2000-2001 has been one of the best years in CIAA history. In the August 2000 edition of the Commissioner's Report, I stated " … the CIAA is the best conference in America. The 2000-2001 season I am sure will prove that fact." Well, let me state for the record that 2000-2001 has proven that the CIAA is the best conference in America. Let's take a closer look into what was a banner year for the conference.
For the third consecutive year, the CIAA Tournament has shattered its previous attendance mark. This year, the Tournament's second year in Raleigh's Entertainment and Sports Arena, the CIAA Tournament attracted more than 75,000 fans, up from a little more than 55,000 last year. In 1999, the tournament's last year in Winston-Salem, approximately 42,000 were in attendance. The economic impact of the tournament is estimated at $8.825 million for the area, up $1 million from last year. Additionally, over 15,000 hotel rooms were picked up over the week of the tournament. The tournament, televised by UPN, averaged a 2.4 television household rating and 4.2 ( our of five) shares. The CIAA2001.com enjoyed over 310,000 hits during tournament week. Also, the CIAA was featured on the front page of the USA Today during the tournament, a first for this conference, or any other Division II conference for that matter. I am very proud for the conference that we are receiving the national exposure only the nation's number one newspaper can give.
Johnson C. Smith ranked #1 in the South Atlantic Region fulfilled its promise at the tournament. The Golden Bulls brought home the school's first CIAA title in its history. However, the Broncos of Fayetteville State did not make it an easy run. JCSU survived a fierce overtime battle, including a game-tying shot with :00.4 left on the clock to bring CIAA honors back to Charlotte. The Golden Bulls also made a run all the way to the Elite Eight in Bakersfield. Congratulations to Dr. Yancy and the rest of the Golden Bull Family.
Fayetteville State defeated CIAA regular season champion, NCCU to win the women's championship. Led by Women's MVP, Shaunici Morgan, the Broncos upset NCCU who had swept the regular season series. Congratulations to Dr. McLeod and the rest of the Bronco Family as well.
The Football Championship mirrored the CIAA Tournament in terms of excitement. The only conference football championship in Division II and the first playoff of its kind was a success.
Playing in front of nearly a full house at North Carolina Central, Winston-Salem State outlasted Virginia Union, 31-28. We are excited about the prospects of this game due to this year's smashing success. In fact, this year's game was the first time the conference ever finished with a profit. Congratulations to Dr. Martin and the rest of the Ram Family.
Unlike the tournament, this is a property that is essentially in its second year of existence, and our plans are to continue to grow it into a CIAA Fall Classic. We are planning events surrounding the game to make it a weekend of activities that all CIAA fans and alumni can enjoy. We are firming up plans to have the championship game in Winston-Salem. The city is finalizing its plans to host the game and we hope to make a formal announcement within a matter of weeks.
I look forward to seeing you in Winston-Salem on November 10th.
Led by one of the most feared stable of sprinters in the country, St. Augustine's won the NCAA Men's and Women's Indoor Championships. Continuing its run that began at Christopher Newport and the CIAA Indoors, the Lady Falcons ended the eight-year dominance of Abilene Christian. The men's team brought home the title ending Abilene Christian's men's championship run at five in a row. Congratulations to Dr. Suber and the Falcon Family.
I would also like to congratulate Coach George Williams on this dynamic achievement. Led by Coach Williams, CIAA Track and Field continues to raise its national profile.
The CIAA has reason to be proud of an extraordinary year! First, let me congratulate our marketing firm, Richard French and Associates for being selected as a finalist for the 2001 Public Relations Society of America's Silver Anvil Award. One of the highest achievements in the field..
Richard French and Associates (RFA) is part of the team that assisted in the student attendance increase at the tournament (500% increase). RFA is also responsible for developing the CIAA Campus Party, Hip Hop Hoops Tour and the Scream the Theme contest. They were also integral in landing us on the front page of USA Today.
Additionally, we would like to thank our partner, The Red Cross, for their efforts at the CIAA Tournament. Their blood drive was a success, however, even more important is their continued efforts in educating the black community on the necessity of blood donations.
The CIAA would also like to thank Home Depot and numerous volunteers
who helped build the KaBOOM! Playground during tournament week. Despite the
fact that there was snow and sleet, the volunteers worked throughout the day
to build a new playground in the
Durham West End that young people can enjoy.
This month, the CIAA will participate in the NFL/NCAA Life Skills Partnership. The program will be held at Johnson C. Smith. The CIAA is the first Division II conference to be invited to participate. The partnership assists college football administrators and coaches in helping football student-athletes understand the value of developing "life skills" in an effort to improve their chances of success in academics, athletics and life beyond their collegiate experience.
The conference continues to develop sponsorship support at a breakneck pace. The CIAA is negotiating with several companies including McDonald's and Nationwide Insurance to join our growing list of corporate partners. We are hoping to bring at least four new sponsors aboard within the next year. Our present corporate partners continue to provide us unprecedented support, and remain an important cog in the CIAA machine.
We are still not finished with the CIAA Season. Spring Sports Championships begin next week, and then we can tie a bow on the year. We wish all of our spring sports teams the best of luck at their respective championships. We hope some of them can move on to the NCAA field and bring back some championships!!