Summary: This week, Dave goes solo and discusses the challenges of directing the athletic program at EMU, a DIII program that values both the total educational experience for the student athlete and competitiveness within the conference. Specific areas of tension that can exist are in the recruiting process and the amount of time asked of student athletes. Winning programs are of value to the university, but what is the cost to the student athlete’s educational experience. Should athletes be permitted miss games for family, church or university events, leaving their teams short-handed? New NCAA legislation that permits strength and conditioning coaches to work directly with teams in the off-season will likely put EMU further behind our competition since we don’t have such a position and have not been “requiring” out-of-season conditioning like other programs do. He also highlights the strategies in the athletic department to help the university reach new enrollment goals. Inside Athletics is a weekly podcast hosted by Athletic Director Dave King. The podcast offers a synopsis of what is happening in EMU athletics, but also delves deeper into how athletics at EMU shapes lives and enhances college educations by positively impacting an athlete’s understanding of self, others, and God. Sports Information Director James De Boer is a regular guest with EMU coaches and athletes making appearances as well.
