David Pillen Introduction

This past summer of 2011, I had the opportunity to intern for the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference located in Richardson, Texas. The Lone Star Conference (LSC) is long known as a leader in intercollegiate athletics as an innovative athletics conference which aims to provide a superior competitive experience for member institutions and to allow for comprehensive development of student-athletes through academic services and life skills programming. The LSC continues to build upon its proud history while intending to be recognized as the premier NCAA Division II conference in the nation. The league's mission is to foster student participation and success among member institutions in Division II intercollegiate athletics as an integral part of each institution's total educational program. The LSC strives for academic excellence, stresses involvement within the community, and prides itself in upholding traditions while continually seeking new opportunities to provide student-athletes with a unique and superior experience. As the summer intern for the Lone Star Conference I assisted in the following: Assist marketing and media relations director’s on various projects, such as maintaining/updating website, social media, researching/updating historical records, preparing new branding initiative incorporating newly adapted organizational values. Assist compliance director on various projects, such as monitoring summer financial aid program, organizing/filing end-of-year reports for financial aid and participation. Assist in planning and preparation for LSC Football Media Day event. Assist in planning and preparation for LSC President's Council meeting and SID’s meeting. Assist in planning, preparation, and facilitation for LSC Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Summer Retreat. Assist commissioner with other duties as assigned. Being able to be apart of many defining moments for this organization was a blessing. It is inspiring to see people striving to be great and keeps moving forward in that. I thoroughly enjoyed working with Stan, Jay, Melanie, and Travis closely as a group. I’m excited for the upcoming year and look forward to assisting them with whatever I can in the future. As the years pass by and my involvement within collegiate athletics develops, my passion for student-athletes and the things that go on in the background keeps growing each and every day. I hope that our conference continues to propel itself into position as the premier Division II conference and builds on the foundation established.

Year End Repot Stan Wagnon Phone: (972) 234-0033 ext. 101 stan@lonestarconference.org Dear Commisioner Wagnon, Thank you for a great summer. I thoroughly enjoyed working with you, Jay, Melanie, and Travis closely as a group. I’m excited for the upcoming year and look forward to assisting with whatever I can. As the years pass by and my involvement within collegiate athletics develops, my passion for Division II keeps growing each and every day. I hope that our conference continues to propel itself into position as the premier Division II conference and builds on the foundation established. Lone Star Conference SAAC: As you know, we last met at our summer retreat in Kingsville, TX. I think we have another great year in front of us and I consider that being the premiere Division II conference is something we are all committed to. It’s interesting to see the transition between each year on our conference SAAC, but it’s a dynamic that I think works to involve the student-athletes in our conference with an excellent opportunity for leadership. I look forward to our November meeting (I hope I can attend). National SAAC: This past July in Indianapolis was our National NCAA SAAC Summit. Discussions were productive and I think we have a great opportunity to be proactive rather than reactive at this point in time as a division. We discussed in great detail on legislative issues, nutrition, and health safety issues with fellow student-athletes and management council from throughout or division. Make-A-Wish: The Make-A-Wish Foundation has become a strong passion of mine. This past year, Division II raised an unofficial amount of more than $400,000. What we do on the field and what we do in the classroom is essential, but being able to making an impact in someone else’s life is something that makes an incredible difference than what one could really imagine. Thank you for the opportunity to serve our conference on the national level and I look forward to our next meeting together. If you have any questions regarding this letter or our next meeting please do not hesitate to contact me. Sincerely, David Pillen Abilene Christian University Lone Star Conference dpillen@gmail.com 281-750-2821

Beginning Notes I think this is a great idea and something that will really help separate the LSC apart from other conferences in Division II to continue to move forward in being THE premiere conference. Not many people profile and share their story, even in Division I. I feel that I could produce a high-quality piece of work if this is something that you want me to work on. I have all of my own equipment - it's just in Abilene. The first four links are video of the work I've done just this past year. Also, thinking about the ground work to get some of these video's done - I think it would be beneficial to be able to capture each individual we choose to be represented in the videos - at their institution. This would mean the filming would have to be done on the campus' of the LSC which would also bring forth visibility for them as well as the LSC. I would not mind traveling. But, below are my 4 videos, 2 Big Ten videos that are done very well, and then what types of videos we could utilize. Let me know what you think! http://youtu.be/abtllC-PutI - 2011 Demo Real http://youtu.be/hW-SiHciNwY - Erin Gilliland - THIS IS ACU http://youtu.be/ozlDQkawmLY - Tatum's Story http://youtu.be/Q4FQ6gmBlnI - Kirk House (Musician) Interview http://youtu.be/BbhP78HeBJU - Big Ten - Leaders and Legends (30-second version) http://youtu.be/eOaGe_14w1M - Big Ten - Leaders and Legends Slogan Statement: This video produces a production of quick, repeating statements of various individuals with the slogan being used with an action incorporated after the slogan has been said. Example: http://youtu.be/s8aArkzO43U Student-Athlete Feature: This feature highlights a student-athlete and their experience, or individual story. Example: http://youtu.be/GST8mMDC4Rc Mission Statement: Prominent leader of the organization is interviewed stating the mission and values of the organization. (Short piece) Prominent leader of the organization then discusses those values, the statement, and their vision. (Long piece) Example: http://vimeo.com/15429841 Core Value(s): It would be ideal to do an interview with a substantial “known” coach, administrator, or student-athlete that may represent a specific value well and would be able to speak and expound upon that value and what it means to them personally and in relation to the organization. Example: http://vimeo.com/22973772

Could be a PSA- utilizing student-athletes (We’re the one graphic) We strive for academic excellence We believe in supporting our community We’re committed to being the best We exemplify respect on and off the field We have confidence in our integrity We’re proud of our Tradition That’s why we’re the ONE ONE ONE That’s why we’re the ONE the LONE Star Conference (We’re the one graphic and LSC logo) (Learn more at lonestarconference.org) Could be a PSA (Graphics, highlights, etc. with a voiceover) One Conference 11 institutions of higher learning Sharing one vision With passion, with pride, with honor Motivated by the challenges Confident in our abilities Reaching our full potential Treasuring our accomplishments On the field In the Classroom And in the community We’re the ONE THE LONE STAR CONFERENCE Could be a Basketball PSA We’re the One Bringing Basketball to Allen Every Pass Every Dunk Every Game Leads to being the ONE We’re the ONE the LONE STAR CONFERENCE LSC BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT (Dates) Watch live www.lonestarconference.org

Could be a PSA (Graphics, Highlights, etc. with a voiceover) One Conference 11 institutions of higher learning With a solitary commitment to be the best adhering to one standard of conduct With a tradition unlike any other Standing out in the classroom and on the court Possessing a Luminary presence in the community Seeking to be preeminent but respecting opponents The Lone Star Conference We’re the ONE Could be a football PSA We’re the one Bringing DII football to Cowboy Stadium ONE Festival ONE Day ONE Dream We’re the one the Lone Star Conference Could be a quick PSA or print ad For member co-branding: Texas A&M-Commerce and the Lone Star Conference... We're the ONE. Could be a quick PSA or print ad We’re the ONE. . . ACADEMICS ATHLETICS LIFE We’re the One the Lone Star Conference Could be a quick PSA or print ad We’re the one. . . Then, Now, Forever We’re the ONE…the Lone Star Conference

Could incorporate into a print ad We’re the ONE. . . Connecting with our fans Facebook. Twitter. Youtube.

     

ACU:  Roosevelt Lofton, TF Coach Tradition, Commitment

• Speak about the tradition of winning national championships • How do you use tradition as an asset when recruiting • Talk about rivalries with other track programs in LSC, knowing they see your program as a ‘target’ • What type of commitment does it take to maintain such high expectations • When evaluating recruits, how do you gauge their level of commitment • Assuming the WE is ACU track, how would you complete this statement: “We’re the one for…”

ASU: Joe Rallo, President Integrity, Commitment

• What value do you place on integrity on campus and within the athletic department, and how is that demonstrated • How important is it to know other conference members have integrity • Describe the benefits to a university that invests in athletics • Talk about ASU’s commitment to developing the whole person and ensuring that athletics is part of the overall

educational program. • Assuming the WE is Angelo State, how would you complete this statement: “We’re the one for…”

Chuck Waddington, VB Coach Tradition, Community

• Speak about the tradition of ASU volleyball and LSC volleyball • How do you use tradition as an asset when recruiting • Talk about rivalries with other volleyball programs in LSC • How important is team chemistry and what can you do to create as sense of family • Do various programs within the athletic department support others, have a sense of community • What type of involvement do ASU volleyball players have with the San Angelo community • Assuming the WE is ASU volleyball, how would you complete this statement: “We’re the one for…”

Kathleen Brasfield, AD Tradition, Community, Commitment

• What role does athletics play in generating a sense of school spirit and pride on campus • Assuming the WE is Angelo State, how would you complete this statement: “We’re the one for…”

TSU: Lonn Reisman, AD Integrity, Tradition, Community

• Talk about your philosophy of leading the athletic department and trying to get staff to do things the right way. • Speak about the tradition of winning at Tarleton and how you were able to start that • How do you use tradition as an asset when recruiting • Talk about rivalries with other MBB programs in LSC, knowing they see your program as a ‘target’ • What role does athletics play in generating a sense of school spirit and pride on campus • Assuming the WE is Tarleton State, how would you complete this statement: “We’re the one for…”

A&M-C: Dan Jones, President Integrity, Respect, Academic Excellence, Commitment

• What value do you place on integrity on campus and within the athletic department, and how is that demonstrated • How important is it to know other conference members have integrity • Describe the benefits to a university that invests in athletics • Speak to the importance of student-athletes having respect for others on campus and in the community • Talk about A&M-Commerce’s commitment to supporting the academic endeavors of student-athletes (or all students). • What is academic excellence and how do you help student-athletes get there • Assuming the WE is A&M-Commerce, how would you complete this statement: “We’re the one for…”

Guy Morriss, FB Coach Integrity, Tradition

• What value do you place on integrity, and how is that demonstrated to your coaching staff and players • How important is it to know other conference coaches and players have integrity • Speak about the tradition at A&M-Commerce and being part of that • How do you use tradition as an asset when recruiting • Talk about rivalries with other football programs in LSC and its competitive nature • What role does the football program play in generating a sense of school spirit and pride on campus • Assuming the WE is A&M-Commerce football, how would you complete this statement: “We’re the one for…”

Carlton Cooper, AD Respect, Community, Commitment

• What role does athletics play in generating a sense of school spirit and pride on campus • Assuming the WE is A&M-Commerce, how would you complete this statement: “We’re the one for…”

TWU: Beth Jillson, WBB Coach Respect, Academic Excellence, Tradition

• What value do you place on respect, and how is that demonstrated in your program • When evaluating recruits, how do you gauge their ability to show respect on and off the court • For players already on your team, how do you emphasize good character on and off the court • It seems your athletic department has a sense of pride about academic excellence, talk about it • How important is it to recognize academic excellence • Talk about what it means to have won a women’s basketball conference championship in a league with such great

tradition • Assuming the WE is Texas Woman’s, how would you complete this statement: “We’re the one for…”

                             

WE’RE THE ONE.    

                       

 

This  document  will  propose  a  tagline  and  the  next  steps  associated  with  

telling  our  story.  The  tagline  will  help  promote  the  LSC  brand  and  

organizational  values  now  and  in  the  future.  Also  included  in  this  

document  are  examples  of  marketing  materials  that  we  could  

strategically  utilize.  With  that  in  mind  the  goal  is  to  identify  the  LSC  as  

the  premier  NCAA  Division  II  conference  in  the  country,  providing  

student-­‐athletes  an  experience  unlike  any  other.    

 

 

 

Lone  Star  Conference                 O R G A N I Z AT I O N A LVA L U E S   W E C O M M I T T O T H E S E V A L U E S T O G U I D E O U R D E C I S I O N S A N D A C T I O N S :  

Integrity The Lone Star Conference (LSC) will operate from an ethical frame of reference. We adhere to the highest standard of conduct which is consistent with the overall values of the Conference, its member institutions, the NCAA, and governing bodies for the various sports. We behave with honesty and fairness, promoting justice, admitting errors, and acting in alignment with our asserted mission and values. Tradition We have experienced unparalleled success in our 80-year history, including 74 NCAA national championships since becoming a Division II member in 1982. The national accolades obtained by LSC student-athletes and coaches solidify our Conference as elite. The rivalries and school spirit exhibited among our member schools are second to none. We have established a legacy of producing notable professional athletes, particularly in football. We pledge to uphold past traditions with a willingness to identify new opportunities to provide student-athletes with a unique and superior experience. Community We view activities on LSC campuses, Conference championships, and special events as outlets for giving back to the community. We seek to engage our student-athletes and coaches, along with key campus and Conference personnel, with area businesses, civic organizations, and community members. Each of our member institutions carries a strong presence in the local community and proudly makes a difference in its hometown and surrounding area. For these reasons, the Conference is intentional about involving its various communities in all endeavors. Academic Excellence The Lone Star Conference takes pride in academics and seeks to graduate student-athletes at the highest rate. As such, the LSC annually allocates funding for academic support on each member campus and provides continuing education opportunities to former student-athletes. We have established an extensive academic awards program to recognize achievement, including the prestigious Fred Jacoby Academic Athlete of the Year award, which celebrates the top female and male on an annual basis. Respect LSC student-athletes are competitive and passionate on the playing field, yet our member institutions take pride in shaping student-athletes to demonstrate a similar passion for admirable acts of citizenship and good sportsmanship, both inside and outside the athletic setting. We emphasize exceptional character at LSC athletic events, which positions our student-athletes to be role models in university life. We maintain an environment that promotes gender equity and embraces diversity, providing fair and equitable treatment to all student-athletes and staff members. Furthermore, the LSC is committed to respecting all member institutions and making decisions in the best interest of the Conference. Commitment The LSC is committed to developing the whole person and providing a life in the balance. We are committed to operating in a fiscally responsible manner and developing partnerships that assist in enhancing opportunities for student-athletes. We are committed to recognizing significant achievement and promoting the accomplishments of member institutions. Most importantly, all LSC members are committed to being the best in NCAA Division II

 

Lone  Star  Conference                 O R G A N I Z AT I O N R AT I O N A L E      

- Our  decorated  past  and  desired  future  merit  a  bold  statement  that  separates  us  from  any  other  conference  

- All  of  us  are  committed  to  being  the  best    - We  believe  this  tagline  can  help  promote  our  values  and  accomplishments    - We  believe  that  we  can  take  advantage  of  creative  branding  concepts    - We  are  one  unified  Conference  working  together  to  enhance  the  student-­‐athlete  experience    - We  provide  an  experience  unlike  any  other  in  Division  II  and  can  use  this  tagline  to  tell  that  

story    

 Marketing  Materials    

       Sample  Logo                          Sample  Logo  2  

 LSC    Public  Announcer  Sample  Script  Thank  you  for  attending  today’s  game  and  for  supporting    _________  [name  of  institution]  athletics.  

As  a  proud  member  of  the  Lone  Star  Conference,  we’re  committed  to  RESPECT,  INTEGRITY,  TRADITION,  COMMUNITY  and  ACADEMIC  EXCELLENCE.  _____________  [name  of  institution]  and  the  Lone  Star  Conference…  WE’RE  THE  ONE.    

         

Sample  Radio/Video  PSA  Script  Radio/Video  PSA  

:30  Second    LONE  STAR  CONFERENCE,  WE’RE  THE  ONE    

(UTILIZING  STUDENT-­‐ATHLETES)    

 (LONE  STAR  CONFERENCE  LOGO)  (WE’RE  THE  ONE  STAMP)    Student  #1:     We  strive  for  academic  excellence    

 Student  #2:     We  believe  in  engaging  our  community    Student  #3:     We’re  committed  to  being  the  best      Student  #4:     We  exemplify  respect  on  and  off  the  field      Student  #5:     We  trust  in  our  integrity      Student  #6:     We’re  proud  of  our  tradition      Student  #2:     That’s  why  WE’RE  THE  ONE.      Student  #5:     WE’RE  THE  ONE.      Student  #3:     WE’RE  THE  ONE.    

 LONE  STAR  CONFERENCE,  WE’RE  THE  ONE.  (Learn  more  at  lonestarconference.org)  

         

 

 

 

 

 

Strategic  Plan  for  2011  Lone  Star  Football  Festival  at  Dallas  Cowboys  Stadium  

Purpose:  Implement  strategy  for  each  participating  university  to  use  on  campus  to  develop  awareness  toward  event.  

3  Areas:  Campus  Outreach,  Outside  Community,  Online/Social  Media  Outlets  

Each  participating  university  must  develop  a  plan  of  action  for  tailgating  and  mass  travel  arrangements  through  athletics/university  for  game  day  

Sporting  events  prior  to  the  festival;  Hand  out  flyers,  play  LSC  PSA  video,  PA  announcement,  etc.  to  spread  the  word  on  how  your  community  can  attend  the  festival.  (Note:  your  university  can  develop  its  own  PSA  video  to  market  attendance  to  the  game)  

Work  with  alumni  base;  identify  leaders  on  your  campus  (Sororities,  Fraternities,  Student  Organizations,  etc.)  and  in  your  community  (Big  Brothers  Big  Sisters,  YMCA,  Company  Sponsors,  etc.)  who  may  want  to  partner  with  your  university  to  travel  to  the  game  and  who  would  be  willing  to  help  set  up  tailgating  spots.  

Reach  out  to  the  community  to  bring  to  the  game  who  might  not  normally  attend.  

Tell  your  friends,  family,  and  neighbors,  and  even  go  to  other  campus  group  meetings  to  let  them  know  about  your  plan  of  action.  

Hold  an  event.  Whether  it’s  a  beginning  of  the  year  dinner/tailgate,  orientation  forum,  and  or  even  a  public  event  can  be  a  great  way  to  bring  new  faces  into  the  mix.  

Have  a  table  out  on  a  busy  area  of  campus  informing  your  university  about  the  festival.  

Post  up  flyers,  posters,  billboards,  table  stands,  t-­‐shirts,  digital  screens,  student  e-­‐mail  login  ads  etc.  around  campus  inviting  others  to  join.  

Work  with  professors.  Many  professors  will  be  extremely  excited  to  take  part  in  and  spread  the  word  about  the  festival  to  their  students.  Would  a  specific  college  or  department  be  willing  to  travel  together  to  the  game?  

Tell  the  media.  Start  with  your  campus  and  local  paper  and  or  radio/TV  broadcast  stations  to  inform  both  the  campus  community  and  the  general  public  about  what  is  happening.  Post  large,  clear  to  see  web  banners  on  main  athletic,  university,  and  social  media  sites  to  spread  information.  Mass  e-­‐mail  lists  about  the  event.  

D2football.com  &  LSCScoop.com:  post  information  on  these  sites  for  traveling  purposes  etc.  

In  a  recent  article  about  the  festival,  Commissioner  Wagnon  commented  on  the  newly  streamlined  league  as  a  result  of  the  conference  realignment  saying,  “The  recent  changes  in  our  membership  helped  to  form  a  core  group  of  schools  whose  administrators  have  agreed  to  use  athletic  events  like  this  to  increase  visibility  and  promote  the  overall  brand  of  their  universities.”  

Is  your  university  doing  its  best  to  increase  visibility  and  promote  awareness  of  its  overall  brand?  

Rule  of  thumb:  Each  university  must  ask  itself,  “Can  someone  who  has  no  idea  about  the  Lone  Star  Conference  Football  Festival  find  out  information  about  our  school  participating  in  the  festival  and  how  they  can  attend  the  very  instant  they  search  for  information  on  our  website?”  

As  of  June  9,  2011,  when  locating  each  participating  schools  athletic  website,  ACU,  Midwestern  State,  and  Texas  A&M-­‐Commerce  each  have  a  splash  page,  or  screen  before  entering  the  actual  athletic  website  which  advertises  their  school  participating  in  the  Lone  Star  Football  Festival.  A  splash  screen  is  an  image  that  appears  before  the  actual  website  is  entered  and  can  be  used  to  describe  an  introduction  page  on  a  website.  Splash  screens  sometimes  do  not  cover  the  entire  screen,  but  only  a  rectangle  near  the  center.  Splash  screens  typically  serve  to  enhance  the  look  and  feel  of  an  application  or  web  site,  and  hence  are  often  visually  appealing,  and  may  also  have  animations,  video,  graphics  and  sound.  It  is  encouraged  that  each  participating  school  has  a  splash  screen  on  their  athletic  site  before  the  start  of  the  school  year  when  visitors  to  your  site  will  certainly  increase  due  to  the  start  of  the  fall  season.  

As  of  June  7,  2011,  when  locating  each  participating  schools  university  website,  only  West  Texas  A&M  University  has  any  type  of  image,  text,  or  video  displaying  information  about  their  school  playing  in  Dallas  Cowboys  Stadium.  It  is  encouraged  that  each  participating  schools  university  website  has  information  about  their  athletic  program  being  associated  with  the  Lone  Star  Football  Festival  on  its  main  page  visible  up  until  the  date  of  the  festival.  

To  reach  out  to  each  campus  specifically  and  efficiently,  it’s  best  to  know  what  works  best  on  your  campus.    

For  example,  at  Texas  A&M-­‐Commerce,  it  is  likely  best  to  advertise  in  all  of  the  buildings  on  campus  with  flyers  and  on  the  digital  screens  etc.  Send  out  e-­‐mails  to  all  of  the  students  and  speak  to  the  leaders  of  all  the  different  organizations  on  campus.  Also,  Facebook  is  always  a  great  tool  to  reach  out.  Another  way  for  the  community  of  TAMUC  to  attend  the  football  festival  is  to  provide  free  transportation,  t-­‐shirts,  prizes,  and  possibly  food  at  the  tailgates,  just  like  they  have  done  in  the  past  at  the  Cotton  Bowl.    

For  Abilene  Christian,  a  great  way  to  spread  information  around  campus  is  to  have  announcements  in  chapel,  especially  the  week  leading  up  to  the  festival  weekend.  You  can  run  ads  in  the  Optimist  newspaper,  but  you  honestly  won’t  get  much  following  from  that.  You  could  also  run  the  LSC  PSA  video  on  the  Christ  Thomsen  Show  each  week  leading  up  to  the  game,  as  well  as  run  radio  spots  on  KACU.  Spreading  flyers  around  campus,  on  the  digital  screens  in  the  library  and  the  campus  center  are  other  great  ways  to  spread  information.  MyACU  login  ads  are  free  and  are  linkable  to  outside  websites.  It  is  a  site  that  students  and  faculty  use  every  single  day,  several  times  a  day.  If  you  can  provide  free  transportation,  tailgating  at  the  stadium,  and  get  the  social  clubs  involved  –  you  will  basically  have  the  entire  ACU  community  in  Dallas  Cowboys  Stadium.  And  as  always,  Facebook  and  Twitter  are  other  ways  to  spread  the  word.  

At  Texas  A&M-­‐Kingsville  and  Midwestern  State,  simply  through  word  of  mouth  and  flyers  around  campus  along  with  transportation  to  the  game  should  get  a  great  turnout  from  the  community.  

West  Texas  A&M  would  like  to  see  a  rematch  against  ACU  in  Dallas  Cowboys  Stadium,  but  all  joking  aside,  spreading  the  word  through  Facebook,  Twitter  and  flyers  around  campus  and  the  school  website  is  a  great  way  to  let  the  Buff  community  know  what’s  happening.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Potential  notes  for  Student-­‐Athlete  Development/Affairs  

The  classroom  can  be  as  intimidating  to  the  athlete  as  the  playing  field  or  court  is  to  the  teacher.  Sometimes  you  have  to  put  yourself  in  someone  else’s  shoes  to  figure  out  things  may  not  as  be  as  easy  for  you  as  they  are  for  someone  else.  

Equipping  SA’s  

Weekly  quote  integration  from  SADA  

Social  interaction  with  SADA  

Career/Resume  dev.    

Exiting  Senior  Video  Resume  

ACU  Career  Night  –  develop  potential  relationships    

with  potential  employers  

 

Community  

Partnership  with  CIS  type  organizations  

School  is  cool  week  

Red  cross  blood  drive  

ACU  Connect  

Wishing  Well/SA  interaction  

In-­‐group  reach  out  (in-­‐season  serve)  

Community  Service  Month  (April)  

Passing  Buckets  

Change  Drive  

MAW  Stars  Selling  

QR  Codes  

Selling  t-­‐shirts  

5K  

SA  Banquet  

Legislation  

Chik-­‐Fil-­‐A  Night  

Rosas  Night  

 

   

 

 

 

Goals  and  Future  Projects  

 

Facebook  Group?  

Sports  Psychology  

SMART  Goals  

Nutrition  

Sportsmanship    

Community  Engagement  

Game  Environment  

Service  Ideas  

Personal  Branding/Selling  

Cover  Letter  Positioning  

Resume  Development  

Official  Appreciation  

SAAC  Retreat  

Conference  Calling  

More  Meetings?  

Can  You  Spell  your  name  with  your  body?  

The  Human  Knot  

Human  Tic  Tac  Toe  

Mount,  Carry,  Knight  

Legislation  Discussion  

Minute  to  Win  It  

Sackfield  Class  registration  site  

Nat’l  SAAC  Updates  

What  can  we  do  better  as  a  conference?  

Nat’l  Student  Athlete  Day  –  April  6  

Faculty  Appreciation  Day  

Life  Skills  Programming  

Welcome  Back  BBQ  

Mentoring  Programs  with  local  middle  schools  

Canned  Food  Drives  

SAAC  Tailgating  

Athletes  Supporting  Athletes  

Christmas  Caroling  

Break  Into  Sub  Committees  

How  to  get  more  SA’s  involved  

Professor  Luncheons  

Adopt-­‐a-­‐Family  at  Christmas  

Social  Media  Initiatives

 

 

 

                                                                                           

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

David Pillen <dpillen@gmail.com>

IMPORTANT: Lone Star Conference SAAC RetreatDavid Pillen <dpillen@gmail.com> Fri, Jul 22, 2011 at 8:46 AMTo: Brent Schroeder <bls09b@acu.edu>, Erin Gilliland <eng10b@acu.edu>, ajohnson30@angelo.edu,kmerritt1@angelo.edu, sharna.hoosier@cameron.edu, alexis.williams@cameron.edu, lucke@student.uiwtx.edu,dsuarez@student.uiwtx.edu, megan.richardson.0525@students.mwsu.edu, hayden.eubanks@go.tarleton.edu,flynnharrell@yahoo.com, michaeladeyemo@sbcglobal.net, dherrman@leo.tamu-commerce.edu,r_guzman4@yahoo.com, shermanbatiste@yahoo.com, blynne55555@hotmail.com, JReadicker@twu.edu,cknowles@twu.edu, tgharris1@buffs.wtamu.edu, Edupree08@yahoo.comCc: Jay Poerner <jay@lonestarconference.org>

Hello!

My name is David Pillen and I am a football student-athlete at Abilene Christian University. I am the Lone StarConference representative on the NCAA Division II Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, and I have beenworking as a summer intern for the LSC this summer.

We are extremely excited about going to Texas A&M-Kingsville for the LSC SAAC Retreat this year.

There are a few things you'll need to do prior to coming down to Kingsville.

1. Your going to receive an e-mail from Jaime Fluker, Assistant Director of Student-Athlete Affairs at the NCAA.In this e-mail you will have the opportunity to take a DiSC personality assessment. It should not take you longerthan about 15 minutes.

Please complete this test by Tuesday, July 26, 2011.

2. Please join the LSC SAAC Facebook group page.

http://www.facebook.com/groups/196037020451987

3. Be looking for information through the Facebook group and your e-mail about the retreat over the next coupledays.

Lastly, if you have any questions about anything at all, please feel free e-mail or text me.

Looking forward to meeting you all!David Pillen

-- National NCAA Division II Student-Athlete Advisory CommitteeLone Star Conference RepresentativeAbilene Christian Universitydxp09b@acu.edu(281) 750-2821

http://dpillen.com

 

 

1221 W. Campbell Rd. Suite 171 Richardson, Texas 75080 Phone: 972-234-0033 Fax: 972-234-4110 www.lonestarconference.org

Members

Abilene Christian University

Angelo State University

Cameron University

Eastern New Mexico University

University of the Incarnate Word

Midwestern State University

Tarleton State University

Texas A&M University-Commerce

Texas A&M University-Kingsville

Texas Woman’s University

West Texas A&M University

To: LSC Directors of Athletics LSC SAAC Advisors & Participants From: Jay Poerner, Assistant Commissioner Subject: 2011 SAAC Summer Retreat The LSC Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Summer Retreat will take place Friday-Sunday, July 29-31, 2011 at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. The three-day summer meeting format is intended to help improve communication amongst LSC SAAC groups and to help energize student-athletes with ideas and "best practices" to be implemented in the new academic year. Institutions are responsible for transportation to and from the hotel in Kingsville. The LSC office and Texas A&M-Kingsville will cover all other expenses, including lodging and meals. Participants and advisors will be staying at the Hampton Inn, 2489 South U.S. Hwy. 77, Kingsville, TX 78363. Reservations have already been made. Check-in time is 3:00 p.m. on Friday. Meetings will begin Friday at 4:00 p.m. on campus. After the meeting, Texas A&M University-Kingsville President, Dr. Steven Tallant, will host the group for dinner at his home. Friday night will conclude with bowling on campus. Saturday the student-athletes will take part in a community service project with the local Boys & Girls Club, tour the historic King Ranch and Conner Museum and spend some time on the beach in Corpus Christi. Meetings will resume Sunday morning at 9:00 a.m. on campus and conclude by 1:00 p.m. A schedule and agenda for the business meetings will be sent out next week. Directions/maps can be found at the links below. We look forward to a great event.

Participant Information & Reminders * Wear casual attire for the Friday meeting and dinner. Dinner will be outside at the President’s house and it will be warm. * Bus transportation will be provided for all the events on Saturday. * Wear shorts, t-shirts and sneakers for the community service project. Afterwards we will return to the hotel so everyone can change before lunch and the King Ranch tour. * Dinner on Saturday will be in Corpus Christi at the Holiday Inn-Emerald Beach. Participants should bring a bag with their bathing suit/beach gear b/c they will have access to the pool and beach area before dinner. Changing rooms will be available at the hotel. Map to Hampton Inn, Kingsville, TX: http://hamptoninn.com/en/hp/hotels/maps_directions.jhtml;jsessionid=H3CZJ0QIR2W3SCSGBIYM22Q?ctyhocn=CRPKVHX#localmap Texas A&M University-Kingsville Campus Map: http://www.tamuk.edu/map/index.html

 

       Insert  LSC  Student-­‐Athlete  Advisory  Committee  Meetings  Here  &  Powerpoint  Docs  

 

 

 

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Post-­‐Fieldwork  Response  At the Lone Star Conference, my first day on the job caused me to take a step back. I entered the office expecting to get to work right away. I expected to walk into a creative environment where there was collaboration in the office and a scheduled, organized workday for all involved. However it was the complete opposite. My first day and well into my first week all I did was spend time at the front desk of the secluded office where everyone worked on their individual assignments respectively. I was appreciative though that my on-the-job internship supervisor, commissioner Stan Wagnon, was quite open, clear, and allowed me to work with the group, expressing my opinions when available. When I met with Stan on my first day he laid out his expectations for myself. He had me focus and work on various projects going on within the conference to obtain different types of experiences while also having a big picture project to work on.   Getting into the second week or so, I functioned at or above expectations because I knew how to work with people. Instead of just staying at my desk and working alone, I started to include those around me in what I was doing. I asked others in the office what they thought, how they would handle certain projects, and sometimes expressed what I thought might be the best plan of action. I’ve learned that being intentional in relationships is essential. Getting to know who people are, what they desire, what motivates them, what their story is, where they came from, their needs and aspirations. If you connect with someone’s heart, they’ll be glad to offer you their hand. By taking an interest in them before seeking to advance your self can pay huge dividends. There was one day at the office where I spent the whole day in our broadcast/marketing assistant’s office working on my big picture project for the Lone Star Football Festival at Cowboys Stadium. Being most comfortable on the job was when I was assigned to create a video describing the organizations newly adapted core values. I was able to meet new people, hear others stories, thoughts, and ideas. It was exciting to interview other people while at the same time having a conversation with them. It is a great thing to create conversations and opportunities to help build a base and to deepen relationships. Being able to creatively do this through video and capture it all through video-storytelling is an awesome opportunity. As for being uncomfortable, honestly there were not many occasions where I felt uncomfortable with an assignment. The only times I may have felt uncomfortable was when I had not yet adjusted to the working environment the first few days within the office. Other then those initial days, I would say that I had a great experience working with everyone and the projects I had been assigned to. I would advise new interns to understand that it is not about you. In our culture it’s usually a “me first” mentality. Servant leadership is not a popular concept. Greatness should be measured by service, not status. We are all shaped to serve. What you do defines who you are. John Wooden said, “You can’t live a perfect day until you do something for someone who will never be able to repay you.” The fieldwork I was involved in opened my eyes to the importance of networking and that it really isn’t all about what you learn in college. If you get all the way though college and all you have done is learned things, you are going to crumble when you hit the real world. You have got to be able to relate to people, communicate with people, and understand people. My internship experience was impacted by my faith by learning to continually do what I was assigned to with confidence in Him. 2 Samuel 22:31-37 says, “God is a shield for all who take refuge in him. For who is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God? It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He enables my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. God gives me a shield of victory.” God has given us everything we need and has trained us for every moment. Now that the fieldwork is done, I do indeed hope to continue in the path I have traveled down. As my passion and desire for collegiate athletics grows, I hope to continue to work in this field, to equip and empower myself and those around me by way of giving back to the community and making a positive difference in the lives of others.

     

 

Lone  Star  Conference  Internship  The LSC is an innovative athletics conference that aims to provide a superior competitive experience for member institutions and to allow for comprehensive development of student-athletes through academic services and life skills programming intending to be recognized as the premier NCAA Division II conference in the nation. During my internship I backed marketing and media relations director’s in maintaining/updating website, social media, and researching/updating historical records. Assisted in developing a branding initiative incorporating newly adapted organizational values. Assisted compliance director by monitoring summer financial aid program, organizing/filing end-of-year reports for financial aid and participation. Planned, filmed, and edited DSLR video depicting newly adapted organizational values distributed to university student-athletes, as well as displayed on main video board at various points during the Lone Star Football Festival at Dallas Cowboys Stadium. Aided in planning and preparation for LSC Football Media Day event, LSC President's Council meeting, and SID’s meeting. Helped to plan, prepare, and facilitate LSC Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Summer Retreat. Served commissioner with all other duties as assigned. First, I assisted the media relations director with updating and maintaining the website, researching and updating historical records and helping to prepare the incorporation of the newly approved slogan and core values. The Lone Star Conference decided to launch a new website with a different provider this time last year. Their website is powered by SIDEARM Sports. Having worked within ACUSports website I already had sufficient knowledge of SIDEARM training and knew how to navigate on the backend of the website. On the back end I am able to add “sport files, documents, photos, photo galleries, stories and more”. Alongside preparing for the Lone Star Conference Football Festival, I also helped to prepare for the football media day that took place in Downtown Fort Worth, Texas. I was in charge of putting together the PowerPoint for the event. The content of the PowerPoint was preseason polls and coaches bios and overall records in football, soccer, volleyball and cross-country. I compiled information and photos to put into the slides for the event. At the media day event my responsibilities included setting up, working the camera for live video streaming and interview several of the football players after the event. The interview was about a minute long each where we asked them two to three questions. They can be seen on the Lone Star Conference YouTube channel when searching for “Lone Star Conference All-Access: Football Media Day.” Another project that I completed was researching and updating historical records. I updated the history of the conference All-time Academic All-America list, average attendance totals, sports sponsorship breakdowns, financial aid surveys, and ran various KPI (Key Performance Indicators) reports. Secondly, I assisted the compliance director with organizing the summer financial aid program documents and helped him prepare for and facilitate the 2011 LSC Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) Retreat. The three-day event, which took place on the Texas A&M University-Kingsville campus, is intended to help improve communication amongst LSC SAAC groups and to help energize student-athletes with ideas and “best practices” to be implemented during the academic year. The participants arrived on Friday and met before having dinner, which was hosted by Dr. Steven Tallant, President of TAMUK, at the Memorial Student Union building due to inclement weather. After dinner, the group went bowling. The retreat continued on Saturday with community service involving the Boys and Girls Clubs of Alice and Kingsville and the Kingsville Youth Ballet Folklorico. Then, following lunch they toured King Ranch before heading to Emerald Beach in Corpus Christi. The group enjoyed swimming and beach volleyball, football and baseball before dinner. The event concluded Sunday with meetings. Topics discussed during the retreat included Make-A-Wish fundraising, LSC SAAC community service month, Campus SAAC engagement, LSC SAAC Cup, LSC needy student-athlete fund, degree completion scholarship program and NCAA proposed legislation. The student-athletes and advisors also participated in a DiSC Behavioral Assessment program. This retreat was another great learning experience for me. We were also able to use camera to capture the moments in order to compose a video at the end of the retreat. This video can also be view on the Lone Star Conference YouTube channel. It was great to hear the current student-athletes opinions and view on current legislation that is being proposed and passed by the NCAA this year and in the future. Many of them took it serious and offered up advice and ways to improve the current proposed legislations. I was assigned other jobs here and there that assisted all four members of the Lone Star Conference office. However, one of the biggest items that I helped with was when the Presidents of the conference agreed to a set of organizational values that will be used to define shared interests of conference members, help guide the league’s future decisions and actions, and provide a template for conference branding efforts. Those values are Integrity, Tradition, Community, Academic Excellence, Respect and Commitment. I was then assigned to create a video in which I filmed and edited for the Lone Star Conference to help depict the newly adapted organizational values. I traveled to five different schools in the conference, interviewing Presidents, Athletic Directors, Coaches, and other administrators on just what they thought of the new values. This video can also be viewed on the Lone Star Conference YouTube channel.