2008 NCAA National Convention

This years NCAA National Convention was held in Nashville, Tennessee at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel and Convention Center.  There were many opportunities for student-athletes, coaches, and administrators from all Divisions to discuss issues that pertain to athletics and academics.

One of these topics pertained to the issue of hazing in athletics. The Goal of the “Hazing Prevention Summit”, as it was appropriately called, was to “prompt attention and action to prevent hazing in college athletics.” The program was moderated by Chuck Mitrano, the Commissioner of the Empire 8 Conference.  It provided resources for institutions to use in an effort to protect and preserve the dignity of all student-athletes.

There were various panelists from statisticians, lawyers, coaches, student-athletes and athletic directors.  Many ideas and thoughts were shared both at round table discussions and by the panelists. The prevention of hazing by educating our student-athletes at St. Lawrence University has been a joint effort between the Athletic Department and SAAC.  This past fall, St. Lawrence brought in a speaker to address the topic of hazing. Also, there are plans in the near future to continue the discussion on hazing and various ways to prevent it.

(the photograph above, left to right, Athletic Director Margie Strait, Assistant Field Hockey coach Meagan Connolly, SAAC Advisor and Assistant Football coach Austin Weakfall)