NKU to interview for Athletics Director

In a news release from NKU, Northern Kentucky University have announced five finalists for their Athletics Director position. The five finalists are:

- Jerry Wollmering, Director of Athletics, Truman State University

- Jerome Rodgers, Associate Athletic Director for Compliance, Boston College

- Scott Eaton, Senior Associate Athletic Director for Administration, Northern Kentucky University

- Derek van der Merwe, Senior Associate Athletics Director, Central Michigan University

- Holly Sheilley, Assistant Athletic Director for Championships & Student Development, University of Louisville

One of these finalists will be hired to replace Jane Meier who stepped down as NKU Director of Athletics after 31 years at NKU. Whomever they choose to fill this position will inherit and Athletics program that has successful and competitive teams in most sports. Many in the community, and around the university, have supported a move for NKU to play in Division I. In 2004 they University conducted a comprehensive study on the viability of moving to DI. It was always my inclination at that time that Northern did not have the proper facilities and would not be competitive in recruiting a DI caliber athlete with their current facilities. Now, with the addition of the Bank of Kentucky Center, new tennis facility, new soccer facility, newer softball field, and updated fitness centers NKU would have the proper facilities that would help attract a DI athlete. The next issue will be the financials of it all, the costs involved in elevating a program are considerable and with our tough economic times would President Votruba and the Board of Regents be able to justify expenditures on athletics while academic and other programs face potential cuts. Regardless, the athletes at Northern Kentucky University are as talented as any athletes in the tri-state area. Whomever is chosen for this position will take the reigns of a top notch athletics program.

Why transfer to Division II?

There has been a lot of Internet speculation that former Kentucky Wildcat forward AJ Stewart may potentially transfer to play for the Norse. At this point there is no solid evidence that this rumor is true but if Stewart did transfer to the Norse he would not be the first Division I player to do so. Many players transfer down to Division II after a couple of years on the Division I level to get more playing time and display their talents for international and NBA scouts. You will not find major D-I talents making the move to a lower level, however, you do see a many players who rarely see the floor make the jump and immediately become a starter. Below you will find the list of players that have transferred to NKU from Division I schools dating back to the 2001-2002 season:

G- Dustin McGuire: St. Louis
F- Tanner Jacobs: Kennesaw State
G- DeAaron Williams: Wisconsin
G- Dennis Gagai: West Virginia
F- A'Daeron Duncan: Coppin State
F- Vincent Humphrey: Valparaiso
G- Anthony Teague: New Mexico
G- Steven Wright: Bowling Green State
C- James Cripe: Dayton
C- Gavin Ludgood: Florida Atlantic
F- Derek Smith: Kentucky *(Played Football)
G- Jared Ronai: UNC Asheville
G- Adam Howell: Ohio University
F- Quentin Smith: Morehead State
C- Chris Seabrooks: Pitt

Although the numbers are seriously skewed it is possible for Division II players to make it to the NBA. The most famous Division II player in the NBA has been Ben Wallace who played for Virginia Union. Other NCAA Division II notable players in the NBA have been:
Ben Wallace- Virginia Union
Charles Oakley- Virginia Union
Larry Smith- Alcorn State
Darrell Armstrong- Fayetville State
Manute Bol- Bridgeport
Wayne Cooper- New Orleans
Mario Elie- American International
Jerome Kersey- Longwood
Rick Mahorn- Hampton
Haywoode Workman- Winston-Salem St.