Category: Athletics

Student-athlete Brody Conner reflects on building skills to last a lifetime

From an Academic All-American to achieving degrees from the School of Business at the undergraduate and graduate level, Brody Conner ’19 (finance) ’20 (MBA) says the University of Indianapolis has broadened his horizons for what is possible.

“I came from a very small town [Paw Paw, Michigan], which makes the world seem so elementary and set in stone. But coming to UIndy has opened my eyes through the sheer number of different people I have met, learning their perspectives on life, and how their journeys brought them to UIndy as well,” Conner reflected. 

Brody Conner is a five-year member of the Greyhounds wrestling program.

Brody Conner is a five-year member of the Greyhounds wrestling program.

A five-year member of the UIndy wrestling program, Conner is a three-time NCAA Division II National Qualifier, a three-time NCAA Elite 90 Finalist and an Academic All-American (only the second student-athlete in program history to achieve that title) with 92 career wins.

“Wrestling showed me how discipline in all aspects of life gets you to achieve your personal highest potential possible,” Conner said. “It also taught me how complete dedication to one thing can pay off in dividends.” 

Conner credits faculty including Matt Will, associate professor of finance, for pushing him to achieve his best.

“Dr. Will has continued to blow my mind in every class I had him in. Although he is a tough cookie, he is the best business professor on campus by a landslide, and getting on his good side (through grades and club participation) will pay off in dividends for you,” he said.

In addition to the wrestling team, Conner also led two Christian groups during his time at UIndy, the Community Group and FCA.

“My faith activities grounded me upon a rock stronger than my comprehension and will continue to drive me farther than anything I thought possible,” Conner said.

Conner has gained plenty of hands-on experience as a student at UIndy. He runs his own landscaping company, Growth Scapes LLC, and has done several internships with Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) in Indianapolis.

“DFAS taught me that you get out of life what you put out there, if you want to work hard and make something of yourself, you will do it. My landscaping company has taught me about relationships and problem-solving. If it weren’t for my two partners, Luke Kriech and Brian Wagner, I would not have a company to talk about. They are fantastic guys who I am excited to work with every day, and believe in their ability to help this company achieve great heights!”

After graduating, Conner plans to continue his landscaping business while working at DFAS as a financial manager. His long-term goals including building his own company, joining the FBI, investing in real estate, and starting a gym. 

“I had a very enjoyable experience in the business program here at UIndy. The classes Dr. Will taught helped prepare me for anything in the world of finance and beyond,” Conner said. “I learned how to really research and think through problems, and that skill has equipped me to feel like I can handle any issue life throws at me.”

Learn more about the University of Indianapolis School of Business.

 

 

University of Indianapolis selects Scott Young as Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics

Scott Young

Scott Young

The University of Indianapolis has named Scott Young to serve as the next Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics. Young will assume the role on September 1, 2020, following the retirement of Sue Willey, who served in the position for 17 of her 45 years of service to the University.

Young’s selection for the cabinet position follows a nationwide search to fill the top leadership role for the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. During his 26-year career at the University of Indianapolis, Young has served in numerous roles within the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, most recently as Senior Associate Athletic Director for Compliance. His achievements include regulating all compliance for 23 NCAA sports programs at the University, oversight of the Sports Medicine and Sports Information Departments and multiple athletic programs, and serving as tournament director for NCAA playoff games and tournaments.

“Scott demonstrates an equal commitment to the University of Indianapolis and to the principles of excellence that define our campus culture,” said President Robert L. Manuel. “Scott’s dedication to accountability and clear communication, combined with his innovative ideas for growing our athletics program both in terms of public awareness and in breadth, will be a vital asset in University initiatives including recruitment and retention.”

“During the past two decades, Scott has excelled at each of his positions serving the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, and I’m sure that will continue in this important leadership role,” said Sue Willey, Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics. “Scott is a dedicated UIndy person through and through. His love for the institution will be a constant support for athletics and the University.”

“I would like to thank Dr. Manuel and the search committee for this tremendous opportunity to lead UIndy athletics, the place I have called home for the past 26 years. I also would like to thank Sue Willey for her incredible mentorship and support, which have helped foster me into the leader I am today,” Young said. “The standards for UIndy athletics will continue to be for our student-athletes to win as students, win as people, and win as athletes.”

President Manuel also noted Sue Willey’s legacy that catapulted University of Indianapolis athletics to national recognition and countless accolades, including 90 Academic All-America honorees, a mark that is in the top ten in NCAA Division II. 

“I would like to express my gratitude to Sue Willey for her many years of service to the University of Indianapolis and for her remarkable accomplishments that have positioned the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics to continue to climb to new heights,” President Manuel said. “Scott is ideally suited to build on the high standards of success that Sue established.”

Young received a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from the University of Indianapolis in 1999 and obtained his Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction from the University in 2002. 

His previous roles include assistant head baseball coach and coordinator of game-day operations. As a member of the 2000 coaching staff, Young was inducted into the UIndy Athletics Hall of Fame in 2012 with the entirety of the 2000 baseball squad. He has also served as an adjunct instructor in the University’s kinesiology department, and prior to joining the baseball coaching staff, he served as an athletic trainer working with baseball, basketball, football, wrestling, and soccer.

About the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics
The University of Indianapolis Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is nationally recognized as one of the top overall athletic programs in NCAA Division II. With nearly 700 student-athletes, the department boasts a 3.32 GPA for all 23 sports. Notable achievements include top-10 finishes in the Learfield Sports Directors’ Cup seven out of the last eight years, Great Lakes Valley Conference All-Sports Trophy wins for eight consecutive years and women’s golf national championships in both 2015 and 2018. The department’s mission is to provide opportunities for participation in intercollegiate athletics in an environment that encourages the achievement of athletic excellence and good sportsmanship while maintaining the proper balance between participation in athletics and the educational and social life common to all students. Learn more: athletics.uindy.edu.

About the University of Indianapolis
The University of Indianapolis, founded in 1902, is a private university located just a few minutes from downtown Indianapolis. The University is ranked among the top National Universities by U.S. News and World Report, with a diverse enrollment of nearly 6,000 undergraduate, graduate and continuing education students. The University offers a wide variety of study areas, including 100+ undergraduate degrees, more than 40 master’s degree programs and five doctoral programs. More occupational therapists, physical therapists and clinical psychologists graduate from the University each year than any other state institution. With strong programs in engineering, business, and education, the University of Indianapolis impacts its community by living its motto, “Education for Service.” Learn more: uindy.edu.

 

 

Community Health Network selected as sports medicine healthcare provider for UIndy Athletics

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INDIANAPOLIS – The University of Indianapolis announced today the selection of Community Health Network as the provider of sports medicine healthcare for the University’s athletics program, expanding the current partnership between the two entities while creating a unique model for healthcare, education and athletic training in higher education. The partnership also expands opportunities for research, education and access to healthcare for UIndy employees and students.

One of the largest providers of sports medicine healthcare in central Indiana, Community Health Network has developed a standout reputation with professional teams such as the Indy Eleven and Indy Fuel. Community will provide nearly 700 student athletes with the same expertise and quality in sports medicine and athletic training.

“When we looked to a provider that could be an innovative and effective partner and best serve one of the strongest athletic programs in Division II, Community’s expertise and record stood out. With Community’s reputation for excellence in healthcare, integration of ground-breaking technology and medical specialties such as sports medicine, we both saw the opportunity to a create a model in higher education to benefit the entire UIndy community,” said Robert L. Manuel, University of Indianapolis president.

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“We are excited to deepen our current relationship with UIndy through the addition of sports medicine services,” said Nichole Wilson, vice president of retail services for Community Health Network. “The ability to leverage our organizations’ collective strengths to innovate how future health care providers are trained and how we deliver care is what makes this a great partnership. Sports medicine is another avenue by which we can do just that.”

The unique partnership expands access to athletic trainers, diagnostic and treatment services including physical and occupational therapy, orthopedics, women’s health and concussion rehabilitation. With the focus on urgent and emergent medical management, the partnership will provide faculty and students with additional teaching, research and educational opportunities for healthcare majors, including collaborative networking with Community professionals.

“The UIndy Sports Medicine Program provides another outstanding opportunity for Community Health Network to expand on our already unique relationship with the University of Indianapolis,” said Dr. David Kiley, President of Community Health Network’s South region. “This program enables Community Health Network to further our Mission, Vision and Values in the community by providing exceptional Sports Medicine care and experiences to an extraordinary group of student athletes while also collaborating with the University of Indianapolis in providing exceptional healthcare-related learning experiences for their impressive student body. We feel this collaborative relationship will strengthen the learning experiences for the UIndy students and that these remarkable individuals will go on to be deeply committed to enhancing the health and well-being for those in the communities in which they later serve.”

The sports medicine healthcare agreement with Community Health Network is the latest stage in the evolution of a growing partnership, which includes the Nursing Academy, an academic partnership between Community and the University of Indianapolis that offers an accelerated path for students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Additionally, the Health Pavilion hosts an annual Multidisciplinary Symposium that brings together hundreds of Community health professionals and University of Indianapolis students and faculty to share research and presentations on the latest healthcare trends.

“The goal shared by Community Health Network and the University is to keep our student athletes healthy, and when they do get injured, we support their desire to return to optimum health and competition as soon as possible,” said Sue Willey, University of Indianapolis vice president of intercollegiate athletics.

 

 

About Community Health Network

Headquartered in Indianapolis, Community Health Network has been deeply committed to the communities it serves since opening its first hospital, Community Hospital East, in 1956. Now with more than 16,000 caregivers and 200 sites of care, Community Health Network puts patients first while offering a full continuum of healthcare services, world-class innovations and a new focus on population health management. Exceptional care, simply delivered, is what sets Community Health Network apart and what makes it a leading not-for-profit healthcare destination in central Indiana. For more information about Community Health Network, please visit eCommunity.com.

 

About the University of Indianapolis

The University of Indianapolis, founded in 1902, is a private, liberal arts university located just a few minutes from downtown Indianapolis. UIndy is ranked among the top Midwest Universities by the U.S. News and World Report, with a diverse enrollment of more than 5,500 undergraduates, 1,300 graduate students and 400 continuing education students. The University offers a wide variety of study areas, including 100 undergraduate degrees, more than 35 master’s degree programs and five doctoral programs. With strong programs in the health sciences, engineering, business and education, UIndy impacts its community by living its motto, “Education for Service.” UIndy.edu

About University of Indianapolis Athletics
The University of Indianapolis sponsors 23 varsity sports and supports nearly 700 student-athletes. The Greyhounds combined to win a school-record nine conference titles in 2017-18, with 12 consecutive top-20 finishes in the prestigious Learfield Directors’ Cup standings, including six top 10s in the last seven years. The University has noted 73 Academic All-America® honorees since 2000, fifth most in Division II. The overall GPA for student athletes during the 2017-18 academic year was 3.2.

Honoring Coach Vaught’s coaching career

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Coach Vaught 1After 24 years of service to the University of Indianapolis as the head coach of the baseball program, Gary Vaught is retiring as the most-winningest coach in Greyhound history. Vaught resigns from his post with 808 career victories, two trips to the NCAA Division II Championships, and two GLVC tournament titles.

A two-time conference Coach of the Year, Vaught had 118 players be named to the all-GLVC list in his 24 seasons, including four Freshmen of the Year, two Pitchers of the Year, and two GLVC Scholar-Athletes of the Year. The Greyhounds picked up two victories in the team’s first NCAA DII Championship in appearance in 2000.

“Everyone talks about family, but it really is a family here,” Vaught began, when asked what it meant to be the head coach here for 24 years.

Related: A Thank You to Coach Vaught

Vaught wanted to thank more people than he could remember, but talked about the day he was interviewed, citing the elements as a possible deterrent from leaving the state of Oklahoma.

“Dr. David Huffman and Dr. Kenneth Borden were on the committee when they hired me, and they truly made me feel at home from the beginning. It was the greatest decision of my coaching career to come here.

“I’ve been blessed with a ton of stops in my career. If you stay somewhere for 24 years, you develop memories and friendships. Dr. Sue Willey has been more than a tremendous athletics director; she’s been a great friend.

“Scott Young was my right-hand man when I began 24 years ago. He was not only a great assistant coach, but he’s become such an amazing administrator and great leader for this university.”

Related: You’re Invited to Coach Vaught’s Retirement Reception, August 21

It is not the game Vaught is going to miss, at least not the most. It is the relationships that were planted, blossomed, and bloomed after this long that makes him forever grateful and humbled for this opportunity.

“The game is going to be there. I’m going to miss the fellowship I have here. The number one thing is that our coaches and young people here understand is that you have people who will not only bond with you through the good times, but through the bad times, as well. We win together and we lose together.”

Not only is Vaught going to miss UIndy, the university and athletics department is going to be hard-pressed to find another person like him.

“Coach Vaught has been a tremendous leader within our department, as well as his service to numerous conference, regional, and national committees during his time here,” Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Sue Willey said of the long-time head coach.

“As hard as it is for me to see him retire, it has less to do with as a baseball coach and more to do with a kind and giving man that I am blessed to call my friend,” Willey continued.

Vaught has been integral in growing the community atmosphere that exists at UIndy. Willey continued: “Whenever someone is in need or is suffering, Gary is the first one to do something about it.”

Vaught wanted to emphasize his gratefulness to his coaching staff, including Associate Head Coach Al Ready, who also played for him for two seasons in the early 2000s.

“Al has not only been a great coach and great friend, he’s been extremely loyal to me and our family here. He will make a tremendous head coach when his time comes.”

The Norman, Okla. native spoke of the university as his home and has plans to give back in whatever way he can.

“The memories I have here will go on and on and on. It gave my son a chance to earn a degree here, all the players who come back to visit, it made it a great place to work.

“It truly is a special place.”

Willey focused on Vaught’s work ethic and dedication that comes with 24 years of service to a university, which included his adjustments to not on the game of baseball, but helping to mold young men that attended UIndy.

“We will miss Coach Vaught, and we wish he and his wife Anne the very best in retirement. It is my hope that he will stay connected with UIndy Athletics for many more years to come.”

Thank you Gary Vaught for everything you have done for the University of Indianapolis.

Written by Cody Wainscott, Sports Information Director, University of Indianapolis

UIndy Athletics honors 2017 Hall of Fame inductees

UIndy 2017 Hall of Fame class inductees were announced at halftime of the men's basketball game on February 11, 2017. Then a recognition banquet with plaques given was held afterwards in UIndy Hall. (Photo by D. Todd Moore, University of Indianapolis)

UIndy 2017 Hall of Fame class inductees were announced at halftime of the men’s basketball game on February 11, 2017. Then a recognition banquet with plaques given was held afterwards in UIndy Hall. (Photo by D. Todd Moore, University of Indianapolis)

The 2017 University of Indianapolis Athletics Hall of Fame inductees were honored in a ceremony Saturday, Feb. 11. This year’s Hall of Fame inductees were introduced at halftime of the men’s basketball game against Rockhurst University, with the induction ceremony following at the Schwitzer Student Center.

UIndy Athletics is proud to introduce this year’s inductees:

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Greyhound football favored to win GLVC crown

Click above to watch UIndy football’s 2016 preview video.

Sept. 10 “Monumental Matchup” against Marian to feature special guests

The 2016 season is shaping up to be another great one for UIndy football, with the NCAA Division II Greyhounds picked unanimously in the preseason coaches poll — for the fifth-straight year — to win the Great Lakes Valley Conference title.

The Hounds, who finished last year at 10-2 overall and 8-0 in the GLVC, have 18 starters returning, along with reigning GLVC Coach of Year Bob Bartolomeo. They are 30-1 in conference play and the only conference team to make the D-II preseason rankings, coming in at No. 16.

After the Sept. 3 season opener at Michigan’s Hillsdale College, the first home game at Key Stadium is the Sept. 10 return of the “Monumental Matchup,” a grudge match against crosstown foes Marian University of the NAIA. Tailgating begins at 4 p.m.; the national anthem will be sung by UIndy alum Megan Meadors, former Miss Indiana and Indianapolis Colts cheerleader; former Colt Gary Brackett will handle the coin toss; and kickoff is at 6:05.

Rumor has it that halftime entertainment will be provided by the acclaimed winner of a nationally televised singing competition (click here for big hint). We’ll have more details on that later.

Follow all the Greyhound football news this season at the UIndy Athletics site.

Story on UIndy student draws big response

See IndyStar story, video and photo gallery

Brendan Dudas (Indy Star video still)

UIndy student Brendan Dudas (IndyStar video still)

Indianapolis Star sports columnist Gregg Doyel is known for his ability to find compelling tales where others don’t think to look, but even he was daunted by the story of UIndy business major and baseball player Brendan Dudas.

It begins with the elaborate wiffle ball facility Dudas and friends built in his parents’ Southside backyard, home to an organized eight-team league that helps young men from the area stay in touch with their high school pals. It ends with Dudas and his girlfriend — both full-time college students — assuming guardianship of two disadvantaged young nephews who have found love and support through their families and the Indy Southside Wiffle Ball league.

There’s much more, but you have to read the story to take it all in. Doyel initially wasn’t sure how to put the pieces together.

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Former, future Greyhounds go for the gold

Swimming World magazine conducted this interview with Dalton Herendeen just before he secured a spot on the U.S. swim team for the 2016 Paralympics in Brazil.

Two UIndy-connected swimmers — one a recent grad, the other arriving this year as a freshman — will be representing their nations this summer in Rio de Janeiro.

Sotia Neophytou

Sotia Neophytou

Incoming first-year student Sotia Neophytou (sometimes spelled Neofytou) is one of only two swimmers from Cyprus selected to compete in the 2016 Summer Olympics. She will swim the 100-meter butterfly next month.

Dalton Herendeen, who graduated in 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, is one of just 10 U.S. men tapped to swim in the 2016 Paralympic Games in September. The partial amputee, who swam in standard high school and college meets, is a veteran of international competition, having gone to the 2012 Paralympics in London and other major events. Click above to watch an interview with Swimming World magazine, or read this story in his hometown paper, the Elkhart Truth.

Learn more about both swimmers at the UIndy Athletics site.

Kindred

Kindred

Earning honorable mention in our Olympics coverage is 2014 grad Jermel Kindred, an All-American sprinter and hurdler in his UIndy track and field days.

The holder of five Greyhound records earned a trip to last week’s U.S. Olympic Trials in Oregon, but did not quite make the cut for Rio. Read about his bid in the South Bend Tribune.

Greyhound athletes also excel in the classroom

UIndy logo (with dog)-201&blkAcademic honors are rolling in for the 2015-2016 student-athletes of the Great Lakes Valley Conference, and once again the Greyhounds are proving as talented off the field as they were in competition.

Consider:

  • 27 UIndy student-athletes (a university record) earned the Great Lakes Valley Conference Council of Presidents’ Academic Excellence Award, having maintained at least a 3.5 grade point average throughout their college careers. UIndy’s total was third-highest in the conference.
  • Four student-athletes were named GLVC Winter and Spring Scholar-Athletes of the Year for their academic and athletic accomplishments: Matthew Kaplanis, baseball; Paxton DeHaven, women’s golf; Morgan Foley, softball; and Luke Hubert, men’s tennis. Only one recipient is named in each conference sport, and the Greyhounds can claim six for the year — highest in the conference.
  • Nine UIndy teams earned the GLVC Team Academic Award, which recognizes teams with an average GPA of at least 3.3. The Division II national runner-up women’s golfers led the Greyhound squads with a 3.7.
  • 206 student-athletes were named Academic All-GLVC recipients, recognizing a personal GPA of 3.3 for the year.

And remember, these young people have the athletic chops, too. For the fifth year running, UIndy scored a Top 10 finish in the prestigious Learfield Directors’ Cup standings, placing seventh in all of Division II for cumulative success in seven men’s and seven women’s sports.

As always, you’ll find more detail at the UIndy Athletics site.

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