The NCAA News Digest

July 7, 1997

• RECORD CROWDS -- Volleyball
• DIVISION I -- Presidents asked to react to employment legislation
• DIVISION II -- Presidential transition team ratifies committee appointments
• DIVISION III -- Strategic plan recommended to provide funding guidance
• COMMUNICATIONS -- National office creates broadcast e-mail service
• ACADEMICS -- Division I student-athletes graduate at 58 percent rate
• WOMEN'S BASKETBALL -- Sites selected for 2001, 2002 Women's Final Fours

RECORD CROWDS

Volleyball

For the third consecutive year, the University of Hawaii, Manoa, shattered all previous collegiate volleyball attendance records compiled by the American Volleyball Coaches Association. The Rainbow Wahine boasted 22 of the top 23 crowds of the season in drawing 145,006 fans for an average of 6,042.

Nebraska, which led the nation in overall attendance in 1990 and 1991, finished second in total and average for the second straight season after drawing 61,014 spectators for an average of 3,589.

Hawaii also led men's college volleyball to record attendance in 1997. A record of 450,073 attended all men's games in 1997, an increase of almost 200,000 over 1996. Hawaii averaged 7,930, more than double the average attendance of No. 2 Brigham Young University.

Division I leaders

Rank/institution -- Avg. att.

--

1. -- Hawaii -- 8,378

2. -- Nebraska -- 3,589

3. -- Texas -- 2,723

4. -- Illinois State -- 2,535

5. -- Illinois -- 2,414

6. -- Michigan State -- 2,391

7. -- Florida -- 2,370

8. -- Wisconsin -- 2,218

9. -- Minnesota -- 1,884

10. -- Stanford -- 1,843

Division II leaders

Rank/institution -- Avg. att.

1. -- Nebraska-Kearney -- 786

2. -- Nebraska-Omaha -- 725

3. -- North Dakota State -- 743

4. -- Cal State Bakersfield -- 519

5. -- Augustana -- 467

6. -- St. Cloud State -- 466

7. -- Hawaii-Hilo -- 450

8. -- Northern Colorado -- 444

9. -- Morningside -- 392

10. -- Indiana/Purdue-

-- -- Fort Wayne -- 386

Division III leaders

-- Rank/institution -- Avg. att.

1. -- Simpson -- 686

2. -- Washington (Mo.) -- 601

3. -- Nebraska Wesleyan -- 319

4. -- Marantha Baptist -- 306

5. -- Ohio Northern -- 306

6. -- Juniata -- 300

7. -- St. Olaf's -- 300

8. -- Dubuque -- 290

9. -- Averett -- 254

10. -- Four tied -- 250

DIVISION I

The NCAA Division I Board of Directors is in the process of asking chief executive officers throughout Division I for reaction to 1997 Convention Proposal No. 62.

At a recent meeting, the Board affirmed its support for the idea behind Proposal No. 62: permitting student-athletes to be employed and earn up to the cost of attendance during the academic year. However, it also addressed concerns expressed by institutions and conferences relating to the implementation of the legislation and to possible unintended consequences. The Board agreed to discuss the matter further at its August 12 meeting.

In another matter, the Board reviewed NCAA Division I-A postseason football involvement.

Staff contact: Stephen R. Morgan.

DIVISION II

The Division II Presidents Council has ratified committee appointments made earlier by that division's Management Council Transition Team.

The presidents approved the appointment of 22 individuals to vacancies on six Division II-specific committees, as well as the appointments of 16 student-athletes to vacancies on the new 24-member Division II Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. The presidents also ratified appointments to two Association-wide committees.

Staff contact: Nancy L. Mitchell.

DIVISION III

The Division III subcommittee of the NCAA Presidents Commission has recommended that the new Division III governing bodies develop a strategic plan that will provide guidance in funding decisions. The subcommittee recommended that the Division III Presidents Council and Management Council make the plan a priority as they take over direction of Division III.

The plan is needed to guide the Division III Budget Committee regarding spending priorities beyond the Division III annual reserve, expenses related to Division III membership growth and championships enhancements.

Staff contact: Daniel T. Dutcher.

COMMUNICATIONS

The NCAA national office has established a broadcast electronic-mail service that will enable the Association to forward important information directly and quickly to member institutions via the Internet.

The service permits the Association to simultaneously send, or "broadcast," messages to all e-mail addresses listed in the the national office's membership database, or to membership subgroups such as divisions or chief executive officers.

Staff contact: Daniel T. Dutcher.

ACADEMICS

Division I student-athletes who entered college in 1990 graduated at a higher rate than the general student body. It was the fifth consecutive year in which athletes have graduated at a higher rate.

Student-athletes who entered college in 1990 graduated at a rate of 58 percent, compared to a 56 percent rate for all students. It is the greatest difference between the groups since 1986, the first year that Proposition 48 academic standards went into effect. Student-athletes in the two classes before the new standard graduated at a rate one to two percent lower than the general student body.

Staff contact: Ursula R. Walsh.

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

Staff contact: Tricia Bork.