15 Consecutive NCAA Tournaments | 15 Consecutive 20-win Seasons | 11 Mountain West Conference Championships | Top-25 Nationally in Attendance
[ 1 ]
This is Colorado State
4...Message from Dr. Anthony A. Frank 5... CSU System/Board of Governors 6...The University at a Glance 7... World-Class Academics 8...This is Fort Collins & Colorado 9... Denver, The Mile High City 10...Academic and Training Center 11...Indoor Practice Facility 12...Moby Arena 13...Match Day Experience 14...Homes of the Rams 15... Volleyball Facilities 16... Distinguished Alumni 17...CSU Athletics Hall of Fame 18...Media Exposure
Staff
20-21 ...Head Coach Tom Hilbert 22...Associate Head Coach Jesse Mahoney 23... Assistant Coach Bri Frech 24-25 .... Director of Athletics Paul Kowalczyk 26...Volleyball Support Staff 27... Colorado State Head Coaches 28-29 ... Colorado State Staff
Student-Athletes
32-33 ... Jacque Davisson 34-35 ...Audrey Hemmings 36-.37 ... Emily Koenning 38-39 ...Danielle Minch 40-41 ... Evan Sanders 42-43 ... Katelyn Steffan 44-45 ...Dana Cranston 46-47 ...Izzy Gaulia 48-49 ...Brieon Paige 50-51 ...Megan Plourde 52...Tori Brummett 53... Deedra Foss 54...Samantha Peters 55... Marlee Reynolds 56...Katie Rutherford 57... Michelle Smith 58... Kelsey Snider 59...Roster/Breakdown2010 Outlook
62...2010 Season Preview 63-67 ...Opponent Information 67...All-Time Series Records2009 Review
70... 2009 Review 71... 2009 Statistics 72...2009 Results/Season Superlatives 73-76 ... Match-by-Match Statistics
History and Tradition
78-79 ... NCAA Tournament History 80...All-Region/District Selections 81...All-Americans 82-87 ...Conference Championships 88...Conference Players of the Year 89-90 ...Award Winners 91... All-Time Letterwinners
Record Book
92...Individual Single-Match Records 93...Team Single-Match Records 94...Individual Single-Season Records 95...Freshman/Team Single-Season Records 96...Career Records 97... Annual Statistical Leaders 98 ...Miscellaneous Records/ ...Year-by-Year Team Totals 99-102 ... Year-by-Year Results
Media Information
104...Media Guidelines 105... Media Relations Staff 106... Media Outlets 95... Mountain West Conference
Table of Contents
Credits: The 2010 CSU volleyball media guide was published by the Colorado State Department of Athletics. The
guide is a product of the Colorado State media relations office. Prepress formatting, desktop layout, design, writ-ing and research by assistant director of media relations Danny Mattie. Additional writwrit-ing, editwrit-ing and research by graduate assistant Kaitlyn Comiskey and student assistants Leah Sakdol and Kiley Long. Editorial contributions by director of media relations Zak Gilbert. Cover design by Danny Mattie. Photo credits to Dan Byers, Thomas Waido, Paul Dorweiler, Tim O’Hara, Jaren Wilkey, Denver Convention & Visitors Bureau, Rich Clarkson & Associates/ Denver Broncos, Colorado Rockies Baseball Club, Colorado Avalanche, and University Photo Services (including John Eisele, Bill Cotton and Joe Mendoza). .
Table of Contents | Quick Facts
Quick Facts
General Information
Location ...Fort Collins, Colo. Founded ...1870 Enrollment ...25,413 Nickname ...Rams Colors ... Green and Gold Elevation ...5,004 feet Arena (Capacity) ...Moby Arena (8,745) Conference ... Mountain West Conference President ... Dr. Anthony A. Frank Director of Athletics ... Paul Kowalczyk Assoc. A.D./SWA...Christine Susemihl Faculty Representative ...Jim Francis Athletic Department Phone ... 970/491-3350 Athletic Website ...www.CSURams.com Ticket Office ...1-800/491-RAMS
Progam History
First Season ...1976 All-Time Record ...705-364 (.659) NCAA Tournaments ...21 ...2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, ...2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1996, ...1995, 1988, 1987, 1986, 1985, 1984, 1983 Last Appearance ... 2009 Regional Semifinals All-Time MWC Record...140-24 (.854) Regular-Season Champsionships ...7 ...2009, 2007, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000 Tournament Championships (1999-07) ...4 ...2006, 2004, 2003, 1999Coaching Staff Information
Head Coach
Tom Hilbert ...14th Season (Oklahoma, ‘84) Record at CSU/Years ...332-85 (.796)/13 Career Record/Years ...506-157 (.763)/21 Associate Head Coach
Jesse Mahoney ... Sixth Season (Colorado, ‘95) Assistant Coach
Bri Frech ... Third Season (Colorado State, ‘06) Video and Data Coordinator ... Jenni Hirneisen Athletic Trainer ... Crystal Finn Volleyball Office Phone ... 970/491-6582
Team Information
2009 Record ... 25-6 2009 MWC Record (Finish) ...15-1 (First) 2009 Postseason Play ... NCAA Regional Semifinal Final National Ranking ...17 Letterwinners Returning/Lost ...10/4 Staters Returning/Lost ...5/1+1 Newcomers ...5
Media Information
Volleyball Contact... Danny Mattie
Office Phone ...970/491-5050
Cell Phone ...970/217-3140
E-Mail ...D.Mattie@colostate.edu
FAX ...970/491-1348
On the cover...
Top: The team celebrates and waves to the Moby Faithful after CSU’s victory over No. 6 Washington in the
second round of the NCAA tournament.
TV/Radio Roster
Izzy Gaulia
5-7 • DS • SO
Glendale, Ariz.
1
Dana Cranston
6-3 • OPP • SO
Fort St. John, B.C.
2
Tori Brummett
6-4 • MB • RS FR
Redlands, Calif.
3
Katelyn Steffan
6-4 • OH/MB • RS JR
Dickinson, N.D.
4
Megan Plourde
6-3 • MB • RS SO
Somerset, Wis.
5
Sam Peters
6-1 • MB • SO
Englewood, Colo.
6
Evan Sanders
6-0 • S • JR
Lafayette, Colo.
8
Emily Koenning
5-6 • DS • SR
Littleton, Colo.
9
Jacque Davisson
5-11 • OH • SR
Placentia, Calif.
10
Katie Rutherford
6-1 • S • FR
Peoria, Ariz.
11
Danielle Minch
6-2 • OH • SR
Sterling, Colo.
13
Marlee Reynolds
6-2 • OH • FR
Dalhart, Texas.
15
Audrey Hemmings
5-6 • DS • SR
Greeley, Colo.
16
Brieon Paige
6-2 • MB • RS SO
Sacramento, Calif.
17
Deedra Foss
5-8 • S • FR
McKenna, Wash.
18
Michelle Smith
5-10 • DS • RS FR
Burlington, Wis.
20
Tom Hilbert
Head Coach
14th Season
Jesse Mahoney
Associate Head Coach
Sixth Season
Bri Frech
Assistant Coach
Third Season
Jenni Hirneisen
Video and Data Coordinator
Third Season
Kelsey Snider
6-1 • OPP • FR
Arvada, Colo.
7
15 Consecutive NCAA Tournaments | 15 Consecutive 20-win Seasons | 11 Mountain West Conference Championships | Top-25 Nationally in Attendance
[ 3 ]
10
Academic & Training Center
11
Indoor Practice Facility
12
Moby Arena
13
Match Day Experience
14
Homes of the Rams
15
Volleyball Facilities
16
Distinguished Alumni
17
CSU Athletics Hall of Fame
18
Media Exposure
This is Colorado State
4
Message from
Dr. Anthony A. Frank
5
CSU System/
Board of Governors
6
The University at a Glance
7
World-Class Academics
8
This is Fort Collins
& Colorado
I
t’s going to be a great year for Colorado State University—and as a Rams fan, I’m
fully convinced Ram athletics is on a very strong trajectory to success.
A healthy, competitive athletics programs is driven by student athletes who embody
the high personal standards, strong character, and commitment to excellence that
are characteristic of a great University. At CSU, we expect that our athletes have a
commitment to teamwork and success that’s fully matched by their commitment to
individual achievement in the classroom and to serving as a positive role model on
campus and in the community. And every year, our Ram athletes meet and exceed
this expectation.
Their success is important for our entire campus community. We all work hard and
take life seriously--when the Rams score, it gives us a reason to celebrate and show
off our unabashed pride in all things green and gold. The success of our sports teams
also helps draw attention to the University as a whole and, because we run a clean and
well-grounded program, it spotlights the importance we place on key civic values like
responsibility, integrity, and fair play.
While we have high standards for our student-athletes in the classroom and on the
field, we also believe it is the University’s responsibility to provide them—and all our
students-with the tools they need to compete and succeed at the highest levels. That is
why we’ve been investing in upgraded classroom buildings and residence halls these
last few years, and why we’ve also completed a new practice facility and
state-of-the-art Academic and Training Center, which offers student-athletes quality
weight-train-ing facilities paired with study environments, computer labs, and academic support
needed to help them balance the demands of coursework and competition.
Like our fans, we have high expectations for our athletics programs, and we’re
confi-dent in the leadership of our coaches and Athletic Director Paul Kowalczyk, who work
to keep our programs competitive, transparent, and high-quality. Colorado State is
extremely fortunate to have an intensely loyal fan base, and success on the court or
on the field is a great reward to our supporters. But our greatest reward is the success
that we all share when the young men and women in the Rams jerseys graduate and
go on to achieve great things in their lives after CSU.
On behalf of Colorado State’s students, faculty, staff, and alumni, I thank you for your
continued support of Ram athletics.
Go Rams!
Dr. Anthony A. Frank
President
Welcome to Colorado State University!
15 Consecutive NCAA Tournaments | 15 Consecutive 20-win Seasons | 11 Mountain West Conference Championships | Top-25 Nationally in Attendance
[ 5 ]
T
he Board of Governors of the Colorado State University System represents the people of Colo-rado, assuring effective management, accountability, and responsible leadership of all the CSU System campuses – Fort Collins, Pueblo and the new online Global Campus.Board members come from across the state and from many fields — business, public service, agricul-ture — and share a strong commitment to excellence, innovation, and student success.
The Board of Governors sets a standard of excellence for all the campuses that carry the Colorado State
Colorado State University System
Joe Blake
Chancellor Colorado State University System
name, through the establishment of a bold vision, mission, and values coupled with ambitious stretch goals for each campus, and strongly supports Colorado State athletics programs as a source of pride for students, alumni, and the State of Colorado.
The Board of Governors and the CSU System work to further the roles of its three universities to be integral contributors to the economic development of the state. Work force education, research funding and new business and product development are some of the areas where the institutions are excelling.
Patrick McConathy
Chairman of the Board CEO, Yarmony Energy
Bonifacio A. Cosyleon
Secretary President, Byerly and Cosyleon, Inc.
Tom Farley
Voting Member Regent, Santa Clara University
Dorothy Horrell
Voting Member President,
Bonfils Stanton Foundation
John Ikard
Voting Member President & CEO, FirstBank Holding Company
Scott C. Johnson
Voting Member Owner and Operator, Flying Diamond Ranch
Mary Lou Makepeace
Voting Member Vice President for Colorado, Gill Foundation
Board of Governors
Ed Haselden
Vice Chairman President & CEO, Haseldon Construction
Joseph C. Zimlich
Treasurer
A
As one of the nation’s leading research universities, Colorado State provides an excellent, accessible education, conducts research that transforms our world, and leads outreach programs that support economic vitality and im-prove the quality of life for people worldwide.As Colorado’s land-grant university, Colorado State was founded in 1870 to fulfill the vision of President Abraham Lincoln and others – to create access and oppor-tunity for people in Colorado and around the world who can benefit from hands-on, engaged learning.
With more than 150 programs of study and 78 undergraduate degree programs in eight colleges – and a faculty-to-student ratio of 16.5:1 – students have access to a wealth of educational possibilities. Colorado State leads the world in disciplines such as human and animal health, clean energy and the environment, global and sustain-able business, engineering, and climate research. Along with outstanding programs in the liberal and performing arts, humanities and social sciences, Colorado State offers some of the top professional programs in the country in construction man-agement, occupational therapy, psychology, communications, and agriculture—and is home to the top-ranked public business school in the state.
Challenging academic programs and world-changing research are hallmarks of Colorado State, and it is our special commitment to service, outreach, and trans-forming our world through innovation that sets this university apart. Even more important, CSU’s character is reflected in the quality of our students and graduates, who embody the university’s mission of service and go on to make a significant impact on our world when they graduate.
We invite you to learn more about Colorado State, a university with vision, character, and a commitment to excellence.
15 Consecutive NCAA Tournaments | 15 Consecutive 20-win Seasons | 11 Mountain West Conference Championships | Top-25 Nationally in Attendance
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C
olorado State University takes very seriously its role in educating student-athletes. Excellence is expected on the field and in the classroom. The most recent NCAA academic statistics reveal that Colorado State leads the Moun-tain West Conference in graduation rate for student-athletes at 66 percent – well ahead of the conference’s overall student-athlete graduation rate of 57 percent. In football, Colorado State is second in the MWC, graduating 68 percent of its student-athletes – again, well ahead of the conference average of 49 percent.Colorado State, however, is not resting on its reputation for graduating its student-athletes. The state-of-the-art Anderson Academic Center, which will greatly enhance
the academic facilities available for student-athletes, opened in August 2009. While the athletic department takes its role in the educational process very seriously, Colorado State’s mission to provide a world-class education is at the core of academic success. U.S. News and World Report ranked Colorado State in its top tier in its an-nual “America’s Best Colleges” report. The university offers 79 majors and 27 minors, and many of its programs are ranked among the best in the country.
Colorado State continues to push forward in its mission to provide the best possible education. Construction recently was completed on the state-of-the-art University Center for the Arts and Computer Science buildings, along with the indoor practice facility, academic and training center, and the Rockwell Hall expansion at the College of Business.
• CSU’s Veterinary Medicine program ranks second in the country and is the national leader in federal research dollars.
• BusinessWeek ranked CSU’s undergraduate College of Business program 67th (up from 73rd in 2008). The program ranks 30th among all public schools and 14th among all colleges and universities in the West and Southwest. The marketing and business law programs were ranked in the nation’s Top 10 by the magazine. • In December 2008, CSU conferred its 150,000th bachelor’s degree and 200,000th
overall degree.
• According to NCAA statistics, CSU’s graduation rate for student-athletes is higher than the graduation rate for the overall student body.
O
ne of Colorado’s most vibrant cities, Fort Collins is the best place in the country to live, work and play. Located on the northern Front Range of the majestic Rocky Mountains, the city is within an hour’s drive of Denver, the nation’s 25th-largest metro area.This city of 137,200 residents basks in 300 days of sunshine per year — more than San Diego and Florida — and includes the historic Old Town district with its restaurants, shops, and entertainment, all within walking distance of Colorado State University’s campus.
Since its founding as a military fort in 1864, Fort Collins has anchored northern Colorado’s rich heritage of academic, business and recreational pursuits. Hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, river rafting and rock climbing are just a few popular outdoor pursuits for students and residents.
The city maintains more than 600 acres of parks, 5,000 acres of natural areas, 20 miles of off-street trails for hiking and biking, and three golf courses. The Lincoln Center and the University Center for the Arts, anchored in Fort Collins, are northern Colorado’s cultural arts centers.
This is Fort Collins & Colorado
Fort Collins Facts
• No. 1 place to live in the United States (Money magazine, August 2006).
• No. 1 Best Place to Live and Work for Young Professionals (pop. 100,000-200,000), Next Generation Consulting, March 2009. • No. 2 in Forbes magazine’s best United States cities for business and careers (March 2009); Denver ranked 14th and Boulder
was 20th among five Colorado locations in the publication’s top 40.
• One of the Top 20 Places to Thrive (Best Boomer Towns, February 2009). • Ranked 10th-best educated city in America (Forbes magazine, November 2008). • One of the Best Places to Raise Your Kids (BusinessWeek, November 2008).
• Gold level Bicycle Friendly Community (League of American Bicyclists, September 2008).
15 Consecutive NCAA Tournaments | 15 Consecutive 20-win Seasons | 11 Mountain West Conference Championships | Top-25 Nationally in Attendance
[ 9 ]
The Mile High City
T
he Denver Metro Area, with a population of 2.4 million, is less than an hour’s drive from Fort Collins. A major-league metropolis, named by the Sporting News the best sports city in the United States, Denver is home to three teams that have competed for their respective world championships in the past 12 years — the Super Bowl XXXII and XXXIII champion Denver Broncos, the 1996 and 2001 Stanley Cup champion Colorado Avalanche, and the 2007 National League champion Colorado Rockies, who lost the World Series that season to the Boston Red Sox. The Denver Nuggets, meanwhile, have mad the playoffs in XX consecutive seasons, including a trip to the 2009 Western Conference finals against the evential champion Los Angeles Lakers.Sports fans in Colorado are among the most passionate in the nation, and for good reason — their teams are winners.
Denver has all the features of any big city, including great shopping and nightlife on the 16th Street Mall (Denver Pavilions, below left), a one-of-a-kind concert venue in Red Rocks Amphitheatre (below, second from right), an adrenaline-inducing amusement park in Elitch Gardens, and the world’s 10th-busiest airport, Denver International. Nick-named the Mile High City because it is one mile above sea level, downtown Denver is home to the Colorado state capitol building, the 13th step of which is exactly one mile in elevation.
Cost:
$7 million
Size:
16,000 sqauare feet,
Location: Southeast of the McGraw
Athletic Center
Features:
• Training portion includes a state-of-the-art
weight room, strength and conditioning
offices, a nutrition center and restrooms.
• Academic center features five private
tuto-rial rooms and large study areas
• Includes a computer lab with 30
worksta-tions, more workspace and offices for
CSU’s academic staff.
I
n 1998, Colorado State enhanced its weight room and built an academic center as
part of the McGraw Athletic Center project, but these facilities no longer meet the
needs of its expanded student-athlete base, nor do they allow the Rams to compete
for top-quality recruits.
Because of the heavy time constraints placed on CSU student-athletes through practice,
travel, strength and conditioning, and community service, a quality learning
environ-ment is essential for the university’s student-athletes to achieve the high standards of
academic success expected of them.
The Academic and Training Center is the latest centerpiece for CSU’s athletic program and
support its mission to recruit,
educate, develop, and graduate
Rams student-athletes within an
environment that prusues
excel-lence, values integrity and ethical
conduct, promotes respect for all
individuals, teaches
sportsman-ship, entertains our constituents
and emphasizes championship
performance.
New Academic & Training Center
The McGraw Athletic Center (right), which was built in 1998 and houses the CSU athletic department, is now accompanied by a pair of new, state-of-the-art facilities: the Academic & Training Center (top) and the Indoor Practice Facility (opposite). Both facilites were shown off at the grand opening celebration on Sept. 18, 2009.
15 Consecutive NCAA Tournaments | 15 Consecutive 20-win Seasons | 11 Mountain West Conference Championships | Top-25 Nationally in Attendance
[ 11 ]
Every CSU program benefits from the Rams’ new facilities. The Indoor Prac-tice Facility will be used by all of the Rams’ sports teams, whether they are in season or involved in offseason conditioning.
Cost:
$13 million
Size:
66,267 square feet, including 48,125 dedicated to the football portion and 8,827
to the basketball and volleyball areas
Height:
65 feet at its tallest point
Location: East of Moby Pool and north of the Student Recreation Center
Features:
• Gymnasium easily encloses a regulation basketball court and two half courts.
• Volleyball configuratioan can accommodate two full-length courts.
• Contains a 70-yard synthetic-turf football field (including one end zone).
• Features a four-lane, 70-meter track and a unique shoe-changing room adjacent to the
football field.
• Has flexibility to allow the softball team to set up batting cages on the football field.
• Will provide shelter for any student-athlete in each of the Rams’ 16 varsity sports.
• Includes training room, equipment storage, lobby and trophy display case, and
rest-rooms.
• Uses an innovative air circulation system.
Home-Court Advantage
M
oby Arena is one of the most distinctive and effective homecourt playing
facilities in the nation. Colorado State boasted a 15-3 mark at Moby Arena
in 2009.
Since Tom Hilbert’s arrival in Fort Collins in 1997, the Rams have hosted 33 nationally
ranked opponents, coming away with victories in 23 of those contests. CSU’s NCAA
tournament victory last season over No. 6 Washington (above) marked the Rams’ fifth
consective home victory over a ranked opponent, dating back to a 3-0 victory over No.
13 Ohio State on Aug. 30, 2007. During that stretch, the Rams have also hosted and
beaten opponents from Florida (No. 8 on Sept. 13, 2008), BYU (No. 24 on Sept. 20,
2008), Arizona (No. 25 on Oct. 4, 2008), and Washington (No. 6 on Dec. 4, 2009).
2009 National Attendance Leaders
Rank School Total Matches Average
1. Hawaii 128,457 20 6,423 2. Nebraska 75,366 16 4,710 3. Wisconsin 52,004 13 4,000 4. Minnesota 57,243 15 3,816 5. Washington 6,994 11 3,363 6. Penn State 52,660 16 3,291 7. Texas 36,420 12 3,035 8. Wichita State 37,594 13 2,892 9. Iowa State 38,275 14 2,734 10. Florida 44,294 17 2,606 11. Stanford 35,552 14 2,539 12. Purdue 33,463 15 2,231 13. Illinois 29,480 14 2,106 14. Northern Iowa 18,697 9 2,077 15. North Carolina 24,385 12 2,032 16. Michigan State 20,180 10 2,018 17. Ohio 19,301 10 1,930
18. New Mexico State 23,028 12 1,919
19. Colorado State 33,222 18 1,846
20. Missouri 27,302 15 1,820
15 Consecutive NCAA Tournaments | 15 Consecutive 20-win Seasons | 11 Mountain West Conference Championships | Top-25 Nationally in Attendance
[ 13 ]
Match Day Experience
Moby Madness
M
oby Arena has become known nationally as one of the toughest places to
play, thanks to the dedicated fans that flock to Colorado State University
vollleyball matches night in and night out.
The “Green Machine” student section, and the throngs of loyal season-ticket
hold-ers create an atmosphere at Rams volleyball matches that is matched by very few
programs around the country.
Homes of the Rams
C
olorado State University
student-athletes in all sports enjoy some of
the finest facilities in the country,
in-cluding (clockwise from left) Sonny Lubick
Field at Hughes Stadium, football; Moby
Arena, men’s and women’s basketball and
volleyball; Miramont, tennis; Moby Pool,
swimming & diving and water polo;
Har-mony Club, men’s and women’s golf; Jack
Christiansen Track, outdoor track & field;
South College Gym, indoor track & field;
Ram Field, softball.
15 Consecutive NCAA Tournaments | 15 Consecutive 20-win Seasons | 11 Mountain West Conference Championships | Top-25 Nationally in Attendance
[ 15 ]
Volleyball Facilities
Bigger, Faster, Stronger
C
olorado State features some of the
best athletic facilities in the Mountain
West Conference. Since its
con-struction in 1999, the McGraw Athletic
Cen-ter and the additions to Moby Arena have
provided Colorado State student-athletes
the tools to excel. In 2009, the Rams will
unveil two more state-of-the-art facilities,
including an Academic and Weight Training
Center, and an Indoor Practice Facility that
will accommodate two full-size volleyball
courts
Training Room
T
he Colorado State
Uni-versity athletic
train-ing room features a
multitude of taping (left) and
treatment tables as well as
top-tier equipment for
reha-bilitation (right), allowing the
CSU training staff all the
nec-essary tools to make sure that
student-athletes are healthy
enough to perform at their
peak levels.
Volleyball Team Room
Adolph Coors Foundation Auditorium
Distinguished Alumni
Business
Thomas Bradbury, Past director, National Western Stock Show Jeff Christmann, Operations manager, GE Johnson Construction Donald DeGryse, Vice President, Lockheed Martin
Lindsay Gill, Product Development Manager, Spyder Active Sports Edward Henney, Past Senior Vice President, Safeway Stores Kenneth Monfort, Past Board of Directors member, Con Agra James Smith, President & CEO, Smith Investments Inc.
Entertainment/Communications
John Amos, Actor, The West Wing
Baxter Black, American Cowboy poet & humorist Yosef Komunyakaa, Pulitzer Prize winner, Neon Vernacular Gregory Osberg, Executive Vice President, Newsweek Magazine Vicki Porter, two-time Pulitzer Prize winner, community reporting Hugh Ragin, jazz trumpet player
Jim Sheeler, Pulitzer Prize winner, Rocky Mountain News Robert A. Taylor, D.V.M., TV Personality, Emergency Vets
Government/Military
Wayne Allard, D.V.M., Former United States Senator John Ensign, D. V.M., Unted States Senator
Peter Lemon, Recipient of Congressional Medal of Honor Ed Rhoades, Former Commander, U.S.S. Halyburton Bill Ritter, Current Colorado Governor
Roy Romer, Former Colorado Governor Terry Slatic, Iraq veteran, U.S. Marine Corps
Science
Kent Rominger, Deputy Director, Flight Crew Operations, NASA James van Hoften, former NASA Astronaut, Lt. Col. USAF
Sports
Less Browne, Canadian Football League Hall of Famer Jack Christiansen, Pro Football Hall of Famer Clark Haggans, current NFL player
Becky Hammon, current WNBA basketball player Raymond Jackson, player development, Pittsburgh Steelers Greg Jamison, President & CEO, San Jose Sharks Floyd Kerr, Director of Athletics, Morgan State University Casey Malone, 2004 Olympian, sixth place in the discus Felix “Tippy” Martinez, former Kansas City Royals player Keli McGregor, former president, Colorado Rockies Mike Montgomery, basketball coach
Milt Palacio, NBA player Jason Smith, NBA player
Erik Phillips, Athletic Trainer, Phoenix Suns Joey Porter, current NFL player
Jason Smith
NBA Player John AmosActor Wayne AllardU.S. Senator
Joey Porter
All-Pro Linebacker Bill RitterColorado Governor Casey MaloneOlympian - Discus Baxter BlackPoet/Humorist
Kent Rominger NASA Astronaut
Becky Hammon WNBA Superstar
15 Consecutive NCAA Tournaments | 15 Consecutive 20-win Seasons | 11 Mountain West Conference Championships | Top-25 Nationally in Attendance
[ 17 ]
The Class of 2008
Richie Harris - Track & Field (1980) Teresa (James) Hinz - Women’s Basketball
(1996)
Anthoney Hill - Football (1994) Drew Loftin - Track & Field (2003) Ollie Woods - Football, Track & Field,
Wres-tling (1949)
Christine Susemihl - Hall of Honor Special Award
The Class of 2007
Anthony Cesario - Football (1998) Ron Day - Wrestling (1956) Bob Parry - Track & Field (1976) Liz Toman - Track & Field (2000) Jack Upton - Football, Baseball (1979)
The Class of 2006
Bryan Berryhill - Track & Field (2001) Ivan Dyekman - Track & Field, Football
(1932)
Floyd Kerr - Basketball (1969) Angela Knopf - Volleyball (2001) Mark Mullaney - Football (1975) Tom Hilbert - Hall of Honor Special Award
The Class of 2005
Mattias Borrman - Track & Field (1996) Kristin Elliot-Fox - Swimming & Diving
(1994)
Sarah Fredstrom-Secrest - Softball (1998) Lavern (Nick) Kohls - Wrestling, Football
(1962)
Brady Smith - Football (1995)
Brian Bedard - Hall of Honor Special Award John Mattos - Hall of Honor Special Award
The Class of 2004
Stan Albert - Basketball (1958) Shelly Borrman - Track & Field (1999) Becky Hammon - Basketball (1999) Sean Moran - Football (1995) Dan Sniff - Wrestling (1955)
The Class of 2003
Nikki Johnson-Gregory - Softball (1997) Greg Primus - Football (1992) Rich Strong - Basketball (1986)
Jim Ranson - Football, Basketball, Baseball, Track & Field (1950)
Doug Max - Hall of Honor Special Award
Colorado State Athletics Hall of Fame
The Class of 2002
Ron Baretta - Gymnastics (1969) Cindy Cox-Bellin - Volleyball (1988) Larry Hoffner - Basketball (1960) Brenda Straughan-Jackson - Swimming
(1977)
George Jones - Football, Basketball, Wrestling, Track & Field (1950)
Jim Henry - Hall of Honor Special Award
The Class of 2001
Mike Bell - Football (1978) Angie Knox-Duryea - Volleyball (1987) Greg Myers - Football (1995) Bob Weber - Football (1956)
Dr. Harry Troxell - Hall of Honor Special Award
The Class of 2000
Alex Burl - Track & Field, Football (1954) Kay Dalton - Football (1953)
Diane Saba-Johannsen - Volleyball, Basketball (1987)
Gary Rhoades - Basketball (1973) Fred Oglesby - Hall of Honor Special Award
The Class of 1999
Amy Brookover-Keen - Swimming (1990) Kevin Call - Football (1983)
Glenn Goya - Baseball (1977) Richie Hall - Football (1982) Eddie Hughes - Basketball (1982) Susan Knox - Golf (1981)
Dr. Albert C. Yates - Hall of Honor Special Award
The Class of 1998
Tammy Taylor-Bearly - Softball (1987) Steve Cyphers - Football, Baseball, Wrestling
(1976)
Linden King - Football (1976) Sonny Lubick - Football (present) John Mosley - Football, Wrestling (1942) Fred Paoli - Football (1975)
B.C. “Bo” Cowel - Hall of Honor Special Award
The Class of 1997
Libbie Johnson-Hickman - Track & Field (1988)
Keli McGregor - Football (1984) Joe Peters - Football, Basketball, Baseball
(1939)
Tom Proulx - Gymnastics (1970) Gil Sanchez - Wrestling (1963)
The Class of 1996
Rick Dennison - Football (1979) Brady Keys - Football (1960) Chet Maeda - Football, Basketball, Track & Field (1941)
Barbara Mencimer-Maxfield - Field Hockey, Track & Field, Tennis, Swimming, Basketball, Volleyball, Softball (1959)
Chuck Newcomb - Basketball (1960) Amy Van Dyken - Swimming (1994)
The Class of 1995
Steve Bartalo - Football (1986) Chester Cruikshank - Track & Field (1936) Del Hessel - Track & Field (1963) Ann Matlock - Basketball (1983) Art Solow - Swimming & Diving (1975) Dennis Stuehm - Basketball (1954)
The Class of 1994
Mary Harrington - Volleyball, Track & Field (1979)
Willie Miller - Football (1975) Virginia Frank Olson - Coach/Instructor
(1966)
Bob Robbins - Gymnastics (1979) Earlie Thomas - Football (1970)
The Class of 1993
Walter “Bus” Bergman - Football, Basketball, Baseball (1942)
Leon “Red” Eastlack - Football, Basketball, Baseball (1942)
Lillian Greene-Chamberlain - Track & Field (1963)
Kenny Hyde - Football, Basketball, Track & Field (1926)
Hal Kinard - Basketball (1956) Oscar Reed - Football (1967)
The Class of 1992
Charles Bresnahan - Football, Basketball, Track & Field, Baseball (1920) Gene Grenard - Wrestling (1940) Kay McFarland - Basketball, Track & Field, Football (1961)
Dr. Nancy O’Connor - Swimming/Athletic Administrator (1977)
Fay Rankin - Football, Track & Field (1920)
The Class of 1991
Al “Bubba” Baker - Football (1978) Fred Glick - Football (1959) Duane Hartshorn - Football, Basketball
(1921)
Marcia Middel - Swimming (1972) Carlyle Vickers - Football, Basketball, Baseball (1929)
The Class of 1990
Don Burroughs - Football (1953) J. Ray French - Football (1928) Boyd Grant - Basketball (1991) Pamela Greene - Track & Field (1977) Don “Tuffy” Mullison - Football, Wrestling, Baseball (1949)
The Class of 1989
Norm Cable - Football (1938) Jim David - Football, Baseball (1949) Wendy Koenig-Knudson - Track & Field
(1976)
Lawrence McCutcheon - Football (1972) Jon Sinclair - Track & Field (1980) Lonnie Wright - Basketball (1965)
The Class of 1988
Jack Christiansen - Football, Baseball, Track & Field (1951)
Sherri Danielson - Volleyball (1985) Bob Davis - Football (1955) Dale Dodrill - Football (1952) Gary Glick - Football (1955) Bill Green - Basketball (1963) Harry Hughes - Football (1941) Felix “Tippy” Martinez - Baseball (1971) Thurman “Fum” McGraw - Football,
Wres-tling, Track & Field, Athletic Administrator (1986)
Glenn Morris - Track & Field, Football, Wrestling (1925)
Julius “Hans” Wagner - Football, Wrestling (1925)
Jim Williams - Basketball/Athletic Administrator (1981) Tom Hilbert 2006 Inductee Angela Knopf 2006 Inductee Cindy Cox-Bellin 2002 Inductee Angie Knox-Duryea 2001 Inductee Barbara Mencimer-Maxfield 1996 Inductee Diane Saba-Johannsen 2006 Inductee Mary Harrington 1994 Inductee Sherri Danielson 1988 Inductee
Rams on the Radio
Rams volleyball can be heard live worldwide on the Nelligan Sports Colorado State Sports Net-work live on KCSU, 90.5 FM. Andy Boshoven will serve as the Rams’ play-by-play announcer in 2010.
Rams on the Web
Live coverage isn’t limited to the Colorado State Sports Network’s normal coverage area. Ram fans worldwide can listen to the action live streaming on CSURams.com.
Fans can also get an inside look into Colorado State University and Rams volleyball as CSU continually expands its coverage through the use of new media. By logging onto RamVolleyball. ColoState.edu, fans can instantly access exclusive video content, blogs and more. In addition, CSU volleyball, and Head Coach Tom Hilbert, are also both on Twitter and Facebook, giving fans unprecedented access to what is going on inside the program.
Rams on Television
Launched on Sept. 1, 2006, The Mtn. - MountainWest Sports Network - was the first network dedicated to a collegiate athletic conference. The Mtn. provides sports fans blanket coverage of MWC athletics across multiple sports. The network featured more MWC games on television than ever before during the 2008-09 academic year and is slated to bring more live coverage to fans during the 2010 volleyball season.
In addition to The Mtn.’s in-depth coverage and wide array of original programming, fans can also catch many Mountain West Conference sporting events on either CBS College Sports or Versus. The trio of networks gives CSU fans all over the country unprecedented access to all things Rams!
The Rams continue to be one of the most televised teams in the Mountain West Conference, and will appear on television at least five times this season, including matches vs. Colorado (CET - Aug. 31), at BYU (BYU-TV - Sept. 24), at Utah (CBS College Sports - Sept. 26), vs. TCU (The Mtn. - Oct. 14) and at New Mexico (The Mtn. - Nov. 11).
Media Exposure
15 Consecutive NCAA Tournaments | 15 Consecutive 20-win Seasons | 11 Mountain West Conference Championships | Top-25 Nationally in Attendance
[ 19 ]
Staff and Administration
20-21
Head Coach Tom Hilbert
22
Associate Head Coach
Jesse Mahoney
23
Assistant Coach Bri Frech
24-25
Director of Athletics
Paul Kowalczyk
26
Volleyball Support Staff
27
CSU Head Coaches
28-29
Colorado State University
Head Coach Tom Hilbert
Head Coach Tom Hilbert
OKLAHOMA (1984)
14
tHSEASON At CSU (332-85), 22
NdSEASON OVERALL (506-157)
ToM Hilbert
The Colorado State women’s volleyball program has become
syn-onymous with consistent winning under the guidance and tutelage
of Head Coach Tom Hilbert, who enters his 14th season with the
Rams and his 22nd overall as a collegiate coach in 2010.
With seven Mountain West Conference Coach of the Year awards to his credit, in the league’s
11-year existence, it is clear why Hilbert’s program has risen to the top of the MWC and
become a stalwart on the national stage as a perennial Top-25 program.
Under Hilbert, who was inducted in the CSU Athletics Hall of Fame as the Hall of Honor
recipient in 2006, the Rams have developed into one of the top programs in the nation,
qualifying for the NCAA tournament for 15 consecutive years. The streak is a school record
for consecutive postseason appearances in any sport.
A deeper look inside Hilbert’s coaching record reveals some remarkable achievements.
Hil-bert has amassed a 164-28 record in Mountain West Conference play and has led the Rams
to seven regular-season conference titles.
He ranks 11th among active Division I head coaches in winning percentage (.763). In 2009,
Hilbert eclipsed the 500-win mark for his career, becoming one of 29 active head coaches
with as many victories. At the time, Hilbert also ranked as one of just two on that list with
Hilbert’s Coaching Philosophy
Like life in general, athletic development is a growth process, not a means to an end. To get the
most out of life one should continuously set and re-evaluate performance goals in all areas;
ath-letics, academics, career, etc. Through athletics young people learn how to set long- and
short-term goals and build self-esteem through achievement of those goals.
I believe in a democratic style of team management. Teams should set their own goals, make their
own rules and make major team decisions. Peer influence is much more effective than
authoritar-ian influence. When an athlete takes part in successful team building, it is a very rewarding and
educational experience.
In practice and in competition volleyball is a game of emotion and intensity so it is important to
train with emotion and intensity. We combine high-repetition teaching drills with intense
com-petitive game drills. Colorado State players learn to embrace competition and mental toughness.
When the game is on the line, I want players who have looked pressure in the eyes and conquered
it.
College coaches have an awesome responsibility in guiding young people through such an
im-portant segment of life. It is a time of emotional, intellectual and physical growth. We must take
this responsibility seriously. When an athlete leaves a program under my direction, I want her to
look back on her college athletic experience as one of the most rewarding times of her life.
15 Consecutive NCAA Tournaments | 15 Consecutive 20-win Seasons | 11 Mountain West Conference Championships | Top-25 Nationally in Attendance
15 Consecutive NCAA Tournaments | 15 Consecutive 20-win Seasons | 11 Mountain West Conference Championships | Top-25 Nationally in Attendance
[ 21 ]
[ 21 ]
Head Coach Tom Hilbert
fewer than 22 years of head coaching experience. That
ac-complishment came just more than one year after Hilbert
distinguished himself as the winningest coach in CSU
an-nals, surpassing the 300-win mark as a Ram and moving
ahead of Rich Feller, who won 299 matches from
1983-96.
Hilbert has coached five different players to AVCA
All-Ameri-ca honors, and one to
Volleyball Magazine
All-America.
While at CSU, Hilbert has an overall record of 332-85 (.799), and
is 506-157 (.763) overall in 21 seasons as a head coach. He
has led his teams to 20 or more wins every season since
1992 – a span of 18 straight years – with the 1999
Rams setting the school’s single-season record for
winning percentage after going 30-3 (.909).
Before coming to Colorado State, Hilbert led
Idaho to the Eastern Division title in 1996 (its
first season in the Big West), and in the Big Sky
Conference his teams won either the regular
season or the tournament championship from
1992-95.
Hilbert accumulated a 174-72 (.707)
re-cord at Idaho. He coached the Big Sky’s
only All-American in Mindy Rice.
Hil-bert also guided Idaho to its first
na-tional ranking and the Vandals were
the first Big Sky institution to ever
be nationally ranked.
Prior to Idaho, Hilbert spent five
seasons as an assistant at his
alma mater, the University of
oklahoma, from 1984-88.
A native of Norman, okla., Hilbert earned his bachelor’s
degree in business administration and marketing from
oU in 1984. He also received a master’s in sports and
recreation management from Idaho in 1993.
Hilbert has resided in Fort Collins for 14 years and has a
daughter, Myles, who will be 10 in September.
Hilbert at a Glance
Personal
Name: Tom Hilbert
Hometown: Norman, okla.
Family: Myles (daughter)
education
Bachelor of business administration and marketing, oklahoma ‘84
Masters of business administration, oklahoma ‘89
Masters of Science, sports management, Idaho ‘93
College Coaching experience
1987-88: University of oklahoma, Assistant Coach
1989-96: University of Idaho, Head Coach
1997-Pres: Colorado State University, Head Coach
Hilbert’s Coaching Capsule
Year
overall
Pct.
Conf.
Pct.
Finish
1989
15-14
.517
6-10
.375
5th, Big Sky
1990
14-15
.483
6-10
.375
7th, Big Sky
1991
13-16
.448
8-8
.500
6th, Big Sky
1992
24-7
.774
11-3
.786
1st, Big Sky
1993
24-6
.800
13-1
.929
1st, Big Sky
1994
31-3
.912
13-1
.929
1st, Big Sky
1995
28-5
.848
13-1
.929
1st, Big Sky
1996
25-6
.806
13-3
.813
1st, Big West-E. Div.
idaho
174-72
.707
83-37
.692
1997
27-6
.818
12-2
.857
2nd, WAC-Mtn. Div.
1998
24-8
.750
12-2
.857
1st, WAC-Mtn. Div.
1999
30-3
.909
12-2
.857
2nd, MWC
2000
32-5
.865
13-1
.929
1st, MWC
2001
29-4
.879
13-1
.929
1st, MWC
2002
22-10
.688
12-2
.857
1st, MWC
2003
30-5
.857
14-0
1.000
1st, MWC
2004
26-4
.867
13-1
.929
1st, MWC
2005
21-9
.700
12-4
.750
2nd, MWC
2006
20-10
.667
11-5
.688
3rd, MWC
2007
23-8
.742
13-3
.813
1st, MWC
2008
23-7
.767
12-4
.750
2nd, MWC
2009
25-6
.806
15-1
.938
1st, MWC
CSU
332-85
.795
164-28
.854
total
506-157
.763
247-65
.792
COLORAdO (1995)
SIXtH SEASON At COLORAdO StAtE
JESSE MAHoney
Jesse Mahoney enters his sixth season with the Rams and his
third as associate head coach. Mahoney serves as the recruiting
coordinator in addition to working with the blocking schemes
and middle blockers.
Since his arrival in Fort Collins, Mahoney has put together three recruiting classes ranked in the
top-25 in the country by PrepVolleyball.com. The 2007 class was ranked 14th in the country,
while the 2008 squad stacked up as the No. 22 class in the nation. The 2010 freshman class steps
on campus this year as the No. 15-ranked group.
Mahoney’s coaching presence has also been felt on the court as he has turned CSU into one of
the top blocking teams in the country. Since his arrival in Fort Collins, CSU middle blockers like
Dre Downs (all-conference and all-region in 2005, her first at the position), Mekana Barnes
(three-time all-MWC, 2007 Mountain West Player of the Year, 2007 third-team All-American), and more
recently, Tessa Nelson (2009 MWC Preseason Player of the Year, 2009 NCAA all-tournament team
at Minneapolis Regional, two-time All-MWC selection) and Megan Plourde (2009 AVCA all-West
region selection, 2009 all-MWC), have thrived under Mahoney’s watch and established
them-selves as some of the top players in country at the position.
Since 2005, the Rams have ranked nationally in the top-25 in terms of blocking four times, ranking
fourth in 2008, fifth in 2007, ninth in 2005 and 22nd in 2009. CSU has ranked consistently first or
second in the Mountain West since Mahoney’s arrival.
Mahoney came to Colorado State from Fort Hays State, where he was the head coach from
1999-2004. While at Fort Hays State, Mahoney tallied a record of 107-82, including a mark of 56-12 in
Mahoney at a Glance
Personal
Name: Jesse Mahoney
Hometown: Boulder, Colo.
Family: Gwen (wife), Macy James
(daughter), Griffin Mack (son) and Declan
Thomas (son).
education
Bachelor of Science, phsychology;
Colorado (1995)
Juris Doctorate; Colorado (1999)
College Coaching experience
1999-2004: Fort Hays State;
Head Coach
2005-07: Colorado State University;
Assistant Coach
2008-Pres: Colorado State University;
Associate Head Coach
both 2003 and 2004. His Lady Tigers went 31-5 in 2004 as they posted the best record in NCAA
Division II competition and finished the season ranked 11th nationally. Mahoney led Fort Hays
State to its first regional tournament berth in 2003 and then led the squad to the regional finals
in 2004. Fort Hays State participated in four consecutive Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference
(RMAC) tournaments under Mahoney’s guidance.
At Fort Hays State, Mahoney coached the only three All-Americans in school history, Ashley Holt,
Kelly Skidmore and Amber Zoglman.
Prior to Fort Hays State, he was the assistant coach at Colorado Christian in 1998, helping lead the
Cougars to a tie for first place in the RMAC East Division (17-2 record).
Mahoney was the head coach of the University of Colorado men’s club team for two years and was
an assistant with the team the year prior to that. He also helped coach the 18-under Front Range
Volleyball Club team that captured the USA Junior Rocky Mountain Region championship.
Prior to coaching, Mahoney spent four seasons as the starting setter on the CU men’s club team.
He earned all-tournament honors in 1993 after leading the team to the NIRSA collegiate club
national championship.
A native of Boulder, Colo., he received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from CU in 1995 and a
Juris Doctorate degree at the University of Colorado School of Law in 1999. He is married to the
former Gwen McEntyre and the couple has three children: Macy James (4), Griffin Mack (3) and
Declan Thomas, who will turn 1 in September.
15 Consecutive NCAA Tournaments | 15 Consecutive 20-win Seasons | 11 Mountain West Conference Championships | Top-25 Nationally in Attendance
15 Consecutive NCAA Tournaments | 15 Consecutive 20-win Seasons | 11 Mountain West Conference Championships | Top-25 Nationally in Attendance
[ 23 ]
[ 23 ]
COLORAdO StAtE (2006)
tHIRd SEASON At COLORAdO StAtE
BRI FreCH
Former Rams standout Bri Frech enters her third
sea-son as an assistant coach at Colorado State. Frech
joined the staff full-time after spending the 2007
sea-son as the Rams’ video and statistics coordinator.
Her duties include scouting and video analysis as well as on-court coaching and
recruiting support.
Frech first joined the Rams as a player in 2003 after spending her freshman and
sophomore years at Salt Lake City Community College. In the 2003 and 2004
sea-sons Frech was a full-time starter for the Rams, earning all-Mountain West
Confer-ence and all-tournament honors while leading her team to NCAA bids in both years
and a combined 56-9 record.
Frech at a Glance
Personal
Name: Bri Frech
Hometown: Eschwege, Germany
Family: Charlie olmstead (husband)
education
Bachelor of science, Business
Administration, Colorado State (2006)
Playing experience
2001-02: Salt Lake Community College
2003-05: Colorado State University
2006: MVS La Rochette, France
College Coaching experience
2005: Colorado State University,
Student-Assistant
2007-Pres: Colorado State University;
Assistant Coach
In 2005 Frech served as a student-assistant for the Rams while completing her degree.
She then played professionally in France for MVS La Rochette for the 2006 season prior
to returning to Fort Collins in 2007.
A native of Eschwege, Germany, she received a bachelor of science degree in business
administration from Colorado State in 2005. She is married to Charlie olmstead and
resides in Fort Collins, Colo.
PAUl KowAlCzyK
Director of Athletics | Fifth Year at CSU | Kent State; ‘80, ‘86
Director of Athletics Paul Kowalczyk has placed Colorado State’s program on an ambitious
path toward national prominence with his insightful and visionary leadership.
Kowalczyk is in his fifth year leading CSU’s program, demonstrating an unmistakable
com-mitment to the university after signing in 2010 a five-year contract extension, through 2015.
From the moment he arrived on campus in 2006, he has shown a leadership style that is
steady and consistent with ambitious goals clearly established. Under his watchful eye, a
foundation has been built to cultivate long-term success throughout the program. With the
foundation firmly in place, Colorado State’s program stands on the threshold of taking a bold
step forward nationally to reach “stretch goals” established by the Board of Governors when
Kowalczyk arrived.
Perhaps nothing better illustrates the progress toward prominence that CSU’s program has
made during Kowalczyk’s tenure than the changing skyline surrounding Moby Arena and the
McGraw Athletic Center, both of which serve as centerpieces of the athletics department.
During the summer of 2009, CSU opened two state-of-the-art athletics facilities that are
visu-ally prominent to any avid Rams fan upon arriving on campus.
A training facility includes an indoor football practice field plus basketball and volleyball practice courts,
adjacent to Moby Arena. Also, a new academic and strength and conditioning center is next to the McGraw
Athletic Center.
Over the last year-plus, Kowalczyk also has stewarded significant upgrades to Sonny Lubick Field at Hughes
Stadium, including a $2.5 million landscaping initiative following the 2010 season that will make the venue’s
grounds at the base of the Rocky Mountain foothills even more attractive. Additionally in the last two years,
Kowalczyk oversaw improvements to several CSU team locker rooms, and this fall, has spearheaded a $1
million project that will furnish Moby Arena with new state-of-the-art video boards.
The two new facilities, along with upgrades to CSU’s stadium, arena and McGraw Athletic Center offices,
make CSU’s resources among the finest in the nation. Those additions and improvements also have made
CSU competitive nationally while enhancing the institution’s image across a broad spectrum. The facilities
represent one of Kowalczyk’s primary goals when he was appointed to his position at CSU. Almost
immedi-ately upon his arrival, he worked closely with campus leaders to develop the facilities initiative.
“These buildings show that Colorado State is unmistakably serious about achieving its stretch goals,”
Kowal-czyk said. “Combined with the recent renovations at our football stadium, this puts us where we need to be in
terms of offering quality, state-of-the-art facilities for our coaches and student-athletes, those who are here
now and those who are thinking about coming here.”
The facilities, along with recent contracts he negotiated with Russell Athletic (apparel and uniforms), Under
Armour (footwear), and a deal with the University of Colorado to keep the Rocky Mountain Showdown at
Invesco Field for the long-term future, also reflect Kowalczyk’s commitment to excellence throughout the
program.
KowalczyK at a Glance
education
• Bachelor of businsess administration, accounting; Kent State
University, 1980
• Master of arts, sports administration, Kent State University; 1986
Athletics Administration experience
• 2000-06: Southern Illinois University; Director of Athletics
• 1995-00: Northwestern University; Associate Athletics Director
for External Affairs
• 1991-95: Northwestern University; Assistant Athletics Director/
Business Manager-Finance and Personnel
• 1988-91: Kansas State University; Assistant Athletics Director for
Business operations
• 1987-88: Portland State University; Athletics Business Manager
• 1986-87: Youngstown State University; Assistant to the Athletics
Director, Marketing
• 1985-86: Kent State University; Assistant to the Associate
Athlet-ics Director, Fundraising
Personal
• Born: Feb. 17, 1958
• Birthplace: Warren, Ohio
• Family: Married to Peg Lynch Kowalczyk
• Last name is pronounced kuh-WALL-check
15 Consecutive NCAA Tournaments | 15 Consecutive 20-win Seasons | 11 Mountain West Conference Championships | Top-25 Nationally in Attendance
[ 25 ]
“Average is simply not good enough,” he said. “We must continually
find ways to improve every aspect of our program while meeting
the needs of our student-athletes and providing resources for our
coaches -- not just to compete, but to win, and do it while serving
the university, the community and the region.”
Soon after Kowalczyk’s arrival in Fort Collins, he worked closely with
the Board of Governors of the Colorado State University System
and the university leadership to set in place a set of “stretch goals.”
“The support of the board and campus administration, which was
there every step of the way, was critical,” Kowalczyk said. “We have
leadership on this campus that not only recognizes the importance
of investing in athletics, but also what a successful athletics
depart-ment can do for the university.”
Colorado State’s stretch goals include:
•Achieve a No. 1 ranking in the Director’s Cup, a ranking system that
reflects overall program success;
•Annual Bowl Championship Series inclusion;
•NCAA men’s and women’s basketball tournament participation.
While the entire program under Kowalczyk’s guidance has moved
forward with the completion of the facilities, he readily admits there
are more challenges that lie ahead.
“We will never stand still. We will continue to move forward. As a
program, we will strive for excellence in every area, just as we
chal-lenge our student-athletes in competition and in the classroom.
“our efforts will always include continually and diligently working to
expand our ticket and Ram Club donor base as a means to generate
additional revenue and scholarship fund support.”
Colorado State’s expected emergence nationally has provided
fol-lowers of the program optimism and excitement.
Kowalczyk brought a wealth of experience and knowledge to Fort
Collins when he was named the school’s 16th Director of Athletics
on April 11, 2006, after having served for six successful years in the
same capacity at Southern Illinois University.
In the spring of 2008, he was named to the prestigious NCAA
Divi-sion I Leadership Council, an advisory body to the DiviDivi-sion I Board
of Directors. The council identifies issues important to the future
of Division I and offers its expertise in defining appropriate action
items. Reappointed in June 2010, his current term expires in 2014.
Kowalczyk also remains involved in NCAA, NACDA and MWC
activi-ties.
During his tenure at SIU, he led the Salukis’ emergence into a
suc-cessful, nationally renowned athletics program, including 15
confer-ence championships in seven sport programs.
Before his tenures at CSU and SIU, he was senior
ad-ministrator at Northwestern University during a time
in which the Wildcats program enjoyed national
suc-cess. He also served as assistant athletics director
for business operations at Kansas State, business
manager for athletics at Portland State, and
as-sistant to the associate athletics director at Kent
State.
Kowalczyk holds a master’s degree in sports
ad-ministration and a bachelor’s of business
admin-istration in accounting from Kent State
Univer-sity.
A native of Warren ohio, Kowalczyk was
induct-ed into the Warren High School Distinguishinduct-ed
Hall of Fame. The award recognizes and
honors individuals for their achievements
and performance. In 2004, he received the
National Football Foundation’s Gen. Robert
R. Neyland outstanding A.D. Award, and in
2006 was named the Athletic Director of the
Year for the Division I-AA Central Division.
Kowalczyk in 2010 concluded a four-year term
on the NACDA Executive Council, representing
Dis-trict 7.
He is married to Peg Lynch Kowalczyk.
Athletic Department Mission Statement
The purpose of the Colorado State University Department of Athletics is to recruit, educate, develop and graduate student-athletes within an
environ-ment that pursues excellence, values integrity and ethical conduct, promotes respect for all individuals, teaches sportsmanship, entertains our
constituents and emphasizes championship performance.
Volleyball Support Staff
Crystal
Finn
Athletic training
ben
Chulick
Marketing
Danny
Mattie
Media relations
Jenni
Hirneisen
Video and Statistics
Coordinator
Dolores
Price
Administrative Assistant
ryan
Murphy
equipment
Mel
Sanders
Academics
whitney
Seaton
Student Manager
Mike
Silbernagel
15 Consecutive NCAA Tournaments | 15 Consecutive 20-win Seasons | 11 Mountain West Conference Championships | Top-25 Nationally in Attendance
[ 27 ]
Steve Fairchild
Football
tom Hilbert
Volleyball
Kristen Holt
Women’s Basketball
Angie Hopkins
Women’s Golf
John Mattos
Swimming & Diving | Water Polo
Jon Messick
Tennis
tim Miles
Men’s Basketball
Jen Fisher
Softball
bryan berryhill
Cross Country
brian bedard
Track & Field
Jamie bermel
Men’s Golf
Colorado State University Head Coaches
Karim Abdel wahab
Assistant Coach Track & Field
randy baruth
Director of operations Men’s Basketball
brian bedard
Head Coach Track & Field
Jamie bermel Head Coach Men’s Golf bryan berryhill Head Coach Cross Country Mike biggs
Assistant Athletic Trainer Keith binghamAssistant Academic Coordinator Kristi bohlender Assistant Director of Development Matt brewer Assistant A.D. Compliance Scott brown Assistant Coach Football Jeremy bulen Assistant Business Manager Dawn burton
Spirit Club Coordinator Jeremy buschAssistant Athletic Trainer Peggy buschNelligan Sports Marketing Cathleen CampbellAssistant Coach Track & Field
tim Cawley
Assistant Coach Track & Field
ben Chulick
Director of Marketing Deidra ChurchEvents Coordinator Michelle Fargher ClarkAssistant Director of Marketing & Licensing
Jeff Collier
Athletics Business Manager
Mark Devine
Nelligan Sports Marketing terry DezeeuwHead Athletic Trainer Jeff DotsonVideo Coordinator Tim DuffieAssistant Coach Football tom ehlers Director of operations Football Steve Fairchild Head Coach Football Crystal Finn
Assistant Athletic Trainer Jen FisherHead Coach Softball Jim Francis Faculty Athletic Representative bri Frech Assistant Coach Volleyball zak Gilbert Director of Media Relations tonja Hadley Assistant Coach Softball Dan Hammerschmidt Assistant Coach Football tom Hilbert Head Coach Volleyball Anthoney Hill Assistant Coach Football Kristen Holt Head Coach Women’s Basketball Angie Hopkins Head Coach Women’s Golf Marcie Johnston
Administrative Assistant Kevin KassianNelligan Sports Marketing larry KerrAssistant Head Coach Football
randy Kinder
Annual Fund Director Development
Matt Klein
Assistant Business Manager
Paul Kowalczyk
Athletics Director linda KrierAdministrative Assistant Mike laPlanteAssociate A.D. Development larry lewis Assistant Coach Football Dick lien Assistant Coach Women’s Basketball Annie lopez
Assistant Athletic Trainer Jesse MahoneyAssociate Head Coach Volleyball
Danielle Marshall
Assistant Director of Media Relations
