Wichita State News: Athletics

Alum finances men's basketball locker room renovation

Mon, 8 Jul 2013 09:00:00 CST

Many variables keep good students in Wichita State's athletic program, including first-class locker rooms. Athletes spend a lot of time in them studying films, preparing for practices and strategizing for games. The men's basketball locker rooms have not been completely renovated since 2003 during the transformation from Levitt Arena to Charles Koch Arena — until now.

A generous Shocker alumnus has stepped forward to meet this need with a donation of $250,000. He is underwriting the renovation of the Shocker men's basketball locker room, which is scheduled for completion by the end of this summer.

The investment, according to the donor, was of interest to him because it is something that always will be a part of Wichita State.

Eric Sexton

"It is our responsibility to our programs and our athletes to be on the cutting edge in every fashion possible," said WSU Athletic Director Eric Sexton. "Recruiting is a facility arms race. We are fortunate to have the financial support that we have to utilize in keeping up and hopefully setting the bar, and look forward to also renovating our additional team locker rooms in Charles Koch Arena."

The new area will have decorative elements centered around a new Final Four theme and will include a trophy case, which will house the Regional Championship trophy the Shockers won this past spring.

In addition, each new locker will have an iPad dock. The space will be reconfigured and new carpet will be laid.

"The individual who has generously provided the funding for this project is an extraordinarily successful alumnus who lives in another state, but follows Shocker men's basketball faithfully," said Elizabeth King, president and CEO of the WSU Foundation. "He's a winner, both personally and professionally, and he appreciates the effort Coach Marshall and his coaching staff devote to making ours a winning program."

This type of support is important to the future of the Wichita State men's basketball program and its impact on the university, city and state.

"It shows once again that Shocker Nation is firmly behind us and continues to support us physically — by coming to games, and fiscally — by helping us be the best," said Gregg Marshall, Shocker men's basketball coach.

Todd Butler named head baseball coach

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 09:10:00 CST

Todd Butler has been named the head baseball coach at Wichita State University, Director of Athletics Eric Sexton announced.

"Todd is highly regarded as a baseball coach, brings a passion for baseball and success, and has a wonderful family," Sexton said. "He brings a resume worthy of the success Wichita State is accustomed.

"I look forward to watching his teams compete on the field and his student-athletes excel in the classroom."

Wichita State will hold a press conference at 2 p.m., Monday, in the All-American Club at Eck Stadium to introduce Butler. The WSU Athletic Department will also host a public meet and greet Monday night from 5-7 p.m., which will also be held in the All-American Club at Eck Stadium.

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Members of WSU rowing team help Moore, Okla., cleanup

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 09:54:00 CST

Five members of the Shocker Rowing Team volunteered to help with the clean-up from the tornado that devastated Moore, Okla.

The Wichita State University students spent June 5 going door-to-door in one of the afffected zones, asking if they needed any help cleaning up, or basic living supplies that may have been lost in the tornado.

The student volunteers talked with some families and submitted their information to headquarters to come later in the day to help elsewhere.

The WSU rowing team members joined a group of about 15 people and grabbed shovels, rakes, wheelbarrows, etc., and got on a bus to go to the neighborhood to clean up debris.

They did their part to help pick up broken glass shards, roof shingles, branches and general trash.

Shocker Rowing earns All American, regional honors

Thu, 6 Jun 2013 10:50:00 CST

The success of Wichita State University's rowing team has been recognized recently with many of the crew members receiving top honors.

Ashley Brown, coxswain for the Women's Varsity 8+, was selected to the women's first team All American by the American Collegiate Rowing Association (ACRA).

She is the first Shocker to make the first team.

Freshman novice rower Megan Allison was selected to the women's Freshman All American team. She is the third Shocker to be selected for this award.

Criteria for selection used included 2,000-meter testing scores, career racing results, accomplishments within their team, individual performances and the coach recommendation performance of their crew.

Shocker Rowing also was honored during the ACRA regional awards by earning 10 of the possible 20 spots. Twelve is the maximum possible for any program.

Read here to find out more about the regional awards.

Scherz named new WSU faculty athletic representative

Thu, 6 Jun 2013 07:00:00 CST

Julie Scherz

For the first time in nearly 40 years, Wichita State University has a new faculty representative for athletics.

Julie Scherz, associate professor in communication disorders and sciences, has assumed the role handled the past 38 years by Marty Perline, who has stepped down.

However, Perline will continue as an economics professor in the Barton School of Business.

Scherz was recommended to President John Bardo by Athletic Director Eric Sexton. She assumed her additional responsibilities on June 1. The appointment is made annually, although Scherz has made a three-year commitment to the position.

"On behalf of the thousands of student-athletes, coaches, administrators, staff and fans that make up the Shocker Nation, I would like to thank Marty for his service to Wichita State Athletics as the faculty representative," said Sexton. "Wichita State is better because of his dedication to the position. He, and his wife, Donna, have also been a fixture at athletic events, and we look forward to continue to see them cheering on the Shockers."

Scherz is currently a member of the InterCollegiate Athletic Association Board at Wichita State, and is no stranger to WSU athletics.

"I am extremely pleased with the appointment of Julie Scherz to the faculty rep post," said Sexton. "She has been a member of the InterCollegiate Athletic Association since 2010, and has great input. Our student-athletes, coaches and staff will find her an asset and a great communicator. We all look forward to working more closely with her in this capacity."

Liasison between academics, athletics

The primary focus of the position is to serve as the liaison between academics and athletics.

"I see my primary responsibility as assuring a positive overall experience for WSU's student-athletes," said Scherz. "I am eager to begin working with the terrific staff in the athletic department who oversee the real work in this endeavor."

Scherz enjoys following Shocker athletics. However, Scherz claims she isn't receiving this appointment for her athleticism, jokingly describing herself as a klutz.

Each semester the faculty athletic representative certifies eligibility for all athletes and all teams. The representative also meets with all new athletes at their orientation meeting.

In addition, Scherz will attend various Missouri Valley Conference meetings and meet with the athletic director, staff and coaches as needed.

Wichita State to play KSU in NCAA baseball tournament

Mon, 27 May 2013 11:45:00 CST

The Wichita State University baseball team will play Kansas State in Manhattan, Kan., at 2 p.m Friday in the 2013 NCAA Baseball Championship tournament. It will be the Shockers 28th NCAA appearance and its first since 2009.

The Shockers (39-26) won the automatic bid from the Missouri Valley Conference with a 5-2 victory over top-seed Illinois State Saturday night in Normal, Ill.

WSU and Kansas State squared off twice this season, with the Wildcats winning both games, 7-6 in Manhattan on April 9 and 4-1 at Eck Stadium on April 16. Friday's game will be televised nationally on ESPNU.

For more information, visit GoShockers.com

Shockers win All-Sports Trophy

Tue, 21 May 2013 08:44:00 CST

Wichita State is the 2012-13 Missouri Valley Conference all-sports champion. It marks the seventh crown in the past 10 years for Wichita State, which has a league best 19 all-time.

Wichita State finished in the Top 3 in 14 of the 15 sports it sponsors (with softball the lone exception). The Shockers won four team championships (women's basketball, women's indoor track & field, men's golf, and women's tennis) and finished second in eight others.

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MGolf: WSU wins MVC by record margin

Wed, 1 May 2013 09:19:00 CST

Cape Girardeau, Mo. – The Wichita State University men's golf team captured its sixth-straight Missouri Valley Conference Championship with a record-setting 32-stroke victory at Dalhousie Country Club. Rafael Becker took the individual title with a 6-under 210 (74-68-68), four strokes ahead of teammate Hunter Sparks.

The Shockers' margin of victory was easily the largest since the conference tournament went to a 54-hole format in 1990. Tulsa's 26-stroke victory in a rain-shorted tournament in 1995 was the previous high. The Shockers carded a 3-under 858 to cruise past second place Illinois State (890) and third place Southern Illinois (896) to record the 18th Valley Championship in school history.

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Shocker rowing reaches semifinals in SIRA Championships

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 02:10:00 CST

Wichita State men's and women's varsity rowing teams competed in the Southern Intercollegiate Rowing Association (SIRA) Championships April 20 and 21, at Melton Lake in Oak Ridge, Tenn.

The Shocker women's varsity eight team advanced to the semifinals and finished fourth, placing sixth overall out of 24 teams. The women also competed in the petite finals, where they finished first and were crowned SIRA champions in the event.

The men's varsity eight team also advanced from its heat into the semifinal round, finishing fifth and qualifying for the C final, where it finished second. Overall, the Shocker men placed 14th out of 27 teams, an improvement from 2012.

WSU men's varsity four team also competed, but did not reach the semifinals.

Awards celebration for men's basketball team set for Monday

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 09:01:00 CST

Wichita State will hold its 2013 Men's Basketball Celebration at 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 15, at Charles Koch Arena.

The celebration will be open to the public and free of charge.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

During the awards program there will be comments from host Mike Kennedy, head coach Gregg Marshall, assistant coaches and selected players.

The event will also include video highlights from the NCAA Tournament on the video board.

The spirit squad, dance team and band will also be recognized.

The Charles Koch Arena Shocker Locker souvenir shop and concession stands will be open.

Because of the volume of requests, coaches and players will not be available for autographs. This event replaces the annual banquet.

Get your Final Four Shocker gear at University Bookstore

Mon, 1 Apr 2013 14:57:00 CST

The Wichita State University Bookstore, located in the Rhatigan Student Center, has plenty of official WSU NCAA Final Four merchandise arriving daily.

Shocker Nation can count on the official fan shop that offers a wide selection of Shocker apparel, including t-shirts, sweatshirts and hats to outfit Wu supporters everywhere.

We only carry officially licensed Wichita State apparel, so you know you'll be representing your favorite school in valid Shocker style.

"We love the excitement of this Shocker mania and want to make sure no one is left behind," said Andi Stipp, assistant director of University Bookstore. "Since last week, we have been traveling at 4 a.m. in order to pick up WSU merchandise literally right off the press. We plan to keep up with demand."

Stipp said any items that are sold out are likely to be back in stock the next day.

If you can't make it to campus, go to www.wsubooks.com to purchase merchandise.

Shockers make it to Final Four - and continue to make headlines

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 10:00:00 CST

It was a night many Shocker fans have been waiting for their entire lives. Not since 1965 has the Wichita State University basketball team made it so far into the NCAA Tournament.

The dream finally became reality Saturday, March 30, when the Shockers beat No. 2 seed Ohio State University to reach the Final Four.

This, after already exceeding most expectations: WSU beat Pittsburgh, Gonzaga - ranked No. 1 in the nation - and finally La Salle, to make it into the Elite Eight.

Now the spotlight is firmly planted on the 9th-seeded Shockers, the lowest ranked team left in the tournament.

Here's a look at just a few of the stories about Wichita State's historic performance:

Wichita State Upsets Ohio State to Emerge From Topsy-Turvy West
(New York Times - March 30)

One phone call changed it all for Final Four-bound Wichita State
(CBS Sports - March 31)

Wichita State upsets Buckeyes to reach Final Four
(ESPN - March 30)

Wichita State fights off Ohio State rally to reach Final Four
(USA Today - March 31)

Wichita State going to Final Four after beating Ohio State, 70-66
(LA Times - March 30)

MBB: Shockers Marching on to Atlanta, Final Four
(goshockers.com - March 31)

Bob Lutz: Where there's a will, there's a Shocker
(The Wichita Eagle - March 30)

Internship opened the door for Shocker grad; led him to 49ers

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 14:04:00 CST

Less than four years after graduating from Wichita State University, Dan Beckler found himself where many men dream of being someday: the SuperBowl.

No, he wasn't there as an athlete. In fact, Beckler used to play basketball, not football.

The Wichita native was working as manager of public relations for the San Francisco 49ers. Some of his duties include facilitating media requests for players and coaches, as well as generating positive publicity for the organization.

It's a job he got after several years of hard work in and out of the classroom.

'Took the time to get to know me'

Beckler, who attended Trinity Academy, began college at Oklahoma Baptist as a basketball player. But after one year, he started researching schools with strong sports programs. He landed right back where he came from.

"WSU had one of the best in the country," Beckler said. "It was home and was an easy decision."

Once he decided to go the public relations route at Wichita State, Beckler was encouraged to work with the sports information director's office to see if it was exactly what he was looking for.

"The professors were very instrumental as I was trying to decide the specific field in sports I wanted to pursue," he said.

Beckler applied for the sports public relations internship at Disney and got the job, exposing him to invaluable on-the-job training while still a WSU student.

"I continued to stay in touch with professors who were always available to offer advice," he said.

That experience opened the door for Beckler's career.

"In the sports world, it's all about who you know," he said. "I met a lot of great people during my time at WSU and at Disney that had connections all over the sports industry."

Beckler went on to earn a Bachelor of Sports Administration in 2007 and Master of Sport Management in 2009.

He's grateful for the time spent guiding him toward his career goal.

"WSU really helped shape me and push me in the right direction," Beckler said. "There are so many fields in sports that it can often be overwhelming when you are trying to decide which way to go. The staff at WSU was very knowledgeable and could offer advice based on the questions they asked me. They took the time to get to know me and really tried to align my interests with a specific field."

Shockers' NCAA run brings national attention

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 09:40:00 CST

The Wichita State basketball team has made it to the Elite 8 of the NCAA Tournament, putting the university and the city of Wichita in the national spotlight.

Here is a sampling of stories and commentary about the Shockers' success from local, regional and national sources.

Elite 8 bound

Wichita State scores an outsized victory over La Salle, 72-58
(Los Angeles Times column, March 28)

Carl Hall living a dream in Elite 8 run
(ESPN, March 29)

NCAA Tournament: Wichita State dispatches La Salle, 72-58
(LA Times, March 28)

Wichita State out-muscles La Salle to reach Elite Eight
(USA Today, March 29)

To the Elite Eight: Wichita State pounds La Salle 72-58
(The Wichita Eagle, March 28)

Wichita State moves on the final 8
(Kansas City Star, March 29)

Shockers make it to Sweet 16

Wichita State not shocked by Sweet 16 run
(ESPN Blog, March 27)

Wichita State, mistaken for Cinderella, has Final Four potential
(USA Today, March 27)

Cinderella Watch: Is the shocking over for Wichita State?
(USA Today, March 26)

Like La Salle, Wichita State is battle-tested
(Philadelphia Inquirer, March 26)

Gregg Marshall's success at Wichita State isn't a Shocker to him
(Los Angeles Times, March 26)

National media attention good for Wichita State
(KWCH-TV, March 25)

After knocking off Gonzaga, No. 9 seed Shockers turn attention to La Salle in NCAA tournament
(The Washington Post, March 25)

Wichita State coach Gregg Marshall knows how to celebrate a shocker
(Yahoo Sports, March 24)

Wichita State Put Attitude on Display Against Gonzaga
(New York Times, March 24)

NCAA Tournament: Wichita State shocks No. 1 seed Gonzaga
(The Salt Lake Tribune, March 24)

Gonzaga shocked: Wichita State pulls biggest upset of NCAA Tournament
(Sporting News, March 24)

Wichita State Shockers live up to name, stun top-seeded Gonzaga to make Sweet Sixteen
(New York Daily News, March 24)

Wichita State's mascot is … interesting
(Washington Post blog, March 23)

Shocker Men defeat Pittsburgh, 73-55

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 00:00:00 CST

Malcolm Armstead scored 22 points, Cleanthony Early added 21 and ninth-seeded Wichita State defeated eighth-seeded Pittsburgh 73-55 Thursday in the second round of the NCAA tournament.

Wichita State advanced to play the winner of Thursday's game between No. 1-seeded Gonzaga and No. 16-seed Southern on Saturday.

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