From the Sports Desk

with Carey Phillips: 09/07/00

As the school year got under way, Compher had the plan in place. It is based on a task force report issued earlier this year, what Compher said he would do when he was hired and what he learned needed to be added as time went along.

The plan is broken down into strategic actions, tactical actions and operational actions.

For starters, Compher promised to continue to enhance efforts in the following areas: academic progress and graduation, opening lines of communication throughout campus, competitiveness for all teams; and rules compliance through the Southern Conference and NCAA.

As part of a three to five year plan, he wants to address the long-term direction of the athletic department and fund-raising efforts through the Catamount Club. He said anything would be on the table in assessing the current organization and structure of the club and initiating changes where necessary.

Compher plans to evaluate and update WCU's gender equity plan. He held out the possibility of adding a women's sport although no decision has been made. While closing the door to nothing, he indicated it was highly unlikely that any men's sport would be discontinued.

One of the cornerstones of the tactical actions is the development of a life skills program for student-athletes. Career development seminars are planned for resume writing, applying to graduate school and internship and cooperative education.

On the personal development side, seminar topics will include nutrition, introduction to study skills, campus resources, time management and goal setting, interpersonal communication and conflict resolution, drug and alcohol education panel and gender issues/sexual harassment/assault.

Community service is also part of the overall plan. Volunteering in Jackson County schools for all student-athletes and having the football team work with Jackson County Youth Sports teams are included.

Compher wants to encourage regional high schools and recreation departments to hold events on the WCU campus.

He will work with head coaches to develop a performance appraisal process clearly defining expectations and responsibilities.

A project that will take a few years involves working with the Catamount Club and Alumni Association to develop an organization of former athletes to stay involved with WCU.

The role and function of academic support will be reviewed and necessary changes implemented. Compher noted student-athletes had a 2.86 GPA last semester with 33 percent at 3.0 or better.

In an effort to give Western more of a home court or home field advantage, a student support and/or spirit group will be formed to attend athletic events.

On the operational end, the athletic department will be heavily involved in capital improvements. The first tangible evidence will be unveiled Saturday when the Catamounts open on a new turf at E.J. Whitmire Stadium/Bob Waters Field. New stands on the west side may be completed later this season.

In a departure from past years, Compher will have coaches and administrators justify their budgets based on the needs of the coming year. Previously, they only had to justify any budget increase over the past year.

"I want to start each year fresh," Compher said. "Needs are not the same year to year."

Compher wants to review the summer camp program for various sports to see if changes need to be made.

"We need to generate more people for our camps," he said. "I want to know if we're doing something that is inhibiting that."

A couple of possible projects are a licensing program to sell WCU merchandise and a centralized ticketing system for all events, not just athletic contests, held on campus.

Compher is proud of an internship program development with the sports medicine department. It has provided student trainers at Smoky Mountain and Cherokee high schools. He hopes to expand the program to other area schools.

Along the same line, the sports medicine facility has doubled in size providing improved services to student-athletes.

A limited recruiting budget in comparison to other Southern Conference schools has hurt Western in the past. Compher feels that problem has been remedied. He has received positive feedback from the men's and women's basketball staffs following the summer recruiting period.

Compher said he did his homework before being named WCU's athletic director so there haven't been many surprises. A pleasant surprise has been the strong support from fans and alumni.

"I'm constantly amazed at the spirit of our alumni base," he said. "I hope that spirit translates to our student body."

NOTES...Heath Shuler, former NFL quarterback, will host the inaugural SCORE golf tournament Friday, Oct. 6, at Smoky Mountain Country Club. Proceeds will benefit recreational projects in Swain County. Registration is $50 before Sept. 25 and $75 after that date. For more information, call (828) 488-6159.

A softball tournament for Class C, D and Church teams is planned for Sept. 30-Oct. 1 at the Vance Street Park in Waynesville. Entry fee is $110. Teams will use a 47 core ball and play with a five home run limit. For more information, call (828) 456-7800 or (828) 235-2389.

PREDICTIONS...

Back to Sports: 09/07/00.