March 25, 2013

Hello Tiger fans!

I wanted to first give an update on our search for a new head coach for women’s basketball.  We have had a very enthusiastic and positive reception from a number of quality candidates.  They all understand it is a great opportunity, but currently a challenging position.  The ACC is not getting any easier, and we must provide the program with additional tools to make sure we progress in the right direction.  It will be a difficult decision, but we are confident in finding the right person to accept the challenge.

A number of our spring sports are ranked in the top 25 currently and are just a few weeks away from competing for ACC Championships.  Both tennis programs have gotten off to a great start.  The men are ranked in the top 15 for the first time since 2006.  Our golf program is still very much in the hunt from an ACC and national standpoint.  Outdoor track & field has just begun, and our rowing team has produced solid results.  We look forward to Robbie Tenenbaum’s team playing host to the ACC Championships on Lake Hartwell next month. [Read more...]

March 11, 2013

Greetings from Clemson!

As you are aware, on Friday, March 8, it was announced that Itoro Coleman had been relieved of her duties as the Head Women’s Basketball Coach for Clemson University. I want to thank Coach Coleman for her hard work and dedication as both a coach and as a player. She represented Clemson University with dignity and class. We will immediately begin a national search for her replacement.

With basketball season wrapping up, I thought it would be appropriate to discuss the current state of our facilities. When I arrived, I wanted to take time to better understand the proposed practice facility at Littlejohn Coliseum, as that facility would not include any upgrade to the fan experience. While it is crucial for us to have the practice facilities necessary to help our student-athletes be successful, we must also look at our athletic venue to ensure both players and fans have a great experience. [Read more...]

February 25, 2013

First, congratulations to our women’s track & field team for capturing their fourth straight ACC Indoor Championship. The seniors have created a winning culture on and off the track, and we could not be more proud of them for the way they represented Clemson this weekend. Congratulations as well to Interim Director of Track & Field Shawn Cobey and his entire staff for an outstanding performance.

Our student-athletes are the most valuable assets within our organization. With that in mind, I invited all of our student-athletes to come in for a question-and-answer “town hall” meeting on Monday of last week. The concept is something I have done at previous institutions, where student-athletes ask questions of the administration to see if we can better assist their day-to-day lives. [Read more...]

February 11, 2013

With baseball season starting this weekend with a three-game home series against William & Mary, I thought it would be a good time to discuss some of the current and future enhancements we have planned for Jack Leggett’s program.

First, fans will notice new chairback seats throughout Doug Kingsmore Stadium. We no longer have bleacher seating in our main grandstands, which will enhance what is already a terrific game day experience for our fans. Second, we will replace the actual playing surface after this season. The field has needed some attention the last few years, and now it’s at a point where it is on top of our priority list. [Read more...]