Hello DU Fans and Supporters!
The 2009-10 athletic season is winding down after another successful season in the classroom and playing field. DU is currently No. 64 in the Learfield Sports Directors' Cup and No. 1 among all I-AAA, Sun Belt Conference and Front Range schools! Our season was highlighted by the sking program's 21st NCAA championship and the Pioneers sent eight teams (women's soccer, men's and women's skiing, hockey, gymnastics, men's lacrosse, women's golf and men's tennis) to NCAA postseason action. We also had four individuals - Ute Schnoy and Sophia Bergner (women's tennis), Kimberly Kim (women's golf) and Espen Kofstad (men's golf) competed in the NCAAs as individuals. In addition to the skiing national championship, DU brought home conference championships in women's soccer, hockey, men's lacrosse and women's golf.
We had six head coaches earn coach of the year honors - George Gwozdecky (Hockey), Aaron D'Addario (Men's Diving), Sammie Chergo (Women's Golf), Andy LeRoy (Alpine Skiing), David Stewart (Nordic Skiing) and Bill Tierney (Men's Lacrosse).
The Pioneers were dominant in the classroom this year as well. Denver captured its 10th consecutive Sun Belt Conference Graduation Rate Award and four student-athletes - Tyler Ruegsegger, David Simson, Olivia Dean and Antje Maempel - were recently named to the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District VII At-Large First Team.
The hockey team placed a WCHA-record 19 student-athletes on the All-Academic Team and every eligible member of the men's basketball team had a 3.0 GPA or higher. Congratulations to all of our student-athletes for the continued commitment in the classroom.
NCAA Re-Certification
We are proud to announce that the University of Denver's comprehensive self-study of the athletic programs has officially been submitted to the NCAA. Every 10 years the NCAA reviews and re-certifies Division I athletic programs on the performance of the athletic department on three operating principles- governance and compliance; academic integrity; and gender, diversity, and student-athlete well-being. This has been a great opportunity for DU to reaffirm our commitment to our student-athletes as students first, and to reaffirm our goal for our student-athletes to have successful experiences and outcomes academically, athletically, and socially. DU's self-study will be evaluated by the NCAA Peer Review Team from Oct. 3-5.
Bowlen Training Center Dedicated
Thanks again to Pat Bowlen and the many donors who made our new strength and conditioning facility become a reality this season. The Pat Bowlen Training Complex was officially dedicated on May 7 in a special ceremony. Click here to re-live the dedication and view exciting photos and videos of the first-class facility.
Hall of Fame Class of 2010 Announced
Congratulations to the five distinguished individuals - Gordon Cooper (Heritage Era), Lee Courkamp (Modern Era), Sara Fadenrecht (Female), Carlene Petersen (Former Coach) and Dr. Nancy Sampson (Special Individual) - and the 1968-69 NCAA championship hockey team for their upcoming induction into the University of Denver Athletic Hall of Fame's Class of 2010 on Thursday, October 14, 2010, in the Gottesfeld Room at the Daniel L. Ritchie Center for Sports and Wellness on the DU campus. The Hall of Fame celebration begins at 7 p.m. For ticket information on attending the ceremony, please contact Diane Wendt at diane.wendt@du.edu or (303) 871-3913.
Red Vest Set for June 10-11
You won't want to miss our fourth annual Red Vest Invitational Golf Tournament, which celebrates our 17 sports programs, on June 10-11. A Pioneer Pre-Party/Auction featuring DU coaches and former student-athletes is set for June 10 at Phipps Mansion from 5:30-9 p.m. The Red Vest Golf Scramble at Green Valley Ranch Golf Course on June 11 begins with a shotgun start at 7:30 a.m. Your support of this wonderful event is greatly appreciated. Please contact Jon Boos (jboos@du.edu or 303-871-4467) for registration information!
I will see you at the Red Vest! Have a great summer.
Peg
Peg Bradley-Doppes, Vice Chancellor for Athletics and Recreation and Ritchie Center Operations
