Sports: A Dramatic Resurgence of MSU Athletics

MSU athletics is enjoying a great resurgence in success, and athletics director Merritt Norvell would like Spartans to take notice. 'We've brought an element of stability to the Dept. of Athletics,' says Norvell. 'We're establishing the attitude that we want to achieve both quality performance and academic success. We're emphasizing winning again.'

This past year, MSU teams in 25 sports have an overall winning percentage of .582, which Norvell calls 'good.' MSU's standing in the Sears Trophy competition--which measures overall athletics success--climbed from 84th to 40th place nationally. 'Thirty-six percent of our sports, including all revenue sports, were involved in post-season comptition,' Norvell notes. 'Six coaches were named regional coach of the year, four were Big Ten coach of the year, and one, Chuck Erbe in volleyball, was National Coach of the Year. This tells me things are going in the right direction.'

Norvell notes that this improvement in competitive success has taken place 'financially in the black'--a status many athletic units do not achieve. A tremendous amount of building and renovation is taking place, making associate AD Greg Ianni a very busy man. They include the capital fund drive for the Academic Center for Student Athletes, renovation of Duffy Daugherty, expansion of the Jenison weight room, building of the Inner Circle in the football press box, the new parking plaza south of the stadium (and relocated tennis courts), and expanded women's restrooms in the stadium.

Norvell cited a dramatic list of changes and improvements, including a new radio contract with Learfield, Inc., a contract with the Lugnuts' stadium in Lansing, and the extension of Reebok benefits to Olympic sports. In addition, Norvell now has a complete team in place with newcomers John Hardt, associate athletics director (administrative and compliance services) and Roger Grooters (student services and director of Student Athlete Support Services), joining senior associate athletics director Clarence Underwood and associate athletic directors Mark Hollis (marketing and external relations), Greg Ianni (facilities and sports management), and Kathy Lindahl (human resources and sports management). Sums up Norvell, 'We've got great coaches, we're giving them the support they need, and I think we're going to have great success in the future.'