Edition #896
September 4, 2026
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More from Southeastern AD Drew Watson’s Small College Conversation as he discusses NAIA postseason changes and advocacy, as a member of the NAC. Here are some of his key takeaways…
➤ Watson believes the approved changes to remove coaches from selection committees and tighten up the selection criteria are moving the association towards a more objective selection process. Asked if selections may get to a single selection metric: “I think one of the problems with the NCAA model is data doesn't always tell the whole story because it's really tough. We've been trying to look around at different sports and go, what is the perfect metric for this sport? And it's impossible. There is no perfect metric. … I think it's important for us to be able to explain the decisions that we make and not just say, ‘Well, the metric set it.’ Well, no, at the end of the day, it's the selection committee’s decision. If we use that, we could just hit a button, use AI and select the field, but nobody would want that because it probably wouldn't work out in some ways. … I think the national office, I think, has a good group on the process now. They're coming up with a selection committee handbook. There's going to be training for the people that are on those committees, and there's going to be accountability.”
➤ On balancing institutional interests with conference or association advocacy as an AD: “One thing that has continued to be impressed upon me as I go about my career is we are very much advocates for our institution. At times, however, we need to be advocates for the conference or for the NAIA and to step back and say, ‘Okay, this doesn't really work for me, but it's workable. It's not going to kill us, but what's best for the conference?’ … If we do what's best for the conference, then everybody's going to benefit. And that's the same with the NAIA at national levels and legislation.” Full conversation. (link)
Republican leaders have announced that the final two weeks of the pre-mid-term election House session have been cancelled, with members set to depart Washington no later than September 17 and not return until mid-November. Per Politico’s Meredith Lee Hill, Mia McCarthy and Riley Rogerson, the move will severely curtail what had been a full September legislative calendar. “Leaders would recall House members for those canceled weeks if the Senate moves forward with a party-line budget reconciliation package in the meantime, GOP leaders indicated, though that is not anticipated. The decision comes as candidates agitate to get back on the campaign trail and as GOP leaders continue to struggle to maintain control of the House floor.” (link)
Northwestern (IA) announce plans for a major renovation of its on-campus stadium with the help of Ampere Design and Tarkett Sports. The project will include a new turf field and track surface, Daktronics videoboard, concessions, VIP lounge and much more. President Greg Christy: “I never cease to be amazed at the generosity of Northwestern College alumni, parents and friends from across the country as well as the local business community and other community partners. Their standout support has allowed us to come within several hundred thousand dollars of this $10.9 million stadium renovation in only nine months, allowing us to begin this project a year earlier than we anticipated." The groundbreaking is set for October 2 and is slated to be done in fall 2027. (link)
The CCC signs a streaming partnership with Hudl for this season. Details: “All CCC championship events will be streamed through the Cascade Sports Network. … The partnership also provides flexibility for individual institutions. While the Cascade Sports Network will serve as the conference’s primary streaming platform, participating schools will manage their own broadcasts and determine whether individual events are offered free of charge or behind a paywall.” (link)
Four Frontier members are set to add women’s flag football programs. Mayville State will begin competing this year, with Bismarck State, Dickinson State and Valley City State to start intramural competition in 2026-27 before transitioning to varsity in 2027-28. Commissioner Scott Crawford: “The growth of women’s flag football represents an exciting opportunity for our student-athletes and our institutions. … Starting with these four programs gives us an opportunity to establish meaningful competition in our region, and we are hopeful that additional Frontier Conference institutions will join them as the sport continues to grow.” (link)
It’s Personnel…
➤ The Heart of America promotes Director of Marketing and Creative Strategy Macie Albright to Asst. Commissioner for External Operations and Asst. Commissioner Madison Lantz-Farris transitions to Asst. Commissioner for Internal Operations. (link)
➤ LSU Alexandria Asst. AD for Internal Operations Sarah Hilton is no longer in the role. (link)
Deal Corner…
➤ The Sun Conference partners with the National Esports Collegiate Conference to manage and support the league’s esports sponsorship. (link)
➤ Hastings inks a multi-year deal with StoryCrowd to support its storytelling efforts. (link)
Coaches Corner…
➤ Aquinas announces youth HC/alum Chance Fry as its Men’s and Women’s Golf HC. (link)
➤ Georgetown selects UNC Wilmington (DI) AC Eric Snyder as its Men’s Volleyball HC. (link)
➤ Loyola New Orleans names private golf instructor/alum Ryan Hicks as its new Men’s and Women’s Golf HC. (link)
➤ Morris hires Morehouse (NCAA DII) AC Kentaus Carter as the Hornets’ new Baseball HC. (link)
The average diesel price in the U.S. reached an all-time high of $5.85 per gallon on Friday, driven by Middle East supply disruptions and the ongoing conflict with Iran that has bottlenecked shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and pushed Brent crude above $95 a barrel. Per the AP’s Wyatte Grantham-Philips, the record fuel cost is rippling across the economy by raising freight and transportation expenses for everyday consumer goods, with shipping surcharges already added by companies such as Amazon, FedEx, UPS and the USPS, and grocery aisle prices rising for perishable foods, produce and meat. Diesel is now up close to 56% from its pre-war price of $3.76. Michigan State Professor David Ortega: "Early on, much of the cost increase gets absorbed along the supply chain through existing freight contracts and retailer margins. But as contracts reprice and fuel surcharges take hold, more of that cost makes its way to the grocery store." For those that don’t drive a diesel vehicle, AAA reports the national gas price average has surged to $4.14 per gallon, surpassing the previous holiday record of $3.82 established back in 2012. (link, link)
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(Posted from most recent over the last 30 days)
(NEW!) Vice President and Director of Athletics (Tennessee Wesleyan University / Athens, TN): TWU seeks a dynamic and highly relational leader who understands the important role athletics plays in advancing the University's mission, strengthening enrollment, enhancing the student experience. More details HERE. What would it cost to move to Athens? Click HERE.
Jamie and Ellen Pollard Endowed Director of Athletics (Iowa State University / Ames, IA): Iowa State seeks a visionary, strategic leader to serve as its next Director of Athletics and build upon a proud tradition of innovation and competitive excellence. (DI) More details HERE. What would it cost to move to Ames? Click HERE. The D1.dossier for this position is available HERE.
Head Track & Field Coach (Missouri Valley College / Marshall, MO): Missouri Valley College seeks an energetic, visionary, and student-centered Head Track & Field Coach to provide leadership for the College's men's and women's track & field programs More details HERE.
Assistant Softball Coach (Northwestern College / Orange City, IA): Seeking assistant softball coach applicants to assist in leading a nationally contending program that won 3 consecutive GPAC titles from 2023-2025 and hosted back-to-back NAIA regionals in 2024-2025. More details HERE.
Assistant Women's Flag Football Coach (Hesston College / Hesston, KS): Assist the Head Coach in supporting the women’s flag football program through student-athlete development, recruitment and retention, team and equipment management, and practice and game preparation. More details HERE.
Assistant Director of Stewardship and Administration (University of Pennsylvania – Penn / Philadelphia, PA): Shape the donor experience for Penn Athletics, strengthening relationships with alumni and supporters while driving stewardship, engagement, and growth across 33 varsity programs. (DI) More details HERE.
Assistant Director, Creative Services (Big Ten Conference / Rosemont, IL): This position will support the creation and execution of compelling visual content that enhances the Conference's brand, events, championships, and marketing initiatives. (DI) More details HERE.
Graduate Assistant - Women's Soccer (Lakeland University / Plymouth, WI): Responsible for assisting the Head Coach, primarily with recruiting, organizing and running practices, fundraising, promotional activities, and other related assigned responsibilities. (DIII) More details HERE.
Account Executive (University of Louisville / Louisville, KY): Drive new sales and renewals for football and men's basketball, manage 1,000+ accounts, deliver customer service, build relationships, and consistently meet sales and outreach goals. (DI) More details HERE.
Assistant Athletics Director, Media Relations (William & Mary / Williamsburg, VA): Leads W&M Athletics Communications team in developing and executing strategies to enhance the department brand through proactive storytelling, disciplined messaging, and high-impact media operations. (DI) More details HERE.
Senior Associate Athletic Director of Internal Operations (South Dakota Mines / Rapid City, SD): Provide leadership for NCAA Division II athletics operations, overseeing compliance, events, facilities, & student-athlete services while helping drive success across 13 varsity sports. (DII) More details HERE.
Graduate Assistant for Athletic Operations (Morningside University / Sioux City, IA): Morningside University seeks an energetic, organized, and service-oriented graduate student to serve as the Graduate Assistant for Athletic Operations. More details HERE.
Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach (University of Pikeville / Pikeville, KY): The University of Pikeville in Pikeville, Kentucky seeks a dynamic and creative Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach. More details HERE.
Head Coach Women's Flag Football (Indiana Institute of Technology (Indiana Tech) / Fort Wayne, IN): The Indiana Tech Warrior Athletics team is seeking an energetic and dedicated coach to help lead, mentor, and inspire our student-athletes. More details HERE. What would it cost to move to Fort Wayne? Click HERE.
Spirit Director (Indiana Institute of Technology (Indiana Tech) / Fort Wayne, IN): The Indiana Tech Warrior Athletics team is seeking an energetic and student-focused professional to lead our cheer, dance, and band programs. More details HERE.
Director of Athletic Creative Content (Northwestern College / Orange City, IA): Seeking applicants who can lead in the new age of digital sports communication by conceptualizing and executing creative video highlights, video projects, and social media and website graphics. More details HERE.