The United States Collegiate Athletic Association held its 2023 National Convention from June 11th - 14th in Winston-Salem, North Carolina at the Marriott Winston-Salem. The annual meeting brought together member institutions from around the country to discuss current issues and bring forth ideas and legislation to improve the organization.
The National Convention began with the annual Hall of Fame dinner on Sunday evening with the induction of five new members. The 2023 USCAA Hall of Fame Class inductees were; Jamie Plummer Chesley (University of Maine at Augusta), Chris Christiansen (Berkeley College), Paul Hogan (NHTI), Bill Michaels (Williamson College of the Trades) and Tyler Wooldridge (Andrews University).
The night featured an opening reception with USCAA members, staff, and the Hall of Fame class preceding dinner and the award ceremony. The guest speaker on the evening was Class of 2017 Inductee and Athletic Director at Central Maine Community College, Dave Gonyea and the emcee for the evening was Mr. Mike Davis, local radio personality and the commissioner of the New South Athletic Conference who are hopeful to align in the USCAA in the coming years.
On Monday afternoon the opening session of the convention was held. Features included the State of the Association from Chief Operating Officer, BJ Bertges and the Championships Report from Jared Sullenberger. In addition to the annual reports the Association honored its End of Year Award winners. Johnson & Wales Charlotte was crowned the Director’s Cup Champion, Christendom College reclaimed the President’s Cup title for the 2022-23 academic year and Brian Sullivan (UC Clermont) was named the Garth Pleasant Athletic Director of the Year.
Following the opening session were the Town Hall meetings for ratings/selections and championships. Ten total proposals from the membership were discussed during these sessions. Complete meeting videos are linked below. The subcommittees for ratings/selections and championships also met during the Convention to file their recommendations based on discussion from these sessions. Those recommendations will be distributed in the coming months.
On Monday evening attendees were given the option to participate in an axe throwing tournament at Batl Axe or compete in Soft Golf, an oversized golf game, on the premises of the Winston Cup Museum which they could also tour. This year’s Batl Axe Champion was PSUAC Commissioner, Ryan Ehrie. Finally, the night was capped off with the Annual Cornhole Tournament held at the Winston Junction Market where USCAA COO, BJ Bertges and Penn State Beaver Athletic Director, Andy Kirschner were crowned as this year’s champions.
Tuesday began this year’s Professional Development Series. The full line up of topics and speakers can be found below and all recordings online at www.uscaasportsnetwork.com. For those in attendance, you can request the recordings by contacting the National Office. Those not in attendance can purchase each session for a small fee. Following the three professional development sessions was the second Town Hall session which focused on the legislation proposed by membership. This session featured eighteen topics ranging from housekeeping items to include updating the National Office address to more in-depth topics including a continued discussion on Amateurism. Following the town hall, attendees were invited to attend a Vendor Expo which featured current sponsors and partners of the USCAA.
Professional Development: Session I
USCAA Compliance & Eligibility Seminar – Presented by: Matthew Richards, USCAA Interim Eligibility & Compliance Chair
Professional Development: Session II
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: It’s Not a Flagrant 2 – Presented by: Kelsel Thompson – Manager of External Affairs, Paul Quinn College
NCSA/Front Rush: Panel Discussion on Student-Athlete Recruitment – Presented by: NCSA & Front Rush Staff with USCAA Administrators
Professional Development: Session III
E-Sports Implementation & Management – Presented by: Ryan Plummer – Coordinator of E-Sports, Montgomery County Community College
How to Enhance Your Livestream – Presented by: Andrew Christensen & Joe Stepanek, Hudl
Professional Development: Session IV
The Importance of Broadcasting in College Sports – Presented by: Ty Collins – Play-by-Play Commentator, Wake Forest University
Empowering Your Coaches as an Athletic Director – Presented by: JJ Antoine, Salem College
Tuesday evening featured several social event options as well including a walking tour of Winston-Salem hosted by Kay Calzolari of Visit Winston-Salem where attendees learned about the history of several landmarks in the downtown area. The second option was a trip to Beer School at Foothills Brewing which included a lesson about how beer is brewed, a brewery tour, capped off with a tasting of five different styles of beer.
Wednesday morning concluded the fourth and final professional development series prior to a second eligibility workshop about the waivers and appeals process which featured an overview of best practices for member athletic directors. The Convention was capped off with the Business Meeting which is where the proposed legislation is voted on. The full meeting can be viewed using the link below.
Below is the complete 2023 USCAA National Convention report. If you have any questions, please contact the National Office at 757-798-9536 or by email at info@theuscaa.com.
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Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
State of the Association/Welcome to Winston-Salem
2022-23 USCAA Championships Report