Students First, Athletes Second

While winning conference, regional and national titles is a goal all Tiger teams strive for, success in the classroom is of utmost importance to the entire athletic department.

Student-athletes are monitored daily in the classroom. And should any concerns arise, coaches are immediately notified.

Bruce Watson, ADA coordinator and minority student counselor, said several mechanisms were in place to ensure the success of students in the classroom.

“We have the Early Academic Warning System with nine areas that we look at,” Watson said. “I operate as the liaison between the athletic director and the coaches.”

Watson provides coaches with daily updates on their players based on warnings submitted by Cowley faculty.

Examples of warnings:

• an athlete late for class
• an athlete missing class
• an athlete not performing well in class
• an athlete performing well.

“Of the nine evaluating areas, five are good and four are bad,” Watson said. “I can inform a coach of an athlete’s excellence just as I can provide him with information that the athlete isn’t attending class. This is a daily issue.”

Watson corresponds with the coaching staff via hand-written notes, not e-mail.

“And I submit a monthly report to the athletic director,” Watson said. “Or if an athlete is in danger, I tell the athletic director immediately.”

Watson said Cowley has in place several programs to help student athletes be successful.

“One could be the Adopt-a-Player program, one tutoring, or one the Early Academic Warning System,” Watson said. “It’s up to the student to grab on to one of those areas.”

Watson said all coaches provide study halls for their athletes.

“They have proven to be very positive,” Watson said. “And we have required supervision for the study hall. An athlete has to bring something to the study hall. This is for all sports.”

Watson said Athletic Director Tom Saia’s commitment to the academic success programs was key to the entire process.

“The success of the Adopt-a-Player program and the academic program is due to Tom’s interest,” Watson said. “He is not as interested in winning the conference as he is in a successful educated student. He wants those students to get the best affordable education. He loves to win national titles, but he also wants athletes to be successful in the classroom.”

Watson may be reached by calling (620) 441-5306. His office is located on the main floor of the D. Robert Storbeck Dormitory.