The USCAA held its 2015 National Convention from June 7-10 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at the Doubletree Downtown Hotel. The convention brought together member institutions from around the country to discuss current issues and bring forth ideas and legislation to improve the organization.
Opening day of the 2015 Convention featured an annual report from the USCAA National Office, including the “state of the association” from Executive Director Bill Casto and Associate Director & COO Matthew Simms, as well as championships report from Vice President of Championships Andy Kirschner (Penn State Beaver) and financial report from Vice President of Finance Klint Pleasant (Rochester College). Additionally, the USCAA awarded the Directors Cup to Berea College, their first Director’s Cup title, and the Garth Pleasant Honorary Athletic Director of the Year Award was given to Andy DeStephano of Berkeley College.
The USCAA also honored three Board members who have fulfilled their two terms on the Board and will be going off as of July 1. Collectively Matt Richards (Southern Maine CC), Dave Gonyea (Central Maine CC), and Bill Casto (USCAA Executive Director) have served more than three decades on the USCAA Board of Directors. Each has paved the way toward growth and stability for this organization, and they were each recognized with the USCAA’s Board of Director Recognition Award. Additionally, Dave Gonyea became the first ever recipient of the USCAA Career Achievement Award based upon his unique achievements in leading the transition from the former National Small College Athletic Association to the United States Collegiate Athletic Association, holding together 40 members that laid the foundation for the more than 80 member organization we have today.
During the opening session, it was also announced that Bill Casto will step down as Executive Director as of June 10th. Casto, who has served as the USCAA’s Executive Director & CEO for the past ten years, will move into a consulting role with the organization, overseeing the newly formed Ambassador’s Program for new member marketing. USCAA President Matt Richards announced that Matthew Simms has been named the next Executive Director by the Board of Directors and that Michael Goodman (Senior Administrator for Member Services and Communications) will be appointed Associate Director & COO to oversee day to day operations.
Following the opening session were professional development seminars. Opening day seminars included sessions on Emerging Sports, training on stat reporting from Jim Gehringer of PrestoSports, an information session from Ray Buck of Eastbay, an eligibility seminar from Michael Goodman, and roundtable discussion on best practices for game management. Monday evening featured a site tour of Duquesne’s athletic facility, followed by a welcome social at the hotel, featuring food, drinks, games, and raffle prize giveaways.
Meetings on Tuesday began with the town hall sessions for championships and ratings/selections. At both sessions administrative items were discussed by member Athletic Directors and coaches in an open forum. Following those meetings, subcommittees met to take member discussion and provide recommendations to the National Office for policy changes. Complete notes from the town hall sessions are included in the National Convention report below. Recommendations from the subcommittees are included in the Business Meeting minutes.
Later sessions on Tuesday included session on small college fundraising from Matt Richards and Dave Gonyea, broadcasting home events from Kevin Wegman (Senior Administrator of Media Relations) and Boxcast, and a session on best practices in transfer eligibility from Matt Richards and Michael Goodman. That evening, the USCAA bussed convention attendees to the world famous Hofbrahaus, for drinks and appetizers before heading to PNC Park for the Pirates game against the Milwaukee Brewers.
On Wednesday, Matthew Simms and Ryan Ehrie (Penn State Hazleton) presented on hosting USCAA championship events. Following that session were roundtables on best practices for recruiting, professional development from Klint Pleasant (Rochester College) on leadership development, and an open house for scheduling opportunities. A report on open dates discussed during that session is attached in the complete report below. The convention concluded with the business meeting in the afternoon where legislative proposals were voted upon and subcommittee recommendations were presented. Photos from the convention will available on the USCAA’s Facebook page later this week.
Below is the complete 2015 Convention Summary, which includes the 2015-16 legislation changes and new administrative items. Also included in this report is the State of the Association address delivered by Executive Director Bill Casto and Matthew Simms in the opening session, town hall notes, business meeting minutes, and other relevant documentation.
If you have any questions concerning this report or new legislative items, feel free to contact the national office staff at 757-706-3756 or by email at info@theuscaa.com.
Ratings and Selection Town Hall Minutes
Championships Town Hall Minutes