UVa-Wise Athletic

WHAT’S INSIDE:
8
Community
connections
Hunter
Smith
Family
Foundation
challenge
PAGE 6
Meet the
Cavaliers
events
PAGE 7
PAGE 2
“Every gift makes a difference!”
Athletic
NEWS
UVa-Wise
A Message from the director of athletics...
A
s we complete the transition to NCAA
Division II, everyone involved with UVa-Wise
athletics would like to extend thanks to all of
our friends and supporters. Without each and
every one of you, we would not be where we
are today.
As we continue to grow, UVa-Wise has
begun its Envisioning 2020 strategic plan,
which includes a $10 million endowed athletic
scholarship campaign. Your help with this
Danny Sterling
campaign will ensure that we are able to recruit
high quality student-athletes to become part of the Highland
Cavalier family.
The inclusion of athletics in Envisioning 2020 demonstrates
the College’s commitment to becoming a valuable and competitive
Division II program. We know you share our optimism on the
future of the athletic department, and we owe it to each of you to
work as hard as possible to proudly represent the traditions and
history of UVa-Wise.
Sincerely,
Danny Sterling
TM
Director of Athletics
Vol. 4, Issue I
Spring 2015
“As tuition increases, scholarship
opportunities are vital to recruiting high
quality college students and athletes.
Finding the right fit is definitely important
to prospective students, but cost is
becoming increasingly significant in college
selection. The more competitive we can be
with our scholarship offers and financial
packages, the more competitive we can
be on the court. The ability to contribute
financial support for a quality education,
a valuable athletic experience and personal
growth is an essential investment in
the foundation of a student’s long term
educational, professional, and personal
goals.”
- Kristen Salyer (’10)
UVa–Wise Head Volleyball Coach
The UVa-Wise Athletic News is an athletic development newsletter from the Office of Development and College Relations at The University of Virginia’s College at Wise
Hunter Smith Family
Foundation Challenge Gift
The UVa-Wise Highland Cavalier athletic program
received a challenge gift of $3 million through the Hunter
Smith Family Foundation. Hunter J. Smith and her late
husband, Carl W. Smith, have been steadfast supporters
of the College and its athletic program for more than two
decades. In addition to this game-changing challenge gift, the
Foundation has funded annual athletic scholarships since the
inception of the Highland Cavalier football program in 1991.
The Smith’s generosity provided for the construction of
Carl Smith Stadium and Mrs. Smith provided funding for the
Hunter J. Smith Dining Commons, the renovation of the Lila
Vicars Smith House and an endowment for the Marching
Band.
The Hunter Smith Family Foundation’s challenge gift
encouraged many to contribute and was matched by a total
of $3.05 million from 122 donors. These funds, in addition
to other recently endowed athletic scholarships, position the
College to reach its endowed athletic fundraising goal of $10
million.
Endowed athletic scholarships provide funding that
enables the College to recruit top student-athletes. While the
notoriety associated with the College’s move to the NCAA
will garner the attention
of student-athletes, the
ability to attract and
retain these students is
driven by our capacity to
offer athletic scholarships
at a level comparable to
other NCAA Division II
teams. Because of the
generosity of the Hunter
Smith Family Foundation
and those who matched
this challenge gift, the
College is better situated
Hunter Smith
to successfully compete in the Mountain East Conference
and the NCAA.
Faculty, staff, and students owe a debt of gratitude to
Mrs. Smith and her late husband, Carl, for their commitment
to ensuring the College and its students have access to
facilities and resources not often realized at most small,
liberal arts institutions.
Athletic Scholarship Funds
Ben E. and Dorothy A. Allen & James J. and Doris June
Seay Scholarship Fund
Kenneth P. Asbury Scholarship Fund
B. F. Athletic Scholarship Fund
Michael G. Basham Memorial Scholarship Fund
Joshua Bentley Memorial Football Scholarship Fund
Pat Bevins Scholarship Fund
Samuel Erik Bevins Scholarship Fund
Ralph & Carolyn Cummins Scholarship Fund
Carroll Dale & Tracy Stallard Cavs Scholarship Fund
Dwaine Davis, Sr. Scholarship Fund
R. Winston Ely & Tamara S. Ely Scholarship Fund
Barbara Sutton Fraley Scholarship Fund
Marcia Adams Gilliam Scholarship Fund
Marvin and Marcia Gilliam CAVS Scholarship Fund
Richard and Leslie Gilliam Athletic Scholarship Fund
Charles W. Harris III Athletic Memorial Scholarship Fund
Darrell and Joy P. Holbrook Football Scholarship Fund
Jim N. Humphreys Scholarship Fund
Lucien P. and Glessye Humphreys Scholarship Fund
Hunt Commercial Properties Group Athletic Scholarship Fund
Lewey K. and Brenda B. Lee Scholarship Fund
Sara Lee Corporation Scholarship Fund
Helen Popp Lewis Athletic Scholarship Fund
McReynolds Scholarship Fund
Danny G. and Kimberly Mullins Athletic Scholarship Fund
Doug and Cecilia Mullins & Carrie Blevins Mullins Memorial
Scholarship Fund
Murray Energy Corporation Scholarship Fund
C. Gary Rakes Scholarship Fund
Candace B. Rakes Scholarship Fund
Kent Rigg Scholarship Fund
Judge James C. Roberson and Frances Cantrell Robinson
Scholarship Fund
Sewell, Pridemore and Ely Scholarship Fund
Hunter Smith Athletic Scholarship Fund
South-West Insurance Agency Scholarship Fund
Coach Burchell “Slew” and Iloe Read Stallard Scholarship Fund
Robert and Jeannie Stallard Athletic Scholarship Fund
Earnest C. Starker Memorial Athletic Scholarship Fund
Jimmy C. Stewart Scholarship Fund
Susie Sturgill Athletic Scholarship Fund
Brenda Swindall Football Scholarship Fund
Coach Tom Turner Scholarship Fund
The Highland Cavalier Club is an organization that aids and
supports the athletic programs of the College and solicits funds
for the furtherance of the entire athletics program. Individuals
making a gift to UVa-Wise athletics are automatically members.
The Highland Cavalier Club is a component of The University of
Virginia’s College at Wise Foundation, Inc.
Stat Fundraisers
The Highland Cavalier Club has created an opportunity for
UVa-Wise Sports fans to get involved in the excitement of the
game. Stat fundraisers offer fans a chance to support the Highland
Cavalier Athletics Program and follow games on a more
hands-on level. The first annual football stat fundraiser secured
almost $8,500 for the athletic programs. The Highland Cavalier
Club is currently promoting a basketball stat fundraiser, which will
garner additional funding for our programs. Based on the success
of these two fundraisers, other stat fundraisers are planned next
season and will include other sports programs.
Student Athlete Appreciation Event
The Highland Cavalier Club will be hosting its annual
student- athlete appreciation event on Wednesday, April 29 from
1 p.m. to 2 p.m. in the Dogwood Room of the Slemp Student
Center. This event was created for the Highland Cavalier Club
members to show their appreciation for our student-athletes for their
hard work both on the field of competition and in the classroom.
The event will include a presentation of the 2014-2015 Highland
Cavalier Club scholarship, honoring a rising senior female and male
student-athlete. Recipients are chosen from a pool of applicants
nominated by the coaching staff.
For additional information about the Highland Cavalier Club,
contact:
Office of Athletic Development
Bowers-Sturgill Hall
1 College Avenue, Wise, Virginia 24293
Phone: 276 328-0259 / Fax: 276 376-4585
Email: [email protected]
Basketball Homecoming
In conjunction with the final home games of the
2014-2015 basketball season, the College welcomed back
alumni who previously participated in the basketball program.
Homecoming participants watched as the Highland Cavalier men’s
and women’s basketball teams competed against conference rivals
Concord University on Saturday, February 28 in the David J. Prior
Convocation Center.
Larry Russell ’72, Jared Stapleton ’05, Brian Powers ’97 and Bill Wendle ’93
Vanessa Lester ’03, Jeff Lester ’04 and daughter Paisley
Ed Conley, Pam Conley ’84, Dick Davidson, Paje Law, Nat Law ’99 and
Bill Henry Miller ’66
Women’s Lacrosse inaugural season
The much anticipated inaugural season
of Women’s Lacrosse gets underway on
Wednesday, Feb. 18, at 4 p.m. at Carl Smith
Stadium in Wise, Virginia. The newly lined
field will be the host site for all lacrosse
home games. The team’s first Mountain
East Conference game will be played
against Shepherd University on April 4 in
Wise. The season will consist of 16 regular
season games and includes six home
games (see below for home schedule). The
conference tournament is being held April
22 through April 26.
The team’s roster features 14 players from five states, including Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Virginia and Texas. Admission is
free to all home games, so we hope you will join us in celebrating the newest addition to our athletics program by attending
as many home games as possible. Head Coach, Meghan Dennehy said, “I am very excited for our first season, we have a great
group of players who have all embraced our team culture. I’m looking forward to seeing all of their hard work pay off on the
field.”
Team home schedules
Baseball
Mar. 7 vs. Notre Dame College (Ohio) - 1 p.m. (DH)
Mar. 8 vs. Notre Dame College (Ohio) - 1 p.m. (DH)
Mar. 18 vs. Lincoln Memorial University - 2 p.m.
Mar. 24 vs. University of Charleston - 1 p.m. (DH)
Apr. 1 vs. Carson-Newman College - 3 p.m.
Apr. 11 vs. West Liberty University - 1 p.m. (DH)
Apr. 12 vs. West Liberty University - 1 p.m. (DH)
Apr. 18 vs. Glenville State University - 1 p.m. (DH)
Apr. 19 vs. Glenville State University - 1 p.m. (DH)
May 2 vs. Concord University - 1 p.m. (DH)
May 3 vs. Concord University - 1 p.m. (DH)
Softball
Mar. 8 vs. Newberry College - 1 p.m. (DH)
Mar. 9 vs. Tusculum College - 2 p.m. (DH)
Mar. 18 vs. Averett University - 2 p.m. (DH)
Mar. 28 vs. Urbana University (Ohio) - 1 p.m. (DH)
Mar. 29 vs. Notre Dame College (Ohio) - 1 p.m.
(DH)
Apr. 11 vs. West Virginia Wesleyan College - 1 p.m.
(DH)
Apr. 12 vs. Glenville State College - 1 p.m. (DH)
Apr. 21 vs. Concord University - 3 p.m. (DH)
Apr. 25 vs. University of Charleston - 2 p.m. (DH)
Apr. 26 vs. West Virginia State University - 1 p.m.
(DH)
Women’s Golf
Mar. 29-31 @ Tusculum College Invitational
Apr. 19-21 @ Mountain East Spring Invitational
*DH denotes double-header
Lacrosse
Mar. 4 vs. Lees-McRae College - 4 p.m.
Mar. 24 vs. Tennessee Wesleyan College - 3:30 p.m.
Apr. 4 vs. Shepherd University - 11 a.m.
Apr. 17 vs. West Virginia Wesleyan College - 5:30 p.m.
Apr. 19 vs. Wheeling Jesuit University - 12 Noon
Men’s Tennis
Mar. 21 vs. University of Charleston - 10 a.m.
Mar. 29 vs. Shepherd University - 2 p.m.
Apr. 9 vs. Concord University - 4 p.m.
Apr. 11 vs. West Virginia Wesleyan College - 11 a.m.
Men’s Golf
Mar. 6-8 @ Tusculum College Invitational
Mar. 9-11 @ UVa-Wise Cattails - Kingsport, Tenn.
Mar. 28-30 @ Oglebay Resort
Apr. 12-14 @ MEC Spring Championship
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Coach
Karen
Bitter
“ I am really looking forward to getting this 2015 season underway. We have a lot of new faces this
year and also return some key, familiar faces as well. It will be exciting to watch their progress and
see them gel together as a team. We are looking forward to defending our Mountain East Conference
Championship, and these ladies are working hard to bring another one home!”
--Karen Bitter, Women’s Softball Head Coach
Entering her fourth season at the helm of the UVa-Wise softball program, Karen Bitter has already claimed 91 victories, including
back-to-back 30-win campaigns. In 2013, UVa-Wise won 37 games, the second most in program history, and claimed the Inaugural
Mountain East Conference Tournament title.
In three seasons, Bitter’s student-athletes have been named to the all-conference team 12 times. A year ago, six Cavaliers earned MEC
All-Conference honors, including Taylor Brandts, who was named MEC Pitcher of the Year. The coach has also seen two players earn
all-region accolades while having two student-athletes named Academic All-Americans.
Coach Bitter came to UVa-Wise following a successful stint at NCAA Division II member institution Chowan University, where she
served as pitching coach for three seasons. A Virginia native, Bitter was a member of one of the most successful coaching staffs at the
Division II level, with the Chowan softball team piling up 30-win seasons in her final two seasons as the pitching coach while also capturing
two CIAA divisional championships.
Coach Bitter is no stranger to success, whether it is in the dugout or in the circle. The former pitcher began her career at Tabb High
School in Yorktown, Virginia, where she caught the eye of coaches at Shepherd University. After enrolling, Bitter became the most
accomplished pitcher in the history of the program and is still the holder of several single-season and career school records. After
completing her playing career, she joined the coaching staff at Washington College in Maryland, serving as a graduate assistant. After her
stint at Washington College, she joined the Chowan staff as pitching coach before the 2009 season where she remained until accepting the
UVa-Wise job.
NCAA and UVa-Wise athletic program update
UVa-Wise is now in the last stage of the third and final year of the NAIA to NCAA Division II transition process. The 2015 NCAA
Convention was held during January in Washington, D.C. A delegation of members from the College attending the convention gained
valuable information and received final directives from the NCAA staff in the process of completing the documents (which typically
number over 1,000 pages) that will be presented to the NCAA membership committee on June 1st. The planning process has begun and
all hands are on deck. We shall receive notice from the NCAA on their final decision on whether to move the College forward to official
NCAA status in mid to late July. Should we be accepted in the NCAA, our official start date with all privileges being granted will be
September 1, 2015.
Here are a few highlights to share with you regarding our third year’s work:
• UVa-Wise successfully completed the third and final NCAA on-campus site visit and comprehensive review of the athletic department
during September.
• With the partnership of the development office, we have started several new traditions:
• Fall, winter and spring sports Meet the Highland Cavalier events were established, allowing the community, fans and spectators
alike to meet student-athletes after select athletic competitions throughout the academic year. Student-athletes and coaches
signed autographs and spoke with fans, giving insight about their respective programs. The big finale was some really great
athletic gear raffled off to those in attendance!
• Football and basketball stat fundraisers were also spearheaded by the Highland Cavalier Club, providing some lively debates and competition over which individuals would be donating the most money to benefit applicable athletic teams, the athletics
program and Highland Cavalier Club fundraising efforts.
• The tradition of the Galloping Cavalier horse leading the football team onto the field continued this fall with alumni Rebecca
Horne taking the reins. Rebecca along with her horse, Chance, delighted Cavalier staff, fans, alumni and friends of the College
far and wide. We are truly grateful for Rebecca and Bill Horne for giving our Cavalier fans a thrilling experience during our home
games.
• UVa-Wise is now in the thick of our second year of competition with our fellow Mountain East Conference members. The fall of
2014 saw numerous successes. Men’s Cross Country, women’s tennis, volleyball, and football all had Cavalier student-athletes gain first
team all-conference accolades! A truly great accomplishment for being in the conference for only the second year!!!
Community connections
Fall 2014:
Wise Primary Engagement (throughout semester) - The men’s and women’s tennis teams have participated in a consistent
engagement project throughout the semester at Wise Primary School. The team members read to the elementary students and
joined them in physical education classes for fitness activities.
Doc Robyn Program (September 2014) - UVa-Wise athletics was excited to welcome Dr. Robyn Odegaard to campus for
a series of workshops with student-athletes, coaches, and staff. Doc Robyn is an internationally acclaimed motivational speaker,
author and executive coach. She is the founder of Champion Performance Development and author of “Stop the Drama! The
Ultimate Guide to Female Teams” and “The Ultimate Guide to Handling Every Disagreement Every Time.”
Brayden’s Bunch (October 2014) - On October 18, 2014, Brayden Altmann
served as the honorary captain for the Cavalier volleyball and football teams. Brayden
is a four year old Washington County, Virginia native with close ties to UVa-Wise. He
was involved in a lawnmower accident this summer which resulted in the partial loss
of his right leg. He has undergone several surgeries and most recently has been fitted
with a prosthetic leg, in his words “making him a transformer.” Brayden is a very
resilient kid who loves sports and has grown up following the Cavaliers.
UVa-Wise Athletics is sponsoring the sale of “Brayden’s Bunch” tee shirts to benefit
his foundation through the Shriner’s Hospital. You can become a member of
Brayden’s Bunch by purchasing a tee shirt today from the UVa-Wise Bookstore.
United Breast Cancer Foundation (October 2014) - On Saturday, November
20, 2014, the UVa-Wise softball team and a few members of the UVa-Wise tennis
team assisted representatives of the United Breast Cancer Foundation (UBCF) and
The Health Wagon in providing a generous donation of Tempur-Pedic mattresses
Brayden Altmann and two members of the
to the Southwest Virginia community. The Cavaliers volunteered to assist with the
UVa-Wise football team
distribution by carrying mattresses and helping to get the mattresses on or in vehicles.
Mark Sterner Program (October 2014) - UVa-Wise Athletics, Center for Student Development, SDAB, Frontier Health
Prevention Services, and Planning District One Behavioral Health Services partnered to present Mark Sterner, a young man who
travels the country to talk about his tragic experiences with drinking and driving, to the UVa-Wise campus community.
Operation Christmas Child (November 2014) - The UVa-Wise Athletic
Department joined together on November 5, 2014, in the David J. Prior Convocation
Center for their second annual “shoebox packing party.” This marks the fifth consecutive
year student-athletes and staff have donated shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child,
which is a project sponsored by Samaritan’s Purse.
UVa-Wise student-athletes prepare gift boxes
as part of Operation Christmas Child, a project
sponsored by Samaritan’s Purse.
Norton Community Hospital Festival of
Trees (December 2014) - The UVa-Wise Athletic
Department sponsored a Christmas tree in the
NCH Festival of Trees outside of the hospital
designed to brighten the entrance and lift spirits
around the holidays. The UVa-Wise tree was
garnished in red, grey, and silver with a foam “#1”
finger and pompoms.
Wise Kid’s Day (December 2014) - UVa-Wise hosted its fourth annual Kid’s Day when
the women’s basketball team hosted the University of Pikeville on December 17, 2014. This
year’s event brought more than 2,100 local students to the Prior Center while providing them
with free admission and concessions.
Spring 2015:
Day of Service (April 2015) - In April 2014 UVa-Wise student-athletes will participate
together in the College’s 5th annual Day of Service.
UVa-Wise entry in the NCH Festival of
Trees
Office of Athletic Development
The University of Virginia’s College at Wise
1 College Avenue
Wise, VA 24293-9904
Gift Amount: (Make checks payable to UVa-Wise Highland
Cavalier Club)
c $50 c $100 c $250 c $500 c $1,000 c $5,000
c Other $_____
c Please send me a Bank Draft Form.
c I am pledging $____with an initial gift of $____. Please bill
me (circle one): monthly, semi-annual, or quarterly.
c Charge my gift:
c VISA c MasterCard c Discover c American Express
Account Number________________ Exp. Date________
Name as it appears on Card_________________________
Signature_______________________________________
Name______________________________ Class Year______
Spouse’s Name_______________________ Class Year______
Address___________________________________________
City/State/Zip_____________________________________
Phone ___________________________________________
Email____________________________________________
The University of Virginia’s College at Wise is a registered 501(c)3 not-for-profit
organization. If you have any questions or concerns, please call (276) 328-0129.
You can also make your gift online at www.giving.virginia.edu/wise.
FUND DESIGNATION
General Athletics (Supporting the entire athletic program.)
Or, check those specific sports you wish to assist:
c
Men’s Sports Women’s Sports
c Baseball
c Basketball
c Basketball
c Cross Country
c Cross Country c Golf
c Football
c Lacrosse
c Golf c Softball
c Tennis c Tennis
c Volleyball
c
c
c
Cheerleading
ESTATE PLANNING
I would like information about including UVa-Wise in my estate
plan.
UVa-Wise is in my estate plan.
c
c
Yes, I give permission to be listed as a Philanthropist Society
Member.*
No, I wish to remain anonymous at this time.
*Philanthropist Society membership is offered to friends of
UVa-Wise who have made provisions for a gift in their estate
planning.
Meet the Highland Cavaliers events
The winter Meet the Highland Cavalier event was held at the
David J. Prior Convocation Center following the basketball games
against the University of Charleston on Saturday, Jan. 17. Men’s
and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s
and women’s golf, men’s tennis, and lacrosse were represented at
the event, which featured an introduction of coaches and players,
autographed team photographs and autographed team memorabilia.
The fall Meet the Highland Cavalier event was held at Carl
Smith Stadium following the football game against Glenville State
College on Saturday, Oct. 18. Football, volleyball, women’s tennis
and the cheerleading squad were represented at the event, which
featured an introduction of coaches and players, autographed team
photographs and autographed team memorabilia.
Visit us online at:
www.uvawise.edu/giving/athleticdevelopment
Office of Development and College Relations
The University of Virginia’s College at Wise
1 College Avenue
Wise, VA 24293
Dates to remember...
MEC Tennis Conference Tournament.........................................................................April 17-19
MEC Lacrosse Conference Tournament.....................................................................April 22-26
MEC Softball Conference Tournament............................................................................May 1-3
MEC Baseball Conference Tournament.........................................................................May 7-10
19th Annual Spring Swing Golf Tournament...............April 17 at Lonesome Pine Country Club