets!

Sincerely,

Nagi G. Naganathan, Ph.D., ASME Fellow Professor and Interim President

2014-15 TOLEDO MEN’S BASKETBALL 190 UTROCKETS.COM /UTROCKETS @TOLEDOROCKETS @UTROCKETS INTERIM University President

Nagi G. Naganathan, PhD, was named the interim president of The lion in grants and contracts from external sponsors, including the Na- University of Toledo on July 1, 2014. tional Science Foundation and automotive manufacturers. He is the Naganathan has served UT for 28 years. He has led the College author and co-author of more than 100 publications in peer-reviewed of Engineering as dean since May 2003 after spending more than two journals. He also has been awarded a U.S. patent on the use of piezo- years as the college’s interim dean. A member of the UT faculty since electric devices in active suspension systems (US Patent 5,390,949). 1986, he is a tenured professor of mechanical, industrial and manu- Naganathan has received a number of prestigious awards, includ- facturing engineering with expertise in the areas of smart material ing a Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, UT Out- systems and structures, robotics, vibrations and control, and micro- standing Teacher Award, UT Outstanding Researcher Award, SAE Ralph computer applications in electromechanical systems. R. Teetor Educational Award, ASME Outstanding Regional Faculty Advi- Under his leadership, the College of Engineering has achieved re- sor Award, TST/TSPE Engineer of the Year, and Distinguished Alumnus cord high student enrollments, registering an increase in the under- Award from his alma mater, the National Institute of Technology in graduate enrollment every fall semester for the last eight academic Tiruchirappalli, India. years. Naganathan also has worked to elevate the college’s mandatory He serves as an elected director of the national American Soci- co-operative experience program – one of only eight in the nation – ety of Engineering Education Deans Council Executive Board, and is a exceeding 15,000 placements in partnership with more than 1,600 em- member of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of the ployers in more than 40 states in the U.S. and in more than 30 foreign World Association for Cooperative & Work-Integrated Education, Board countries. of Directors of the Ohio Aerospace Institute, Executive Committee of He created the Engineering Leadership Institute with philanthropic the Council of Energy Research and Education Leaders, and Rotary support from Roy Armes, CEO of Cooper Tire & Rubber Company and a International. 1975 UT mechanical engineering graduate, and his wife Marcia, to pro- Naganathan earned vide leadership development opportunities for students. And Nagana- his bachelor’s degree UT BOARD OF TRUSTEES than’s interest in collaborations led to new joint degree programs with with honors in mechani- the College of Business and Innovation and the College of Medicine cal engineering from Joseph H. Zerbey, IV, Chair (2018) and Life Sciences in the areas of information technology and biomedi- the National Institute of Brittney M. Brown, Student Trustee (2014) cal engineering. Technology at Tiruchi- Steven M. Cavanaugh (2022) The college has grown under Naganathan’s tenure both in foot- rappalli, University of Jeffrey C. Cole (2020) print and impact with the addition of the Nitschke Technology Com- Madras, India, a master’s Laura E. Halpin, Student Trustee (2015) mercialization Complex and the Thomas and Elizabeth Brady Engi- degree in mechanical S. Amjad Hussain (2016) neering Innovation Center. It also has grown in prestige nationally. In and industrial engineer- Linda N. Mansour (2014) October 2006, the engineering graduate program was listed for the ing from Clarkson Uni- Susan Farrell Palmer (2014) first time in the Princeton Review’s top 20 graduate programs and U.S. versity (NY) and a Ph.D. in Sharon Speyer, Vice Chair (2019) News and World Report has ranked the practice-oriented masters pro- mechanical engineering John S. Szuch (2015) gram among the top 50 in the nation during for the last three years. from Oklahoma State Gary P. Thieman (2017) Naganathan’s research projects have been funded with $6.5 mil- University.

EIGHT-TIME MID-AMERICAN CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS UTROCKETS.COM /UTROCKETS @TOLEDOROCKETS @UTROCKETS 191 VICE-PRESIDENT & Athletic Director

Now in his 13th year as vice-president and athletic director at the The building boom of capital projects under O’Brien’s reign began University of Toledo, Mike O’Brien has helped shape the UT Athletics pro- shortly after his arrival at UT in 2002 and has never relented. First on gram into one of the very best in the Mid-American Conference. Whether the agenda was the renovation of the outdoor track, tennis courts and embarking on ambitious capital projects or nurturing the athletic and soccer field. The soccer field project was completed in the fall of 2004, academic achievements of UT’s student-athletes, O’Brien has left a while the tennis courts and track were finished in 2006. legacy of success that few can match. O’Brien next secured significant funding for the Athletics capital O’Brien, who has the second-longest tenure among MAC athletic campaign for the new Charles A. Sullivan Athletics Complex and Sav- directors, received national recognition for his accomplishments from age Arena renovation project, including a $5 million gift from Chuck the National Association of College Directors of Athletics at the NACDA and Jackie Sullivan. The $30 million facility, which debuted on Dec. Convention in June of 2012 when he was named the Football Bowl Subdivision Northeast Region Athletic Director of the Year. Just a few months later, O’Brien ac- cepted the 2011-12 Cartwright Award, giv- en annually to the MAC athletic program with the highest degree of excellence in academics, athletics and citizenship. Perhaps the best word to describe O’Brien’s term at UT is “builder.” He has been an instrumental force in initiating some of the most ambitious construction schedules in school history. No fewer than five major projects have been completed during O’Brien’s reign, as well as numer- ous smaller ones. O’Brien has also been a builder in an even more important sense. He has guided the Rockets into position as one of the strongest programs in the Mid- American Conference, both on the field and in the classroom. The Rockets have won or shared 27 league titles in nine different sports under O’Brien’s watch. Mike O’Brien was named the 2012 NCAA Division I-FBS Northeast Region Athletic Director of the Year And in the classroom, O’Brien’s emphasis by the National Association of College Directors of Athletics (NACDA). Here he accepts his award on academics has led to record-breaking from Walker Jones, director of sports marketing for UnderArmour at the NACDA Convention in June report cards for the department. of 2012.

2014-15 TOLEDO MEN’S BASKETBALL 192 UTROCKETS.COM /UTROCKETS @TOLEDOROCKETS @UTROCKETS 3, 2008, can rightfully claim to be one of the premier facilities of its O’Brien has served as the chair of the Mid-American Confer- kind in the country. Changes to Savage Arena included a new seating ence Athletic Director’s Committee, and is currently the conference’s configuration, improved fan amenities, new locker rooms and offices, athletic director representative to the College Football Playoff Com- new suites and loges, as well as a new video scoreboard and sound mittee (formerly the Bowl Championship Series). He also has served system. The complex features a beautiful glass atrium entrance to as a member of the NCAA Division I Football Issues Committee, and Savage Arena, a new ticket office, the Varsity ‘T’ Hall of Fame and “Rocky’s currently chairs the MAC Football Coaches Committee. Locker,” a merchandise store devoted exclusively to selling Rocket gear Previous to his appointment at UT, O’Brien had 15 years of expe- and souvenirs. rience in athletics administration at four universities, Kansas State The next addition to the Rockets’ building spree was the completion (associate A.D., 1997-2001), Lamar (athletic director, 1993-97), Pittsburgh of the Fetterman Training Center in 2010. The Fetterman Training Center (director of development 1989-93) and Ball State (marketing and is a 90,400 square-foot indoor multi-sport practice facility that features development, 1986-89). a 100-yard Field Turf playing surface, a regulation basketball/volleyball A native of Iowa City, IA, O’Brien earned a bachelor’s degree in court, sprinting lanes and a long jump pit for track, a golf practice area elementary education from Missouri Valley College in 1975, and has and new golf locker rooms. As part of the project, improvements were master’s degrees in education from Wisconsin-River Falls in 1982 also made to the adjacent UT Outdoor Track, including new permanent and in sports management from Western Illinois in 1986. Prior to his bleacher seating, a press box and elevated viewing platforms. administrative career, O’Brien was an assistant basketball coach at In July of 2014, a $5.5 million renovation of the Larimer Athletic three different schools from 1982-1986. Complex was completed. Highlights of the renovation include an up- graded academic center that will be used by all student-athletes; an enhanced locker room area; a larger, more modern weight room; Mike O’Brien’s File renovated offices; and new coaches’ meeting rooms. In addition, a dynamic new entryway into Larimer was constructed on the east side Age: 61 (born Dec. 31, 1952) of building. Education: O’Brien’s term as athletic director has been more than just bricks • Master’s Degree in Physical Education, Western Illinois ‘86 and mortar. Since becoming the school’s 13th athletic director on Jan. • Master’s Degree in Education, Wisconsin-River Falls ‘82 22, 2002, the Rockets have won or shared 27 MAC division, regular- • Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, Missouri Valley College, ‘75 season and tournament titles in the sports of football, men’s basketball, • Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts, Indian Hills (IA) C.C. ‘73 women’s basketball, women’s cross country, men’s golf, women’s Administrative Experience: soccer, women’s swimming, baseball and women’s volleyball. In that 2002-pres. Vice-President/Athletic Director, Toledo same span, UT has made six bowl appearances in football, three NIT ap- 1997-2001 Associate Athletic Director, Kansas State pearances in men’s basketball and five WNIT appearances in women’s 1993-97 Athletic Director, Lamar basketball, including a WNIT championship crown in 2011. In addition, 1990-93 Director of Development, Pittsburgh women’s soccer has advanced to the NCAA Tournament four times, 1989-90 Assistant Director of Development, Pittsburgh while men’s golf has competed in the NCAA Championships twice. UT 1988-89 Director of Development and Marketing, Ball State women have qualified for the NCAA Championships in either track or 1986-88 Administrative Asst.to the Athletic Director, Ball State cross country a total of 16 times and received All-America recognition Coaching Experience: nine times since 2002. In women’s swimming & diving, four Rockets 1985-86 Assistant men’s basketball coach, Western Illinois have qualified for the NCAAs, with one earning All-America honors on 1984-85 Assistant men’s basketball coach, Wisconsin-Green Bay 1981-84 Assistant men’s basketball coach, Wisconsin-River Falls two occasions. College Playing Experience: In 2011-12, the Rockets took home the Jacoby Trophy as the MAC’s 1973-75 Basketball, Missouri Valley College top women’s athletic program for the first time in school history. 1971-73 Basketball, Indian Hills Community College In the classroom, UT has produced overall department grade-point Family: averages above a 3.1 in each of the past 11 semesters. In the 2014 spring Wife, Michelle, and son, Jack (12). semester, UT student-athletes achieved a combined GPA of 3.181, the third-highest in school history. The record GPA of 3.210 occurred under O’Brien’s leadership in the spring of 2013. In 2011-12, UT won the Mid-American Conference Institutional Academic Achievement Award, presented annually to the school with the highest grade point average, with an overall athletic GPA of 3.171. It was the first time that the Rockets won the award. A year later, the Rockets repeated as the league’s GPA champions, this time with an even mark of 3.200. The UT men’s program earned the Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR) Academic Achievement Award for having the overall highest grade point average rank in 2009-10 and 2010-11. Among O’Brien’s other accomplishments are adding Ohio State, Miami (FL), Colorado, Purdue, Arizona, Missouri, Navy, Fresno State, Boise State, Wyoming and Cincinnati to the home football schedule; securing Savage Arena as a site for the first and second rounds of the NCAA women’s Basketball Championships in 2014; working with the to bring the 2009 NCAA Men’s Golf Championships to Toledo; and securing a multi-year deal with Learfield Sports to increase UT’s advertising revenue.

EIGHT-TIME MID-AMERICAN CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS UTROCKETS.COM /UTROCKETS @TOLEDOROCKETS @UTROCKETS 193 ATHLETIC STAFF Administration Business Office

Mike O’Brien Kelly Andrews Dave Nottke Jackie Way Tony Zaworski Tammy Kneisley Charlene Fenneken Athletic Director Senior Assoc. A.D./SWA Senior Assoc. A.D./External Affairs Department Secretary Assoc. A.D./Finance Scholarship Coordinator Business Admin. Cheerleading Athletic Communications Compliance Ticket Office

Libby Langenderfer Paul Helgren Brian DeBenedictis Steve Easton Brian Lutz TBA Roseann Croop Cheerleading Coach Assoc. A.D./Communications Associate Director Associate Director Assoc. A.D./Compliance Ticket Operations Manager Ticket Sales Representative Facilities

Tim Warga Tim Ruch Chris Barnhardt Bruce Butler Ron Arnold Ken Rischman Ralph Spitulski Asst. A.D./Oper. & Events Operations Mgr. Ath. & Special Events Man. Maintenance Custodian Custodian Custodian Development Equipment Marketing

TBA Josh Dittman Ryan Murdock Mike Renard Jeremy Boyd J.J. Thomas Heather Lutz Major Gifts Officer Development Specialist Gift Processing Specialist Equipment Mgr. Asst. Equipment Asst. Equipment Asst. A.D./Marketing & Sales

Sports Medicine

Brian Jones Gretchen Buskirk Brad Pierson Kelly Stobba John Walters Jennifer Miller Michelle Harris Asst. A.D./Sports Medicine Assoc. Head Ath. Trainer Assoc. Ath. Trainer Assoc. Ath. Trainer Head Football Athletic Trainer Physical Therapist Administrative Asst. Rocket Sports Properties Student Athletic Academic Services

Luke Reiff Rob Rice TBA Susan Irmen Stacy Bowers Laura Johnson General Manager Account Executive Asst. A.D./Academic Academic Coordinator Academic Coordinator Learning Specialist

2014-15 TOLEDO MEN’S BASKETBALL 194 UTROCKETS.COM /UTROCKETS @TOLEDOROCKETS @UTROCKETS ATHLETIC STAFF ATHLETIC STAFF Football

Matt Campbell Jason Candle Jon Heacock Bryan Gasser Anthony Johnson Tom Manning D.K. McDonald Eli Rasheed Football Coach Asst. Football Asst. Football Asst. Football Asst. Football Asst. Football Asst. Football Asst. Football Football Strength & Cond.

Derek Sage Tyson Veidt Rudy Wade Oliver Jay Greg Brabenec John Kuceyeski Nancy Frazier Steve Murray Asst. Football Asst. Football Dir. of Football Strength & Cond. Video Coordinator Director of Operations Director of H.S. Relations Football Secretary Strength & Cond. Coordinator Baseball Women’s Volleyball Tennis

Cory Mee Josh Bradford Nick McIntyre Greg Smith Rachel Stanford Krista Rice Tracy Mauntler Al Wermer Baseball Coach Asst. Baseball Asst. Baseball Volleyball Coach Asst. Volleyball Asst. Volleyball Women’s Tennis Coach Men’s Tennis Coach Men’s Basketball Women’s Soccer

Tod Kowalczyk Jason Kalsow Jeff Massey Anthony Stacey Kyle Barlow Brad Evans Seth Taylor Vicki Traven Basketball Coach Asst. Basketball Asst. Basketball Asst. Basketball Dir. of Basketball Oper. Soccer Coach Asst. Soccer Asst. Soccer

Women’s Basketball Golf

Tricia Cullop Vicki Hall Alex Stewart Rebekah Legan Katie Griggs Lauren Flaum Nicole Hollingsworth Jamie Broce Basketball Coach Asst. Basketball Asst. Basketball Asst. Basketball Dir. of Basketball Oper. Coor. of Women’s Basketball Women’s Golf Coach Men’s Golf Coach Softball Swimming & Diving Track & Field/Cross Country

Kristen Butler Rod Radcliffe Danielle Zymkowitz Chris Peters Alice McCall Linh Nguyen Samantha Bluske Ernest Moss Softball Coach Asst. Softball Asst. Softball Swimming Coach Asst. Swimming Dir. of Cross Country/Track Asst. Women’s Track Asst. Women’s Track

EIGHT-TIME MID-AMERICAN CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS UTROCKETS.COM /UTROCKETS @TOLEDOROCKETS @UTROCKETS 195 STUDENT-ATHLETE Academic Services Student Athletic Academic Academic Advising and at the Scott Park campus. Tutoring at both loca- Services (SAAS) UT student-athletes meet with two advi- tions is available to all UT students free of charge. The Marcia and Roy Armes Rocket Academic sors: one in their chosen major program and their Center, located in the renovated Larimer Athletic team’s Academic Coordinator in the Rocket Aca- Targeting Complex, is open to all Toledo student-athletes. demic Center. Both advisors work together to assist Targeting is a time management and organi- Renovations include additional work space for the student-athlete with creating balanced course zational program designed for freshmen, new trans- student-athletes and staff overlooking the Glass schedules that meet degree requirements and fer students and returning student-athletes who are Bowl field; the creation of private tutoring rooms; will not interfere with athletic commitments. The not performing up to their potential academically. new computer equipment; and new furniture. SAAS staff maintain files on all student-athletes to The goal of this program is to model time The Rocket Academic Center has laptop com- monitor academic performance, NCAA athletic eli- management skills and develop a comprehensive puters available for team travel. Workstations are gibility and progress toward graduation. All tracking plan to assist the student-athlete in the transition equipped with Internet Explorer and Microsoft Office information (targeting reports, tutorial feedback, from high school to college. and are connected to the University’s email system. academic progress reports from faculty, eligibility The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics data, and college advising documentation) is kept Student-Athlete Affairs recognizes the unique needs of student-athletes in on file and communicated to coaches regularly. The Student-Athlete Affairs Program offers pro- regards to academic support at the University of To- gramming to cultivate student-athletes’ lives in five ledo. The Student Athletic Academic Services (SAAS) Tutoring main areas: academic excellence, athletic excel- staff provide a variety of services to assist student- Tutorial assistance is available to all Toledo lence, personal development, career development athletes with their academic progress. Services student-athletes through both the Rocket Academic and commitment to service. Created in 1991, Life include guidance with orientation, course schedul- Center and the University’s Learning Enhancement Skills Programs at NCAA member institutions are ing, targeting (a time management program), study Center (LEC). SAAS employs a Learning Specialist who supported nationally through the promotional and table, individualized and group tutoring. focuses on writing and study strategies. The Learn- financial efforts of the NCAA Foundation, the NCAA ing Specialist also coordinates the Academic Coach and the Division I-A Athletic Directors’ Association. Program, a core group of The Director of Student-Athlete Affairs coordi- volunteer professionals in nates events in the areas of community outreach business and education through the “Rockets ‘Round Town” program. While from the local community continuing to utilize campus services for job search who offer their assistance and career planning, the department has enhanced in math, science, eco- its career development programming through its nomics, business, social partnership with AfterSport, a student-athlete career science and humanities. planning organization that was founded and is run Students can also visit entirely by two former collegiate and professional the LEC, which has offices athletes who have also been successful in corporate Sue Irmen Stacy Bowers Laura Johnson in both the Carlson Library America. Academic Coordinator Academic Coordinator Learning Specialist 2014-15 TOLEDO MEN’S BASKETBALL 196 UTROCKETS.COM /UTROCKETS @TOLEDOROCKETS @UTROCKETS ACADEMICS AT TOLEDO Academic Departments Academics and Men’s Basketball • College of Arts & Sciences Rocket basketball players have the fol- Africana Studies lowing academic majors: Head Coach Tod American Studies Kowalczyk saw Arts & Sciences • Accounting every one of Africana Studies his players who American Studies • Business Administration completed their Art Department (Center for the Visual Arts) • Communication eligibility with the Asian Studies • Criminal Justice Biological Sciences program gradu- Chemistry • Education ate during his Communication • Exercise Science eight-year Disability • Finance tenure at Green Economics Bay. English • Interdisciplinary Studies Environmental Sciences European Studies • International Business Foreign Languages • Marketing & Sales General Studies Geography & Planning Counselor Education & School Psychology Global Studies • College of Education Criminal Justice History Curriculum & Instruction Health & Rehabilitative Services Humanities Early Childhood, Physical & Special Education Health Professions Latin American Studies Educational Foundations & Leadership Kinesiology Law & Social Thought Engineering Military Science Master of Liberal Studies BioEngineering Mathematics Chemical & Environmental Engineering Occupational Therapy Medieval & Renaissance Studies Civil Engineering Physical Therapy Middle East Studies Electrical Engineering & Computer Science Social Work Music Engineering Technology Undergraduate Legal Specialties Philosophy Mechanical, Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering Physics and Astronomy • Honors Program Political Science and Public Administration • College of Law Pre-Law • The Graduate School Pre-Professional (Medical, Dental, Vet) • College of Nursing Psychology • College of Medicine Religious Studies • College of Pharmacy Anesthesiology Sociology and Anthropology Pharmacology Biochemistry and Cancer Biology Theatre & Film Medicinal & Biological Chemistry Dentistry Urban Studies Pharmacy Practice Family Medicine Women’s & Gender Studies Center for Applied Pharmacology (CAP) Internal Medicine Center for Drug Design & Development (CD3) Medical Microbiology & Immunology • College of Business Administration Neurology Accounting • University College Neurosciences Applied Organizational Technology Obstetrics and Gynecology Finance & Business Economics • College of Health Science & Human Ser- Occupational Health (MSOH) Information Operations Technology Management vice Occupational Therapy (OTD) Marketing & International Business Orthopaedic Surgery Management Otolaryngology Pathology Pediatrics Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Rockets Tabbed for NABC’s Academic Excellence Award Physician Assistant Physiology & Pharmacology Toledo garnered the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Team Psychiatry Academic Excellence Award last year. Public Health & Preventative Medicine The Team Academic Excellence Award recognizes NCAA and NAIA men’s Radiation Oncology Radiology basketball teams that earned a cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.0 or better Surgery throughout the 2013-14 academic year. Of the 131 teams to make the list, only 30 Urology were NCAA Division I-affiliated programs. • Gateway Programs The Rockets posted a 3.030 GPA during the Fall 2013 semester and a 3.053 Quest Program mark in the Spring 2014 semester. UT was the lone Mid-American Conference Transition Program school to be included in the listing. High School Outreach Initiatives Non-Degree Seeking

EIGHT-TIME MID-AMERICAN CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS UTROCKETS.COM /UTROCKETS @TOLEDOROCKETS @UTROCKETS 197 SPORTS Medicine

and Larimer Athletic Training rooms, the Sports ming & Diving), Mike Uzelac (Cross Country) Medicine staff utilizes a variety of equipment and Patrick Yurkanin (Baseball) complete the and resources to hand-tailor a plan of care for staff. The Athletic Training staff is also aided each unique injury and student-athlete. The by 35-40 Athletic Training students who work equipment attempts to simulate the same type to earn a bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training of stress that is encountered while participating while receiving daily hands-on learning and in a sport. Athletic trainers work to create an experience. environment which is safe and yet conducive Dr. Roger Kruse serves as the University to the return of student-athletes to competition. of Toledo Head Team Physician. Dr. Kruse is Brian Jones Dr. Nael Bahhur The athletic training staff consists of five also a drug-crew chief on the U.S. Olympic Assistant A.D for Team Sports Medicine Physician full-time certified athletic trainers and six Committee and served on the medical team certified graduate assistant athletic trainers: at the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillihammer, The primary goal of the Rocket Sports Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Medicine Norway, and the 1996 Summer Olympics in Medicine Department is to provide the best Brian Jones; Associate Head Athletic Trainer Atlanta. Dr. Kruse is aided by a team of three quality care to each and every student-athlete. Gretchen Buskirk; Associate Athletic Trainer/ Sports Medicine Fellows that help to cover the The staff is trained to provide quick, accurate Head Football Athletic Trainer John Walters wide-range of student-athletes. The University evaluations and expertise with the aid of and Associate Athletic Trainer Kelly Stobba. of Toledo is also very fortunate to have Dr. excellent facilities and resources. Injured Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainers Brianna Steven Saddemi, Dr. Anthony Frogameni, Dr. student-athletes return to participation only Camp (Volleyball), Larry Cattell (Softball), Kyle Paul Fenton, Dr. Jason Levine and Dr. David when they are able to function on the field of Patrick (Football & Men’s Tennis), Danielle Torp Sohn as their orthopedic consultants. play. The ability to function on the court, field (Track and Cross Country), Rachel Wright (Swim- As a result of the merger of the University of or in the pool comes after thor- Toledo and the Medical College of ough treatment and rehabilitation. Ohio in 2006, the University Medical Jennifer Miller serves as the staff Center has become very involved physical therapist for Rocket Athlet- in providing health care services ics, and her expertise strengthens to all University of Toledo student- the overall goal of returning our athletes. Experts from all areas of student-athletes to competition medicine are readily available to as safely and quickly as possible. provide University quality health With the help of recent im- care to all of our student-athletes. provements in both the Savage

2014-15 TOLEDO MEN’S BASKETBALL 198 UTROCKETS.COM /UTROCKETS @TOLEDOROCKETS @UTROCKETS STRENGTH & Conditioning

The ability of Toledo’s men’s basketball players to compete at their highest levels of performance is largely determined by their physical level of development and preparation. A year- round training program is essential in developing their physical abilities, as well as to prepare their bodies for the potential stress that may produce or Steve Murray Dylan Cintula Strength & Grad. Asst. Strength & result in injury. Conditioning Coach Conditioning Coach The Toledo basketball training program consists of a complex combi- A major factor in the success of the Toledo nation of training programs that provide men’s basketball program is its outstanding various stages of physical development weight & conditioning program, under the throughout different periods of the year. direction of strength and conditioning coach The training programs include Olympic Steve Murray and graduate assistants Dylan weight training exercises, free weight Cintula and Alex Butts. In addition to a top- and machine-based weight training, notch staff, UT has one of the finest weight conditioning, flexibility and plyometrics. Arena, which houses some of the latest in rooms in the country in the Charlie & Nancy Each component is essential for performance training equipment, including free weights, Creech Fitness Center in Savage Arena. enhancement and injury prevention. Olympic platforms, power racks, dumbbells Now in his 18th year as the strength & In conjunction with the training programs, and Hammer and Cybex weight training conditioning coordinator at Toledo, Murray has each student-athlete is provided with a daily machines, as well as cardiovascular and been instrumental in the Rockets’ success assessment of progress and training prescrip- plyometric equipment. on the court. Charged with the task of assist- tion for each exercise within the program. The The staff, program and facilities, along ing each student-athlete in maximizing her system for this, designed by Murray, provides with the medical and athletic training staffs, athletic potential so as to enjoy a successful a unique advantage that lends success to the offer Toledo’s basketball players every ad- and fulfilling career, his specialized workout training programs by maximizing progression vantage to maximize their athletic potential programs focus on the enhancement of physi- and intensity. and their careers as student-athletes at the cal abilities and the prevention of injury. The basketball team trains in Savage University of Toledo. EIGHT-TIME MID-AMERICAN CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS UTROCKETS.COM /UTROCKETS @TOLEDOROCKETS @UTROCKETS 199 NCAA COMPLIANCE Are You a UT “Athletics Representative” tickets, dinners, or professional sports tickets). (Booster)? • A loan of money or guarantee of a bond. The NCAA definition of a booster is very broad. Simply put, • The use of an automobile or any other form of transporta- you are a booster if you have: tion. • Graduated from the University of Toledo. • The signing or co-signing of a note with an outside agency • Purchased season tickets. to arrange a loan. • Become a member of an organization that supports UT Student-athletes must ask themselves two questions when Athletics (Downtown Coaches, Varsity ‘T’ Club, etc.). trying to determine if they are being offered an extra benefit: • Made a donation to the Rocket Fund. • “Is this benefit available to any student at the University • Assisted a Toledo student-athlete in securing employ- of Toledo?” ment. • “Am I receiving this benefit because I am a student- Once you become an athletic representative, you main- athlete?” tain that relationship forever, regardless of whether or not you If a student-athlete can honestly answer “Yes” to the first remain in contact with the program. question, and “No” to the second question, then the benefit in most cases would not be an extra benefit. Permissible Activities for Boosters • Occasional meals provided to a student-athlete or team at Consequences of NCAA Violations the home of a booster is permitted. The meal may be catered, Booster participation in non-permissible activities may and the booster hosting the meal may provide reasonable result in any of the following: local transportation to the student-athlete(s) attending the • A prospect may be declared ineligible to represent The meal (this event must be documented with the Compliance University of Toledo. Office). • A student-athlete may be declared ineligible to compete • Provide information to student-athletes on employment for The University of Toledo. and internships. • An entire athletic team may be declared ineligible to • Please remember that student-athletes retain their status compete in MAC or NCAA competition. forever, just as boosters do. It is not permissible to provide • The institution may be placed on MAC/NCAA probation. benefits to a student-athlete simply because they have ex- • MAC/NCAA championships may be vacated. hausted their athletic eligibility. • Disassociation of booster from the institution and loss of season ticket privileges. Prospective Student-Athletes (Propect) A prospective student-athlete (e.g., prospect or recruit) is PLEASE make a concerted effort to under- an individual who has begun classes for the ninth grade. This stand the rules and ask questions to avoid any includes prep school and two-year college student-athletes of these consequences. as well. It is important to remember that athletes are considered Please make a concerted effort to understand the rules and ask to be prospective student-athletes even after they have signed questions to avoid any of these consequences. Should you have a National Letter of Intent and/or financial aid agreement. any questions regarding NCAA legislation, please contact: Prospects retain this status until they have attended classes as a full-time student or have attended practice. Brian Lutz It is not permissible for boosters to make in-person, on- Assistant Athletic Director or off-campus recruiting contacts, or written or telephonic for Compliance communications with the prospect, the prospect’s relatives (419) 530-8496 or legal guardians, or the prospect’s coaches. [email protected] Enrolled Student-Athletes A student-athlete, their relatives, or friends are not per- mitted to receive any special arrangement by an institutional employee or booster (“extra benefit”) that is not authorized under NCAA legislation. Examples of extra benefits include: • Free or reduced cost services. • The use of telephones or credit cards. • Free or reduced cost entertainment services (free movie 2014-15 TOLEDO MEN’S BASKETBALL 200 UTROCKETS.COM /UTROCKETS @TOLEDOROCKETS @UTROCKETS MEDIA INFORMATION Covering the Rockets The 2014-15 University of Toledo men’s basketball information guide has been ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS STAFF produced to assist the media in their coverage of Rocket basketball. Additional Main Office: (419) 530-4920 information, including game notes, statistics, photographs and newspaper clippings are available upon your request: Please make your request to: Fax: (419) 530-4428 Steve Easton Press Row: (419) 530-2027 The University of Toledo Athletic Communications Office Website: utrockets.com Sullivan Athletic Complex Facebook: facebook.com/utrockets 2801 W. Bancroft Street Twitter: twitter.com/toledorockets Toledo, OH 43606-3390 YouTube: youtube.com/utrockets The Athletic Communications Office Paul Helgren Mailing Address Associate A.D., The Athletic Communications Office is located on the fourth floor of the Sul- Athletic Communications livan Athletic Complex in Savage Arena. Athletic Communications Office 17th Year at UT The University of Toledo Media Services Sullivan Athletic Complex, MS#302 Credentials for Rocket home games are issued to professional working media 2025 Douglas Road only and should be requested, at the latest, one week in advance of the game. Credentials should be arranged by contacting the athletic communications Toledo, OH 43606-3390 office. Spouses, dates and non-workers are not permitted in the working media area. Complete individual and team statistics, running play-by-play, Athletic Communications Staff halftime stats, post-game coaches’ quotes and game facts are distributed Paul Helgren after the game. On game day, a packet containing a game program, updated Assoc. A.D. for Athletic Communications Steve Easton statistics and game notes will be available. Associate Director [email protected] 16th Year at UT Parking Office: (419) 530-4918 Media parking is provided in Lots 1 and 2 as well as the East parking garage Mobile: (419) 262-3861 near Savage Arena. Parking passes are issued through the Athletic Commu- nications Office and should be shown to the attendant when entering the lot. Steve Easton Assoc. Athletic Communications Director Visiting Radio (Men’s Basketball Contact) The University of Toledo provides two analog lines and one ISDN line, on a courtesy basis, for the official radio station of the visiting team. Visiting sta- [email protected] tions who wish to have additional lines installed—at their expense—may do Office: (419) 530-4921 so by contacting the University of Toledo’s Athletic Communications Office. Mobile: (419) 262-3953 Brian DeBenedictis Associate Dir./Travel Coordinator 15th Year at UT Photographers Brian DeBenedictis Still photographers and videographers are permitted to shoot from court level, Assoc. Athletic Communications Director provided they stay off the playing surface. Credentials must be requested in advance from the athletic communications office. [email protected] Office: (419) 530-4919 Interviews Mobile: (567) 249-6333 A press conference with both coaches and requested players will be conducted Home: (567) 455-6714 after the game in Savage Arena. UT coaches and players also will be available Twitter: twitter.com/utdebenedictis during the week before or after practice by appointment through the Athletic Communications Office. Arrangements for interviews should be made through Adam Hawkins Adam Hawkins the Athletic Communications Office at least one day in advance. All player Graduate Assistant interview requests shall be made through the Athletic Communications Office Grad. Asst. for Athletic Communications 2nd Year at UT and will be at the discretion of the head coach. [email protected] Office: (419) 530-4925 Mobile: (419) 304-8757 Max Gerber served as the University of Toledo sports information director from August of 1960 Joe Mehling until his retirement in March of 1988. He defined the position of UT SID, setting standards and developing Grad. Asst. for Athletic Communications policies that are followed today. He is recognized [email protected] Office: (419) 530-4926 nationally among members of CoSIDA as an authority Joe Mehling in athletic public relations. Gerber was inducted into Mobile: (419) 350-9188 Graduate Assistant the Varsity ‘T’ Hall of Fame in 1996. 1st Year at UT

EIGHT-TIME MID-AMERICAN CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS UTROCKETS.COM /UTROCKETS @TOLEDOROCKETS @UTROCKETS 201 MEDIA INFORMATION Rockets on the Radio Primary Publicity Outlets The 2014-15 men’s basketball campaign marks the sixth season of the — PRINT — — RADIO (cont.) — Rocket Sports Radio Network presented by University of Toledo. THE TOLEDO BLADE 106.5 FM THE TICKET The rights holder for Rocket sports, Rocket Sports Properties (a property Frank Corsoe (ESPN RADIO) of Learfield Sports), secured the Uni- Exec. Sports Editor Bill Michaels versity of Toledo as the naming spon- 541 Superior St. 3225 Arlington Ave. Toledo, OH 43604 Toledo, OH 43614 sor in 2009. The partnership provides 419-724-6115 419-725-5781 UT and UTMC with naming rights to the 419-724-6116 (fax) [email protected] radio network for football, women’s bas- [email protected] [email protected] WCWA 1230 AM ketball, men’s basketball and coaches FOX SPORTS RADIO shows. THE TOLEDO BLADE Tom Riggs, Sports Director In 2009, Rocket Sports Properties Nicholas Piotrowicz 125 S. Superior St. created a regional network that car- Sports Writer (UT Beat) Toledo, OH 43604 L-R: Jay Lehman and Mark Beier 541 Superior St. 419-244-8321 ries University of Toledo football and Toledo, OH 43604 basketball games throughout Ohio and 419-205-5711 — TELEVISION — . The network includes flagship station WSPD (AM 1370) in Toledo; [email protected] WNWO-TV (NBC) WLQV (AM 1500) in Detroit; WJMO (AM 1300) in Cleveland; WOHF (92.1 FM) in Will Kunkel THE TOLEDO BLADE Alexander Glaze Bellevue, WBVI (96.7 FM) in Fostoria, WMTR (96.1 FM) in Archbold and WFGA Dave Hackenberg 300 S. Byrne Rd. (FM 106.7) in Hicksville. WCWA (AM 1230) in Toledo also carries UT women’s Sports Columnist Toledo, OH 43615 2301 Ashton Court basketball games. 419-535-0664 Maumee, OH 43537 The 2013-14 season will mark the 48th year that Rocket men’s basketball 419-535-8936 (fax) 419-867-9740 [email protected] games will be broadcast on WSPD. WSPD, which has a continuous 5,000-watt [email protected] signal, has broadcast UT football and basketball games for all but one year [email protected] INDEPENDENT COLLEGIAN since 1965. WTOL-TV (CBS) Blake Bacho, Sports Editor Mark Beier, the “Voice of the Rockets,” enters his 19th season as play-by- Dan Cummins 3231 Dorr St. Jordan Strack play announcer, while Rocket Hall of Famer Jay Lehman is in his 15th year as Toledo, OH 43606 Jason Hurst analyst. Rick Rightnowar and Jay Gast also will appear on selected games. 419-720-6397 730 North Summit St. 419-720-6300 (fax) Toledo, OH 43699-1111 [email protected] 419-248-1197 419-244-7104 (fax) ASSOCIATED PRESS-TOLEDO [email protected] John Seewer [email protected] 541 Superior St. [email protected] Toledo, OH 43604 419-255-7113 WTVG-TV (ABC) Coach TK On The Air [email protected] Dave Holmes Joe Nugent The Tod Kowalczyk Show airs on WSPD-AM 1370 every Monday TOLEDO FREE PRESS Steve Slivka at 6:00 p.m. during the season. The live call-in program is hosted Matt Culbreath 4247 Dorr St. Sports Editor by Mark Beier. Toledo, OH 43607 300 Madison Ave. 419-534-3865 or 3868 Suite 1300 419-534-3898 (fax) Toledo, OH 43604 [email protected] (419) 241-1700 The Rockets’ veteran [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] stat crew for men’s and women’s bas- — RADIO — — DIGITAL — WSPD RADIO ketball consists of THE ROCKET REPORT (l-r): Jack Streicher, Mark Beier (play-by-play) www.toledorockets.com 8085 Bonnie Glen Drive Chet Sullwold, Mary Mark Myers Lambertville, MI 48144 [email protected] Carr-Morrison, John 419-882-8335 Wiesolek and Mike [email protected] ROCKET DIGEST.COM Bruning. www.toledo.scout.com WSPD RADIO Brian Nowicki, Ned Wright Jay Lehman (color analyst) [email protected] 1243 Grassy Lane [email protected] Rossford, OH 43460 419-882-8335

2014-15 TOLEDO MEN’S BASKETBALL 202 UTROCKETS.COM /UTROCKETS @TOLEDOROCKETS @UTROCKETS TRAVEL PLANS/DIRECTIONS

DIRECTIONS TO JOHN F. SAVAGE ARENA …

BY CAR Rockets’ Travel Plans A) From the north: (1) I-75 south to I-475 west; exit at Douglas VCU (Nov. 18) Ohio (Jan. 14) Road; turn left and go past Monroe, Central and Kenwood; turn right on Richmond Marriott Ohio University Inn University Hills Blvd. and go straight through Bancroft St. intersection; 500 East Broad Street 331 Richland Ave. road becomes North Towerview Blvd. when you enter campus; Savage Richmond, VA 23219 Athens, OH 45701 Arena is on the other side of the on your left. (2) Rt. 23 Phone: 804-643-3400 Phone: 740-593-6661 south to I-475 east; exit at Secor Rd., turn left at Central Avenue; turn Oregon (Nov. 21) Kent St. (Jan. 21)/ right on Douglas Road, then follow directions above (A-1). Valley River Inn Akron (Feb. 18) 1000 Valley River Way Sheraton Suites Akron/Cuyahoga Falls B) From the east: (1) Ohio Turnpike to Exit 64; I-75 north to I-475 Eugene, OR 97401 1989 Front Street west; exit at Douglas Road and follow directions above from Douglas Phone: 541-743-1000 Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221 to John F. Savage Arena. (2) Ohio Turnpike to Exit 59; Reynolds Road Phone: 330-777-2245 Oakland (Nov. 29) north to Central Avenue; right on Central to Douglas Road; follow Auburn Hills Marriott Pontiac at Northern Illinois (Jan. 31) directions above from Douglas Road to John F. Savage Arena (A-1) Centerpoint Hampton Inn 3600 Centerpoint Highway 663 S. Annie Glidden Road C) From the south: I-75 north to I-475 west; exit at Douglas Pontiac, MI 48341 DeKalb, IL 60115 Road and follow directions above from Douglas Road to John F. Phone: 248-253-9800 Phone: 815-748-4323 Savage Arena (A-1). Cleveland State (Dec. 3) Ball State (Feb. 7) Hilton Garden Inn Hampton Inn & Suites D) From the west: Ohio Turnpike to Exit 64 and follow direc- 1100 Carnegie Avenue 4220 West Bethel Avenue tions under B-1. Cleveland, OH 44115 Muncie, IN 47304 Phone: 216-658-6400 Phone: 765-288-8500 Toledo’s Proximity to Other Cities… McNeese State (Dec. 21) Buffalo (Feb. 10) Akron, OH...... 137 mi. Flagstaff, AZ...... 1,829 mi. Springhill Suites Marriott Buffalo Marriott Niagara Fort Wayne, IN...... 106 mi. 1551 West Prien Lake Road 1340 Millersport Highway Ann Arbor, MI...... 46 mi. Lake Charles, LA 70601 Amherst, NY 14221 Athens, OH...... 225 mi. Indianapolis, IN...... 231 mi. Phone: 337-474-1112 Phone: 716-689-6900 Bowling Green, OH...... 25 mi. Jonesboro, AR...... 666 mi. Broussard, LA...... 1,123 mi. Kalamazoo, MI...... 150 mi. Duke (Dec. 29) Western Michigan (Feb. 21) Buffalo, NY...... 308 mi. Kent, OH...... 145 mi. Hilton Durham TBA Chicago, IL...... 237 mi. Mt. Pleasant, MI...... 185 mi. 3800 Hillsborough Road Cincinnati, OH...... 209 mi. Muncie, IN...... 180 mi. Durham, NC 27705 Cleveland, OH...... 116 mi. Oxford, OH...... 200 mi. Phone: 919 564 2912 Columbus, OH...... 136 mi. Richmond, VA...... 554 mi. Dayton, OH...... 154 mi. Pittsburgh, PA...... 237 mi. Northern Kentucky (Jan. 3) Central Michigan (March 3) South Bend, IN...... 151 mi. Cincinnati Marriott at RiverCenter Comfort Inn & Suites DeKalb, IL...... 305 mi. 10 West RiverCenter Boulveard 2424 South Mission Detroit, MI...... 59 mi. Toronto, ONT...... 295 mi. Covington, KY 41011 Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858 Durham, NC...... 600 mi. Ypsilanti, MI...... 50 mi. Phone: 859-261-2900 Phone: 989-772-4000 Eugene, OR...... 2,368 mi.

EIGHT-TIME MID-AMERICAN CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS UTROCKETS.COM /UTROCKETS @TOLEDOROCKETS @UTROCKETS 203 TOLEDO CAMPUS MAP

2014-15 TOLEDO MEN’S BASKETBALL 204 UTROCKETS.COM /UTROCKETS @TOLEDOROCKETS @UTROCKETS TOLEDO CAMPUS MAP ROCKETS ON THE WEB

utrockets.com TEAMS DEPARTMENTS TICKETS INSIDE UT FAN ZONE CAMPS SUPPORT UT MEN'S BASKETBALL News Schedule Roster Coaches Statistics More Official Website of the University of Toledo Rockets

For the most complete information on the University of Toledo men’s basketball team, log on to the official website, utrockets. com. Rocket Basketball to Host “Tricks, Treats and Dunks” on Oct. 29 Free basketball preview event combines Halloween and Hoops The UT website, which is part of the NeuLion network of college FULL STORY MORE HEADLINES

athletics websites has everything a Rockets’ fan could want: rosters, Basketball Men's Basketball Men's Basketball Men's Basketball Men's Basketball Men's Basketball Men's Basketball schedules, statistics, photos, interviews and feature stories. < > The site also features “RocketVision,” which provides live video

ROCKET VISIONTOLEDO ATHLETICS LIVE & ON-DEMAND WATCH ROCKET VISION LOG IN and audio streaming content, allowing UT fans to watch or listen to UT athletic events live from anywhere in the world. Coach Kowalczyk Following First Justin Drummond Following Mid-Major Basketball - Toledo Coach Kowalczyk NIT Post-Game Coach Kowalczyk on NIT selection Day of Practice Rockets' First Practice Rockets Comments

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RocketVision Watch Toledo Basketball Live on the Internet!!! “RocketVision” is your online destina- twitter.com/ToledoRockets tion for exclusive LIVE & on-demand twitter.com/CoachTK twitter.com/UTRocketHoops streaming video & audio straight to your computer. This broadband video channel is the ultimate place for Rocket fans on the web! To access RocketVision, log on to utrockets.com. facebook.com/UT Rockets facebook.com/Toledo Rockets Basketball

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2014-15 TOLEDO MEN’S BASKETBALL 206 UTROCKETS.COM /UTROCKETS @TOLEDOROCKETS @UTROCKETS