Today's top news stories from local and national media:
Today's Top Stories from Local and National Media:
Good afternoon K-State Nation!
Today has been another busy one for the Wildcats. President Schulz and Provost Mason are hosting a two-day campus visit by the state of Kansas Board of Regents, and we just finished giving them a special construction tour of our $18 million Basketball Training Facility. It was my first time inside the BTF since February 24 and I was amazed at the progress in that short time period. The limestone going on the exterior looks awesome!
There is lots of K-State sports action this weekend, so let's get right to the updates.
West Stadium Center Project Groundbreaking Set for April 28th
Today at lunch we hosted our media for a press conference announcing the next step in the Bill Snyder Family Stadium Master Plan, the West Stadium Center (click here for the official press release). When we proposed Phase II, the West Stadium Center, at the bowl pep rally at Rangers Ballpark in January, the reaction and endorsement from our fans was tremendous, and today I am very pleased to announce that enthusiasm has translated into dramatic fundraising momentum which will enable us to formally break ground on April 28, 2012, with the intent to complete the WSC in time for the 2013 football season. Interest in the project has been terrific, and with the recent commitment of a $5 million challenge gift from an anonymous donor and the full subscription of the WSC's 40 suites, we are now launching the club and loge seating phase of the project.
At over 250,000 square feet, the West Stadium Center will have something for every K-State fan and every student-athlete. Our goal of the Best Fan Experience in the Big 12 will be enhanced with twice as many restroom fixtures and four times the concession points of sale as the existing west stadium, along with a hall of honor recognizing the heritage of our university and athletics program, with equally vital improvements in safety, security and ADA access.
A student-athlete dining center will directly benefit all K-State athletics teams while the new structure will mark the northwest gateway of our beautiful campus and serve as rallying point for the entire university as we pursue the goal of elevating K-State into the ranks of the top 50 public research universities by 2025.
The West Stadium Center is also symbolic of our commitment to fiscal responsibility as no state or university tuition dollars will be used in its construction while it also generates significant future income to be invested in our program.
And, not insignificantly, the West Stadium Center and Bill Snyder Family Stadium Master Plan will help secure our competitive future, a future we are absolutely committed to championship performances at the highest level of intercollegiate athletics.
Click here learn more and find out how you can help make the WSC a reality.
Today has been another busy one for the Wildcats. President Schulz and Provost Mason are hosting a two-day campus visit by the state of Kansas Board of Regents, and we just finished giving them a special construction tour of our $18 million Basketball Training Facility. It was my first time inside the BTF since February 24 and I was amazed at the progress in that short time period. The limestone going on the exterior looks awesome!
There is lots of K-State sports action this weekend, so let's get right to the updates.
West Stadium Center Project Groundbreaking Set for April 28th
Today at lunch we hosted our media for a press conference announcing the next step in the Bill Snyder Family Stadium Master Plan, the West Stadium Center (click here for the official press release). When we proposed Phase II, the West Stadium Center, at the bowl pep rally at Rangers Ballpark in January, the reaction and endorsement from our fans was tremendous, and today I am very pleased to announce that enthusiasm has translated into dramatic fundraising momentum which will enable us to formally break ground on April 28, 2012, with the intent to complete the WSC in time for the 2013 football season. Interest in the project has been terrific, and with the recent commitment of a $5 million challenge gift from an anonymous donor and the full subscription of the WSC's 40 suites, we are now launching the club and loge seating phase of the project.
At over 250,000 square feet, the West Stadium Center will have something for every K-State fan and every student-athlete. Our goal of the Best Fan Experience in the Big 12 will be enhanced with twice as many restroom fixtures and four times the concession points of sale as the existing west stadium, along with a hall of honor recognizing the heritage of our university and athletics program, with equally vital improvements in safety, security and ADA access.
A student-athlete dining center will directly benefit all K-State athletics teams while the new structure will mark the northwest gateway of our beautiful campus and serve as rallying point for the entire university as we pursue the goal of elevating K-State into the ranks of the top 50 public research universities by 2025.
The West Stadium Center is also symbolic of our commitment to fiscal responsibility as no state or university tuition dollars will be used in its construction while it also generates significant future income to be invested in our program.
And, not insignificantly, the West Stadium Center and Bill Snyder Family Stadium Master Plan will help secure our competitive future, a future we are absolutely committed to championship performances at the highest level of intercollegiate athletics.
Click here learn more and find out how you can help make the WSC a reality.
Continue reading Letter from A.D. John Currie - April 6.
Good afternoon Wildcat Nation,
Thank you for your continued support of K-State athletics and our 440 student-athletes and our 16 teams.
A few moments ago, we wrapped up a news conference in the Legends Room at Bramlage Coliseum to address the status of our men's basketball program. As you are aware, Coach Martin has resigned his position as head coach.
Coach Martin's contract called for a renegotiation period to begin on April 1, but almost two months ago we offered Coach Martin the opportunity to begin discussions on a significant enhancement and extension of his contract. His decision, which we respected, was to wait until the end of the season to begin those conversations and in our frequent subsequent discussions he maintained that position. On Friday, I received a call from South Carolina AD Eric Hyman informing me of their interest in Coach Martin. Later that evening I received a request from Coach Martin indicating that his representatives had been in touch with South Carolina and he wished to speak with South Carolina and intended to take the position if offered. Yesterday afternoon Coach Martin informed me that he had accepted the position at South Carolina and was resigning his position at K-State.
We wish him the best and offer our appreciation for all he and his staff have accomplished for our basketball program, athletics department and university during his time as head coach.
Thank you for your continued support of K-State athletics and our 440 student-athletes and our 16 teams.
A few moments ago, we wrapped up a news conference in the Legends Room at Bramlage Coliseum to address the status of our men's basketball program. As you are aware, Coach Martin has resigned his position as head coach.
Coach Martin's contract called for a renegotiation period to begin on April 1, but almost two months ago we offered Coach Martin the opportunity to begin discussions on a significant enhancement and extension of his contract. His decision, which we respected, was to wait until the end of the season to begin those conversations and in our frequent subsequent discussions he maintained that position. On Friday, I received a call from South Carolina AD Eric Hyman informing me of their interest in Coach Martin. Later that evening I received a request from Coach Martin indicating that his representatives had been in touch with South Carolina and he wished to speak with South Carolina and intended to take the position if offered. Yesterday afternoon Coach Martin informed me that he had accepted the position at South Carolina and was resigning his position at K-State.
We wish him the best and offer our appreciation for all he and his staff have accomplished for our basketball program, athletics department and university during his time as head coach.
Continue reading Letter from A.D. John Currie - March 27.
Dear Wildcat Nation,
Greetings from the Little Apple! After several days of needed rain showers, it appears we are in store for a beautiful spring weekend as we host events in baseball and tennis.
It certainly has been a great year so far for our athletics program: in fact, did you know that K-State is one of only five schools in the country this year that went to a bowl game and picked up wins in the NCAA volleyball and both basketball championships? And, we still have the remainder of the spring season to add to those accolades as baseball, tennis, golf, track and field, rowing and equestrian continue their schedules.
Greetings from the Little Apple! After several days of needed rain showers, it appears we are in store for a beautiful spring weekend as we host events in baseball and tennis.
It certainly has been a great year so far for our athletics program: in fact, did you know that K-State is one of only five schools in the country this year that went to a bowl game and picked up wins in the NCAA volleyball and both basketball championships? And, we still have the remainder of the spring season to add to those accolades as baseball, tennis, golf, track and field, rowing and equestrian continue their schedules.
Continue reading Letter from A.D. John Currie - March 23.
Good evening K-State Fans!
After the flight home Tuesday from Connecticut with our women's basketball team I have been back in the office going through the usual accumulation that results from a week on the road! Before I dig into the next stack, I do want to take a moment to offer my congratulations to both our basketball teams on another terrific season for each. Not only did both programs reach the 20-win mark again, but K-State was one of only 10 schools in the nation this year to have both its men's and women's teams win games in the NCAA tournament. I am very proud of the hard work of our student-athletes and coaches as we enjoy continued success both on the court and in the classroom.
As many of you are aware, we experienced a very unfortunate off-court issue last weekend involving our basketball student-athlete Jamar Samuels, and I want to take a minute to help our fans understand NCAA rules and processes related to situations like this.
After the flight home Tuesday from Connecticut with our women's basketball team I have been back in the office going through the usual accumulation that results from a week on the road! Before I dig into the next stack, I do want to take a moment to offer my congratulations to both our basketball teams on another terrific season for each. Not only did both programs reach the 20-win mark again, but K-State was one of only 10 schools in the nation this year to have both its men's and women's teams win games in the NCAA tournament. I am very proud of the hard work of our student-athletes and coaches as we enjoy continued success both on the court and in the classroom.
As many of you are aware, we experienced a very unfortunate off-court issue last weekend involving our basketball student-athlete Jamar Samuels, and I want to take a minute to help our fans understand NCAA rules and processes related to situations like this.
Continue reading Letter from A.D. John Currie - March 21.
Greetings from Kansas City!
In just a few hours, we will head over to historic Municipal Auditorium for our women's Big 12 semifinal basketball matchup with No. 1 Baylor. If you are in the Kansas City area, come cheer on Coach Patterson's squad following our big win over Iowa State yesterday. If you cannot make it to the game, tune in to Fox Sports Net at noon for a live telecast or listen along the K-State Sports Network.
Thanks to all the fans that made it to either one or both Thursday matchups in Kansas City - we are pleased with not only the performance of both of our teams this season but also the continued fan support that makes Bramlage Coliseum and both venues in Kansas City such a tremendous home court advantage.
I'm proud of the leadership of both our coaches and the perseverance of our teams. In a conference as tough as the Big 12 there are going to be inevitable ups and downs - but did you know that K-State is the only school in the league to have both men's and women's teams finish in the top five for two consecutive years? Coach Patterson is now one win away from her ninth 20th-win season and Coach Martin has had five straight 20-win seasons. In fact, in men's basketball over that time frame KU and K-State rank first and second in total Big 12 wins!
In just a few hours, we will head over to historic Municipal Auditorium for our women's Big 12 semifinal basketball matchup with No. 1 Baylor. If you are in the Kansas City area, come cheer on Coach Patterson's squad following our big win over Iowa State yesterday. If you cannot make it to the game, tune in to Fox Sports Net at noon for a live telecast or listen along the K-State Sports Network.
Thanks to all the fans that made it to either one or both Thursday matchups in Kansas City - we are pleased with not only the performance of both of our teams this season but also the continued fan support that makes Bramlage Coliseum and both venues in Kansas City such a tremendous home court advantage.
I'm proud of the leadership of both our coaches and the perseverance of our teams. In a conference as tough as the Big 12 there are going to be inevitable ups and downs - but did you know that K-State is the only school in the league to have both men's and women's teams finish in the top five for two consecutive years? Coach Patterson is now one win away from her ninth 20th-win season and Coach Martin has had five straight 20-win seasons. In fact, in men's basketball over that time frame KU and K-State rank first and second in total Big 12 wins!
Continue reading Letter from A.D. John Currie - March 9.
Top stories from local and national media:
Top Stories from local and national media:
