Sankey wants to see fan engagement and fan attendance improve in the coming yearsGETTY IMAGES
In Louisiana, Scott Ferrell profiled SEC Commissioner GREG SANKEY, whose league has been a "dominant force on the field and in the arena." It has also been "dominating off the field, bringing in record per school revenue." As Sankey nears the end of his third year as commissioner, there "are plenty of accomplishments -- and things left to be done." Sankey: "When you come to three years as commissioner of the Southeastern Conference, it is a full-time job -- capital full-time.’’ Sankey wants to "remain on the cutting edge of video replay in football and men’s basketball." He wants to "see fan engagement and fan attendance improve," and the SEC Network "is a huge part of the conference’s future" (SHREVEPORT TIMES, 4/8).
YEAR-IN-REVIEW: Kansas State AD GENE TAYLOR "oversaw one of the most successful academic years in school history when it comes to revenue sports" in his first year leading the school. Taylor said, "The biggest challenge is just getting around and balancing everything between seeing donors and being around our student-athletes. ... I needed to get out and see our donors this year. Now, I want to do a better job getting to know our student-athletes and spending more time with them." Taylor's biggest goals for year two include "finishing a facility master plan, which will enable K-State to target new projects that haven’t been previously considered" (WICHITA EAGLE, 4/7).
NAMES: RAFAEL NADAL is "hoping to bring a sprawling tennis academy to Boca Raton." The academy would include a "rooftop-terraced building with at least 37 indoor courts, as well as facilities for teachings and tournaments, under a proposal." It also would "have a gym, four restaurants and a pro shop." This would be the "first academy" for Nadal outside of his hometown of Manacor, Spain (SUN-SENTINEL.com, 4/9)....The U.S. Basketball Writers Association honored former Univ. of Missouri coach NORM STEWART with a lifetime achievement award. He was unable to attend due to an "undisclosed illness" (KANSASCITY.com, 4/9).... PGA Tour RBC Heritage Tournament Dir STEVE WILMOT was honored by former champions of the tournament for his 25 years of directing the event (ISLANDPACKET.com, 4/9)....Heat G DWYANE WADE was “named recipient of the NBA Cares Community Assist Award for March in recognition of his support for Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School students and the Parkland community" (South Florida SUN SENTINEL, 4/10)....VENUS and SERENA WILLIAMS are “joining the advisory board” of the Billie Jean King Leadership Initiative (AP, 4/10)....NFL RB prospect DERRIUS GUICE has “dropped Top Dawg Entertainment as his management company in favor of Young Money APAA Sports." TDE represents KENDRICK LAMAR, while Young Money was founded by LIL WAYNE (BLEACHERREPORT.com, 4/9).
