UVa-Wise Athletic Newsletter, Spring 2013

A Message from the Chancellor...

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

“Every gift makes a difference!”

Athletic NEWS

UVa-Wise

Vol. 2, Issue ISpring 2013

“Athletics have always played an important role in our family as student-athletes, fans and supporting parents. Competition is an invaluable tool to prepare one for life’s lessons. UVa-Wise has enabled us to enrich our lives through opportunity and hard work. With this in mind, it is with great pleasure and gratitude that we endow an athletic scholarship for Men’s Basketball. No matter the sport, we would encourage other alums and friends to become participants and show your Cavalier Pride by contributing what you can to give these dedicated student-athletes an opportunity to succeed in the classroom, on the field of play and in life! GO CAVS GO!” - Fran Hunt (’80) and Martha Hankins Hunt (’81)

New athleticsponsorshipopportunitiesin theDavid J. PriorConvocationCenter

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Fall and winter sports highlights

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Coach Spotlight:Kristin Kunzman

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Being an ardent fan of college sports and coming from a university with a successful NCAA athletics program, I welcomed the opportunity to serve at a college with a rich tradition of success both on and off the field. Before starting my new role as Chancellor, my family and I had the opportunity to enjoy several exciting basketball games. We attended the women’s basketball victories over the nation’s second and twenty-fifth ranked NAIA teams and watched as the men’s team defeated the nation’s number one ranked NAIA team and eleventh

ranked NCAA Division II team…talk about exciting! The transition to NCAA Division II reflects the College’s vision of providing the best opportunities for our deserving and dedicated student-athletes. The notoriety of the NCAA brand and the resources afforded members will help propel UVa-Wise Athletics to the next level. In my brief time at the College it has become clearly evident that UVa-Wise fans are passionate about the College and Highland Cavaliers. The past success of our athletics program would not have been possible without the support of our alumni and friends. Private support continues to be vital as we look to recruit the best and brightest student-athletes and transition into the NCAA. I look forward to seeing you in the stands! Sincerely,

Donna P. HenryTM

Photo by Jordan Fifer,

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The Highland Cavalier Club is an organization that aids and supports the athletic programs of the College and solicits and obtains funds for the furtherance of the entire athletics program. Individuals making a gift to UVa-Wise athletics are granted membership. The Highland Cavalier Club is a component of the College’s Foundation, Inc. Board members honor a rising senior female and male athlete with a scholarship each year. Recipients are chosen from a pool of applicants nominated by the coaching staff.

UVa-WiseOffice of Athletic Fundraising

Bowers-Sturgill Hall 1 College Avenue

Wise, Virginia 24293Phone: 276 328-0259 / Fax: 276 376-4585

E-mail: [email protected]

Pictured are several Highland Cavalier Club Members: Front to back (l-r): Sarah Love McReynolds-treasurer, Thurston Rose-vice president, Danny G. Mullins-president, Cyndi Newlon-secretary, Thomas Nyman, Kim Mullins, Rick Mullins, Joy Holbrook, Jimmy Adkins, Dick Davidson, Joey Carico, Peggy Bowling, Danny Sterling, Tom Costa, and Bob Colyer, Sr.

Highland Cavalier Club News

The Highland Cavalier Club sponsored a pancake breakfast at Applebee’s Restaurant in Norton on Saturday, Dec. 1, raising funds for Highland Cavalier Athletics. Assisting with the breakfast were the Highland Cavalier Cheerleaders, whose organization received a contribution from the Highland Cavalier Club for their efforts.

UVa-Wise is currently progressing through NCAA Division II candidacy year one. The Cavaliers will compete as charter members of the Mountain East Conference (MEC) beginning with the 2013-2014 seasons. The MEC was approved as the newest NCAA Division II conference by the membership committee in February. The MEC will officially become the 25th NCAA Division II conference on Sept. 1, 2013 and immediately assumes active status. The 12 charter members of the nation’s newest NCAA Division II regional all-sports league include nine West Virginia institutions – Concord University, Fairmont State University, Glenville State College, Shepherd University, The University of Charleston, West Liberty University, West Virginia State University, Wheeling Jesuit University, and West Virginia Wesleyan College – along with Notre Dame College and Urbana University from Ohio and The University of Virginia’s College at Wise. “We are excited about our position in the NCAA Division II candidacy process and the approval of the Mountain East Conference,” said Director of Athletics Danny Sterling. “The MEC is a great fit for our institution and we are proud to be charter members.”

NCAA Division II Update

Kenneth P. Asbury Scholarship Fund Autumn Chisenhall B. F. Athletic Scholarship Fund Brittni Altmann, Madison Compton, Jeremiah Cooke, Zachary Fleenor, Russell Hull, Michel Steele Joshua Bentley Memorial Football Scholarship Fund Johnathan Kelly, Jacob ThomasSamuel Erik Bevins Scholarship Fund Matthew MurphyRalph & Carolyn Cummins Scholarship Fund Michael Baker, Robert Meade III Dwaine Davis, Sr. Scholarship Fund Lucas HolcombBarbara Sutton Fraley Scholarship Fund Dewey Lusk Marcia Adams Gilliam Scholarship Fund Melissa Blackburn, Megan Buchanan, Junetta Nuckels, Lauren Powers, Brianna Stallard, Mary Stallard, Haley ThackerCharles Harris Memorial Scholarship Fund Blake Blizard, Natasha Dean, Paul Evans, Lucas Holcomb, Kenzie Poindexter, Kirsten Velazquez Jim N. Humphreys Scholarship Fund Tye Marshall, Samuel PooleLucien P. and Glessye Humphreys Scholarship Fund Christine NyobeLewey K. and Brenda B. Lee Scholarship Fund Brittni Altmann, Jacob Garman, Jacob Thomas Helen Popp Lewis Athletic Scholarship Fund Samantha Balthis, Whitney CaricoMcReynolds Scholarship Fund Kara Couch, Jared Finch, Clinton Lowe, Hannah Rose

C. Gary Rakes Scholarship Fund Sean Atkins, Emily Brock, Whitney Carico, Benjamin Coffman, Madison Compton, Chase Cupp, Robyn Dougherty, Jared Finch, Zachary Holcomb, Christian Hutson, Robert Payne, Veronica Sanchez, Nathaniel Worrell Candace B. Rakes Scholarship Fund Jaydee Brewer, Hannah Powers, Kaitlyn Rochelle Judge James C. Roberson Scholarship Fund Tye MarshallSara Lee Corporation Scholarship Fund Robyn Dougherty Sewell, Pridemore and Ely Scholarship Fund Brittni Altmann South-West Insurance Agency Scholarship Fund Makenzie Cluesman, Marc Huff Coach Burchell and Iloe Read Stallard Scholarship Fund Joshua Blackburn, Jacob Huff, Kyle Kilgore, Tyler King, Nicholas Leftwich Jimmy C. Stewart Scholarship Fund Tyler Robinette Susie Sturgill Athletic Scholarship Fund Brittni Altmann, Reynesha Archer, Cullen Lavoi, Dustin McGillCoach Tom Turner Scholarship Fund Autumn Chisenhall

Athletic Scholarship Recipients in 2012-2013

Athletic Scholarships Recently EstablishedBen E. and Dorothy A. Allen & James J. and Doris June Seay

Scholarship Fund Hunt Commercial Properties Group Athletic Scholarship Fund

Carroll Dale & Tracy Stallard Cavs ScholarshipDarrell & Joy P. Holbrook Football Scholarship

Sponsorship Opportunities in Athletics A wealth of marketing opportunities are available for businesses through special athletic sponsorships. Options include: football and basketball game sponsorships, your company’s logo on the CAVS athletic website, basketball goal sponsorship and sponsoring an eight foot remote controlled blimp at the David J. Prior Convocation Center. These are just a few of the available options. Additional sponsorships may be viewed at the College’s Athletic Development website at www.uvawise.edu/giving/AthleticDevelopment. Options for the 2013-2014 academic year are limited, so we encourage you to contact us as soon as possible to secure sponsorships that best fit your organization’s marketing needs. For more information, please contact Carroll Dale or Shirley Wolfe at (276) 328-0259 (Email - [email protected]), or Bill Wendle at (276) 376-3434 (Email - [email protected]).

Originally from Fairfax County, Va., Coach Kunzman attended college at the University of the Cumberlands in Kentucky, but graduated with a four-year degree in communications from Millersville University in Pennsylvania. While on the University of the Cumberlands women’s basketball team, Kunzman and her teammates advanced to the NAIA National Sweet Sixteen and also claimed the Mid-South Conference Championship. After transferring to Millersville University, Kunzman was captain of the Millersville basketball team, a NCAA Division II Regional Participant, and in 2008 she helped the team to an undefeated regular season record and the PSAC East Division Champions. She was also a PSAC Scholar Athlete.

Fall & Winter Sports Highlights

KristinWomen’s Head Basketball Coach - 2nd Season

FOOTBALLNAIA 2012 Academic All-American Team: Gil Lusk, Thomas WrightMid-South Conference 2012 All-Academic Team: Tyler Graham, Gil Lusk, Jordan Sandidge, Thomas Wright, Capers ZentmeyerMid-South Conference 2012 All-Conference First Team: Marcus Bratton (return specialist), Alex MartinMid-South Conference 2012 All-Conference Honorable Mention: Marcus Bratton (defensive back), Derek Comer, Dean Hogan, Walter Mickey, A. J. Portee, Connery Swift, Terrence YoungerMid-South Conference 2012 East Offensive Freshman of the Year: Terrence Younger

MEN’S CROSS COUNTRYMid-South Conference 2012 All-Academic Team: Landry Mullins

WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRYNAIA 2012 Academic All-American Team: Emily BrockMid-South Conference 2012 All-Academic Team: Samantha Balthis, Emily Brock, Megan Hilliard

CHEERLEADINGMid-South Conference 2012 All-Academic Team: Brandi Ferron, Heather Huntington, Kandee Wallace

MEN’S BASKETBALLCAVS upset NAIA #1 Team—The University of the Cumberlands on January 12, 2013CAVS upset NCAA Division II #11 Team—Lincoln Memorial University on December 8, 2012

Mid-South Conference 2012 All-Conference Second Team: Deon Boyce, Javon MooreDeon Boyce twice named Mid-South Conference Player of the Week

WOMEN’S BASKETBALLNAIA 2012 Academic All-American Team: Jaydee Brewer, Chelsea Cluesman, Charlotte ReasorMid-South Conference 2012 All-Academic Team: Jaydee Brewer, Chelsea Cluesman, Charlotte Reasor, Christine NyobeCAVS upset NAIA #2 Team—Shawnee State University on December 1, 2012CAVS upset NAIA #25 Team—St. Catherine College on January 19, 2013NAIA 2012 All-American Honorable Mention: Chelsea CluesmanMid-South Conference 2012 All-Conference First Team: Chelsea CluesmanMid-South Conference 2012 Co-Freshmen of the Year: Makenzie CluesmanChelsea Cluesman twice name Mid-South Conference Player of the Week

VOLLEYBALLNAIA 2012 Academic All-American Team: Lindsey Burke, Robyn DoughertyMid-South Conference 2012 All-Academic Team: Brittni Altmann, Lindsey Burke, Robyn Dougherty, Allison Ring, Veronica Sanchez

Kunzman Kunzman’s basketball career continued on the sidelines as she went on to get her master’s degree in business administration. From 2009 to 2010, she was the assistant women’s basketball coach at Daniel Webster College, where her team set many school records and also garnered the 2010 NECC regular season championship. Kunzman assisted in coaching the team to the third winning season in school history and to the first championship game appearance in school history. Kunzman became the head women’s basketball coach for the 2010-2011 season at Daniel Webster College. During her reign, she was awarded the New Hampshire 2011 NCAA DIII All-State Coach of the Year. She led the team to their first NECC Conference Championship and their first NCAA appearance in program history. Kunzman also led them to the 2011 Key Largo Tournament Championship.

Coach Spotlight“My goal is to provide the players with tools that will benefit them not only now but later on in life, and build a program that will lead players to being successful on and off the court. As a staff we do this by setting expectations for them and holding them accountable daily.” --Kristin Kunzman, Head Women’s Basketball Coach

Fall 2012United Breast Cancer Foundation

(October 2012) – 25 members of the women’s golf, softball, and baseball teams coordinated with the UBCF to load and deliver mattress to local residents - http://www.uvawisecavs.com/article/1341.php

Powell Valley Middle School Academic Night(November 2012) – SAAC members and staff spoke to 60 middle school students and their parents about preparing for college and the NCAA transition - http://www.uvawisecavs.com/article/1396.php

Operation Christmas Child (November 2012) - The UVa-Wise Athletic Department recently participated in Operation Christmas Child, which is a project sponsored by Samaritan’s Purse for the third consecutive year. The Cavalier football, volleyball, women’s and men’s basketball, softball, and women’s and men’s tennis teams combined to pack 40 shoe boxes with school supplies, toys, and other gift items - http://www.uvawisecavs.com/article/1376.php

Wise Kid’s Day (December 2012) – 2,000 plus local students attend a men’s basketball game as the College’s guests - http://www.uvawisecavs.com/article/1403.php

Spring 2013Play 4 Kay/Think Pink

(February 2013) - The 2013 Play 4 Kay was an opportunity for a nation of coaches to raise breast cancer awareness and funds for research on the court, across campuses, in communities and beyond. Kay Yow, former North Carolina State University head women’s basketball coach, was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1987, and passed away on January 24, 2009, after facing her third bout with the disease. On Feb. 14, 2013, UVa-Wise honored breast cancer survivor and current UVa-Wise student, Kim Mullins while raising awareness and $500 for the cause.

Day of Service (April 2013) – On April 13, 2013 UVa-Wise student-athletes will participate together in the College’s annual Day of Service

Newly appointed Chancellor Donna Price Henry and family (husband Allen and twin daughters Jessie and Margaret), support the Highland Cavalier basketball teams during the Feb. 14 games against

Campbellsville University in the David J. Prior Convocation Center.

Fall 2012

Student-athlete GPA: 2.995Overall Student Body: 2.722Highest Team Average GPA - Women’s Cross Country: 3.530Six teams above 3.046 student-athletes on Dean’s List8 Daktronics Academic All-America’s21 Academic All Mid-South Conference

UVa-Wise Athletics encourages fans to complete our game environment survey as we are interested in our fan experience at athletic events and aim at continually improving. The game environment survey went live in September 2012: http://www.wise.virginia.edu/oit/game-environment-surveyAt the conclusion of each sport season, a UVa-Wise prize pack is awarded to the winner of a drawing from the respondent pool.

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2013 Women’s Tennis

2013 Baseball

2013 Men’s Tennis

Visit us online at:uvawise.edu/giving/athleticdevelopment

April 2 vs. Bluefield College April 6 vs. Shawnee State University April 9 @ Milligan College April 13 @ University of Cumberlands April 14 @ Berea College

April 2 @ University of Rio Grande April 6 vs. Georgetown College April 7 @ Shawnee State University April 12 vs. Southern Virginia University April 13 @ University of The Cumberlands April 19 vs. St. Catherine’s April 22 vs. University of Rio Grande

2013 Softball

April 2 vs. Bluefield College April 9 @ Milligan College April 13 @ University of Cumberlands April 14 @ Berea College

April 2 vs. Emory & Henry College April 5 vs. Bluefield College April 6 vs. Bluefield College April 10 vs. Milligan College April 12 @ University of The Cumberlands April 13 @ University of The Cumberlands April 17 vs. Virginia Intermont College April 19 vs. University of Rio Grande April 20 vs. University of Rio Grande

2013 Men’s GolfApril 2 @ SEKI/Mid-South Conference Spring Invitational—London, KY April 7 @ Roanoke College Invitational Golf Tournament—Roanoke, VA April 23 @ Mid-South Conference Championship— Bardstown, KY

April 12-14 @ Methodist University— Fayetteville, NC April 21-23 @ Mid-South Conference Championship— Bardstown, KY

2013 Women’s Golf

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s Held at the David J. Prior Convocation Center in conjunction with the Highland Cavalier home basketball games

on Dec. 1, 2012, the Women’s Basketball, Softball and Volleyball teams sponsored the CAVS TRIO Silent Auction, raising over $7,500 for the three programs. Always competitive, players and coaches challenged themselves, amassing over 200 items for the auction. Items included a football autographed by Carroll Dale, a basketball autographed by UT Basketball Coach Pat Summit, gift certificates, artwork, a UVa-Wise trophy helmet, golf lessons and handmade corn hole boards...just to name a few. The success of this year’s event has motivated the players and coaches to double their efforts for next year’s event. Keep a sharp eye for information promoting the 2013 CAVS TRIO Silent Auction!

Virginia Lottery Game Guy Visits Campus Jason “Game Guy” Kypros entertained the crowd during half time of the UVa-Wise/St. Catherine basketball games on Jan. 19, 2013. Sponsored by the Virginia Lottery, the Game Guy travels around the Commonwealth to show Virginians will make a game out of anything. He has been featured in many television commercials for the Virginia Lottery’s new “We’re Game” campaign. Several lucky fans left the games with fun memories and nice prizes.

Jason “Game Guy” Kypros

UVa-Wise boasts 30 endowed athletic scholarships totaling more than $1 million, generating approximately $50,000 in athletic scholarship support for student-athletes each year. Athletic endowments supplement capital raised through the Office of Athletic Development (approximately $450,000 annually) and other financial aid resources received by student-athletes. Although underfunded relative to most current Mid-South Conference opponents, UVa-Wise student-athletes strive to perform competitively on the field and in the classroom. As we move from NAIA to NCAA Division II, the need for private support becomes increasingly critical. According to Athletic Director, Danny Sterling, “For athletics to be funded at a proportionate level with other teams in our new NCAA II Conference (MEC - Mountain East Conference), we need to significantly increase athletic endowments.” Ultimately, another $10 million in athletic endowments, which should produce approximately $500,000 in annual scholarships, is needed to create a level playing field for UVa-Wise Athletics and our student-athletes. While large gifts are greatly appreciated and important...every gift makes a difference!

Athletic Scholarship Endowments

Office of Athletic DevelopmentThe University of Virginia’s College at Wise1 College AvenueWise, 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____________________________________________

FUND DESIGNATIONc General Athletics (Supporting the entire athletic program.) Or, check those specific sports you with to assist:

Men’s Sports Women’s Sports c Cheerleadingc Baseball c Basketballc Basketball c Cross Countryc Cross Country c Golfc Football c Softballc Golf c Tennisc Tennis c Volleyball

ESTATE PLANNINGc I would like information about including UVa-Wise in my estate plan. c UVa-Wise is in my estate plan. c Yes, I give permission to be listed as a Philanthropist Society Member.* c 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.

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.uvawise.edu/giving.

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Office of Development and College Relations

The University of Virginia’s College at Wise

1 College Avenue

Wise, VA 24293

Dates to remember...Mid-South Tennis Conference Tournaments - April 19-20 in Lexington, Ky.Mid-South Golf Conference Tournaments - April 22-23 at Bardstown, Ky.Mid-South Baseball Conference Tournament - April 25-28 in Kingsport, Tenn.Mid-South Softball Conference Tournament - April 27-30 in Kingsport, Tenn.18th Annual Spring Swing Golf Tournament - April 19 at Lonesome Pine Country Club