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Fall issue of Champion magazine available online

The Fall 2011 edition of NCAA Champion magazine is now available online (www.NCAAChampionMagazine.org).

This issue of the Association’s official quarterly publication features Norwich ice hockey student-athlete Shawn Baker on the cover. In addition to being proficient on the ice, Baker can take the heat as well, serving as a volunteer firefighter in the town of Northfield, Vt. Baker, who hails from Canada, plans to continue in that line of service after graduating from Norwich.

One of the features in this edition of Champion chronicles Eckerd basketball player Lance Kearse’s journey to normalcy after being sidelined with the sickle cell trait he never knew he had. With his playing days in jeopardy for reasons he nor anyone else could understand, Kearse was able to return to the court after medical personnel finally pinpointed the cause.

Another feature pays a visit to the University of Michigan campus in Ann Arbor, as the school prepares for its first season of men’s lacrosse as a varsity sport. The Wolverines are the first BCS football school to add men’s lacrosse since Notre Dame in 1981, and other prospective sponsors are taking note.

This issue of Champion also examines the results of the Division I presidential retreat, asking participants what their idea of success will look like as reforms are implemented as early as this year.

Among NCAA people profiled in this issue are Hope and Calvin presidents Jim Bultman and Gaylen Byker, both of whom are retiring at the end of this academic year after years of service at their alma maters. Charleston (West Virginia) women’s volleyball coach Bren Stevens also is featured, as is Colorado faculty athletics representative and FARA President David Clough.

Other highlights in this issue of Champion include a look at a large mascot at Wheaton (Illinois), a special outreach from student-athletes at Oneonta State and a lifesaving effort from football players at Missouri Western.

Also included in this issue is a special wall calendar that lists the dates and sites for the 2011-12 NCAA championship season.

Hard copies of the magazine should begin arriving on campuses next week.