July 2, 2008

TAMPA – The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and Sports Information Directors of America (SIDA) concluded the 2008 NAIA-SIDA Convention on Saturday, June 28. Forty-five NAIA SID’s attended the one-day workshop at the Tampa Marriott. The Convention is comprised of several presentations and a platform for SID's to exchange ideas and learn professional tips.

The morning session presenter was Sam Ghrist, who is the NAIA-SIDA Vice President from Eastern Oregon University and this year’s Workshop Coordinator. Sam used a PowerPoint Presentation to cover statistical reminders and interpretation of official statistics for the eight Championship sports; men’s and women’s soccer, volleyball, football, men’s and women’s basketball, baseball and softball.

After the Ike Pearson’s Awards Luncheon, the afternoon session began with an NAIA national office update. The Sports Information team explained the first year for the national office after its move to downtown Kansas City, Mo. Also, the discussion revolved around the new ratings timeline, direct qualification, Championship event naming and other related items.

Next, College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) Executive Director John Humenik handled a Q&A period and informed the group of the formation of the College Division Management Council (CDMC). The premise of his discussion revolved around the CDMC and how the NAIA, along with NCAA Division II and III, Sports Information Directors will have an active voice in CoSIDA and the Workshop. Jay Stancil, Union (Ky.) College Sports Information Director, is the NAIA representative on the CDMC.

The day closed out with presentations by Greg Black of SIDHelp and Jon Grann of Daktronics. Greg discussed how SIDHelp, a web content management system, works and is utilized among the membership. Jon talked about the official statistical software of the NAIA and answered questions on how to use his service.

Numerous of the NAIA SID’s also took part in the CoSIDA Convention held from June 29-July 2 at the Marriott. As part of CoSIDA, the Rising Star Award in the College Division was officially presented at Tuesday’s (July 1) Awards Brunch. Cindy Fotti, the Columbia (Mo.) College Assistant Director of Athletics/Media Relations and Compliance, received the Award. For the complete story, please click here. In addition, Cedarville (Ohio) University Sports Information Director Mark Womack was recognized with the CoSIDA 25-Year Award at the Wednesday Awards Luncheon.

Attendees were treated to speeches and appearances from sports and media notables such as Dick Vitale, Billy Packer, Desmond Howard (NFL) and Rebecca Lobo (WNBA). Another highlight was a visit to the St. Petersburg Times-Forum, home of the Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL).

The 2009 NAIA-SIDA Workshop will take place in San Antonio, Texas with a tentative date of June 25.

For information on the Publication winners, which were announced at the Ike Pearson Honors Banquet on Saturday, please click here.

To view the 2008 NAIA-SIDA Business Minutes, please click here.