Aug. 28, 2009
LAS VEGAS - When the University president visits a large gathering of employees from the UNLV Department of Athletics and Thomas & Mack Center/Sam Boyd Stadium, fall and football are probably both on the way.
That combination held true again on Friday as new UNLV President Neal Smatresk highlighted the program at the annual meeting mandated by the NCAA and Mountain West Conference.
Symbolically kicking off another year of Rebel sports, the morning event inside the TMC's Board Room began with a review of last season's many recent accomplishments from the fields of play as well as in the classrooms and in the community by UNLV's 17 varsity programs.
Newly appointed interim athletics director Jerry Koloskie opened the program by listing numerous highlights from the previous school year - and not just those from the win and loss columns. No less than 140 student-athletes boasted a 3.0 or better grade point average (12 more than the previous high set last year) and 15 of 17 teams bested their four-year APR scores. Koloskie also cited community outreach projects, improvements in facilities, the increased numbers from fundraising efforts overseen by the Rebel Athletic Fund (RAF), the award-winning production from the TMC/SBS as well as ongoing relationships with apparel provider Nike and media rights holder ISP Sports.
"We have a lot to be proud of, so give yourselves a hand," Koloskie said.
Charged by the NCAA and MWC with outlining expectations with regards to ethics and sportsmanship, President Smatresk fulfilled those duties while also reminding the employees of their true mission.
"Everyone here should remember that we are here for the purpose of educating future leaders and promoting the well-being of our student-athletes. Remember that at the start of every year and you will begin with a solid foundation."
Smatresk also expressed his anticipation for an enjoyable 2009-10.
"I'm proud of athletics here and how they have engaged the community by running a clean program with an enthusiasm that has created a lot of good will and hope out there. Change can be good and I'm looking forward to a strong year in fundraising as we welcome back some old friends and also make some new ones. I'm looking forward to the season and I expect to have a great run this year."
The hour-long meeting also covered continuing cost-containment measures to help deal with the state's budget crisis and ended with a presentation about NCAA compliance and especially the dangers of sports wagering by associate athletics director Eric Toliver.
