UNK Athletics
UNK Department of the Month
May 2007
The UNK Staff Senate is honored to recognize the entire UNK Athletic Department as the May 2007 UNK Department of the Month for its hosting of the 2007 NCAA Division II Wrestling and Women's Basketball National Championships. A number of members put in countless hours for the preparation and implementation of these two events.
Special recognition goes to members of the athletics staff who were on the NCAA Championships Planning Committee, which met regularly during the past year. Those staff members include:
Jon McBride – Athletic Director
Rich Brodersen – Wrestling tournament director
Shawn Fairbanks – Women's Basketball tournament director
Jaime Lundgren (and Laure Smith, prior to her departure)
Michelle Smidt
Peter Yazvac
Dan Simmons
Eve Green
Tim Callahan
Susan Williams
Marc Bauer (wrestling)
Carol Russell (women's basketball)
The NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships and the NCAA Division II Women’s Basketball Elite 8 were both hugely successful events for the UNK Athletic Department and for the University overall. The two-day wrestling tournament brought in 8,685 in attendance and although we don’t have an exact official attendance for the Women’s Elite 8, it was a huge success as well. Nothing but positive comments have been said from the many individuals that either took part in, attended the event(s), or just watched it on TV. Accordingly, the UNK Staff Senate is pleased to recognize the UNK Athletics department as the May 2007 UNK Department of the month.
Just some of the comments from the many individuals that either took part or attended the event:
“I just wanted to congratulate you on a job well done with those two big tournaments. Kara and I got to watch them both on TV and everything looked great.”
~Aaron Estes
“I want to thank Jon McBride, Shawn Fairbanks, Rich Brodersen and the entire university, as well as the many business leaders and volunteers who had a part in the tournaments’ success, are to be congratulated on a super job. They most deservedly need some time off to recharge their lives.”
~Ron Payne
“On behalf of the Florida Gulf Coast University women’s basketball team, staff, and out entire University, I would like to thank you and your staff for hosting an outstanding event and the people of Kearney and Kearney Hub for the outstanding hospitality during the Elite Eight women’s basketball championship. I am sure that the last several months (especially the last two weeks) have been very demanding on you and your staff, but the hard work paid off. The tournament was a big success from our standpoint (except for the last game) and I hope you feel the same way. The crowds and the people Kearney were great. We could not have been treated any better. Please thank you staff for their hard work and professionalism. You and your staff made our experience very memorable. UNK Chancellor Doug Kristensen, Athletic Director Jon McBride and the UNK staff did an outstanding job in preparing for and implementing their plan for hosting an outstanding event. The hospitality we received while in Kearney was incredible. I can understand why so many are proud to call Kearney home. Again, we appreciate you making our stay in Kearney an outstanding experience. Thank you.”
~Carl McAloose
Florida Gulf Coast University – Director of Athletics
“Our No. 1 goal in the NCAA is to make sure the student-athlete’s experience is the best it can be, and Kearney ensured it from top to bottom. At many of the press conferences, coaches praised Kearney for its hospitality and for giving their teams wonderful experiences. We haven’t heard one negative comment.”
~Tina Krah
Associate Director of Championships
“Everywhere we go, whether it’s the food store, the convenience store or a restaurant, everyone is excited about the tournament,”
~Dennis Cox – Clayton State Coach
“Congratulations on a job well done in preparing and hosting the Elite 8. By all accounts it was a very successful event for UNK and the Kearney Community.”
~Jerry Gloystein
“Kearney was absolutely great. The people here are nothing but hospitable. Everywhere we went people were telling us congratulations or good luck – it’s just been an amazing city”
~Florida Gulf Coast University - Woman’s basketball athlete
“The University of Nebraska at Kearney did a wonderful job. The atmosphere was electric tonight, including all day yesterday, and today. It was packed. I thought it was great, and I would love to come back. The whole city of Kearney embraced the event so well. From the car wash that had ‘Welcome Division II Wrestlers,’ to the restaurants, everywhere you looked, signs said ‘Welcome Wrestlers.’ It was a great experience for all the student athletes.”
~Mark Bedics
NCAA Liaison to Wrestling Committee
“I would like to congratulate the University of Nebraska at Kearney for putting on a great tournament!! Everything went very smoothly and the volunteers that helped with seating, etc. did a wonderful job!! As a fan that has attended many tournaments, as well as Nationals for the past ten years, I really appreciate a job well done!! Several times in past years, the fans have been forced to stand outside in rain and cold before the doors open, at National tournaments. Thanks for a job well done!”
~Joan Perkins
Mountaineer Athletic Association, Board Member
Western State College
Thank you to the sponsors of the Department of the Month: UNK Athletics and Staff Senate