University of North Texas Athletics
Villarreals Views
7/29/2011 12:00:00 AM | Football
Posted Jun 29, 2011
When I became the Athletic Director here 10 years ago, I knew changes were necessary. As an Athletic Director, believe it or not, my number one priority is academics. I'm a firm believer that the athletic department staff has a responsibility to educate and mentor our student-athletes. I have been in collegiate athletics for many years and I have learned that there is a direct correlation between success in the classroom and success on the fields and courts of competition. The best compliment I can receive as an Athletic Director is when a fan, alum or professor tells me that one of our student-athletes has excelled in the classroom and is a role model to others in the community.
This year the men's cross country and women's tennis teams earned perfect 1,000 multiyear scores, which is a first in Mean Green history. Overall, 10 teams improved from last year's report, including every men's program. Additionally, twelve teams scored higher than 960 and seven sports (football- 932; men's cross country- 1,000; men's golf- 992, men's indoor track- 972; men's outdoor track- 972; softball- 993; tennis- 1,000) recorded their highest-ever marks on the NCAA's annual Academic Progress Rate (APR).
This report measures a school's performance in keeping its athletes in school, eligible and working towards a degree. The NCAA began releasing scores in the 2004-05 academic year. The NCAA mandates a score of 925 as acceptable for each sport. Universities can be penalized if academic standards are not upheld. This report shows that our coaches, academic staff, student-athletes and everyone associated with Athletics are committed to success in the classroom. I am extremely excited and pleased to have two perfect scores, and that is exactly what we strive for in each and every sport. The success in the classroom is in large part due to the loyal support of our Mean Green Club members. Thanks to this club, 350 Mean Green student-athletes have the opportunity and privilege to attend college with the assistance of a financial scholarship.
While beaming with pride regarding our academic progress, the past few weeks have been busy for my staff and me. We completed a five-stop Mean Green Club Coaches Caravan throughout the Metroplex. The caravan tour allowed head coaches, athletic administrators, and great friends like Joe Greene, the opportunity to meet with our fans in their hometowns. I look forward to making the caravans an annual event and greeting more present and future fans at each stop.
Besides the successful caravans, seat selection for our new Mean Green Stadium and upcoming football season, is nearly complete. It has been exciting seeing season ticket-holders marking seats off the map and the joy and pride fans exude in the new Mean Green Stadium. The stadium progress is incredible; the turf is down, the benches and club level seats have been installed. We are only a month away from taking possession of the crown jewel in North Texas Athletics facilities.
Coach McCarney has challenged every Mean Green fan to bring a friend to the home opener on September 10th against Houston to break the attendance record. Don't miss out on the opportunity to be part of North Texas Athletics history. Buy your season tickets and encourage others to do the same! Join the Mean Green Club and get ready for an exciting ride in the Coach McCarney era.
All of our summer youth camps are also in full swing. If you have young people who have an interest in learning fundamentals and teamwork, while being instructed by some of the best coaches in collegiate athletics, please come to one of our camps. You can find out more information on our website MeanGreenSports.com, under the Athletics tab and then Camps/Clinics.
Please note: the North Texas Women's Clinic has been postponed until July 30. Details will be posted soon on MeanGreenSports.com.
I hope everyone has a great summer spending time with family and friends. I continue looking forward to seeing members of our Mean Green Nation in the coming months.
Go Mean Green!
Rick Villarreal
