June 10, 2008

Dallas, Texas --The National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) held its keynote address and James J. Corbett Awards Luncheon today at its 43rd Annual Convention at the Hilton Anatole Hotel in Dallas.

Providing the keynote address in front of a capacity audience was Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager, Jerry Jones. Aside from the occasional comical story from his collegiate playing days at the University of Arkansas up to his time with the Cowboys, Jones spoke in his 38-minute address on topics that consisted of true ownership, dedication, and taking risks.

"I've never thought that I owned the Dallas Cowboys," Jones said. "You can't own the University of Texas; you can't own the University of Notre Dame. The alumni own it, the fans own it, and the people that have coached, played, and worked there own those institutions. The Cowboys are no different. The tradition, the fans, the ones who have played, and people like [former] coach [Tom] Landry own the Dallas Cowboys."

Jones also gave real-world advice to those in attendance on how to be successful in the world of athletics administration.

"Success means emptying your bucket, and each one of you here have done that by giving of your education, time, and experience to your institution. It also means not being scared to take necessary risks. Stepping out, driving the ball across the water instead of laying up, to use a golf analogy--we all have to take some risks or we're shortchanging ourselves."

In his concluding statements, Jones motivated the audience to wake up every morning and think about the opportunity ahead to be involved in the competitive and tradition-rich business of athletics.

"We are lucky to get to do what we do, and I may be the luckiest of us all."

At 12:30 p.m. in the Chantilly Ballroom East was the Corbett Awards Luncheon, emceed by ESPN's Bonnie Bernstein.

Dozens of individuals were honored for their remarkable influence as a director of athletics. The AstroTurf Athletics Directors of the Year were honored from four geographical regions in eight different divisions, along with an international winner. Also being recognized were several NACDA Hall of Fame inductees.

Ross Nethery, managing editor of SBJ, said that Wellman has been on their radar for the award for a while due to his incredible use of the limited resources he has to work with the university.

"At one of the smallest schools in Division I (student enrollment of only 4,000), Ron and Wake Forest have been able to do incredible things in just the last 12-18 months, including winning an ACC football championship and also a championship in men's soccer."

Leland lightened the mood during his acceptance speech by implying that one of the best parts about being an athletics director is being given the credit for the success of the teams without ever running a lap or dribbling a ball. In his 14-year stint at Stanford University, the Cardinal captured 50 NCAA team championships and 11 U.S. Sports Academy Directors' Cups.

The meal, the awards, and the fellowship all led up the presentation of the 2008 James J. Corbett Award. Recipient Dave Hart Jr., one third of the Hart family trio of AD's, was the recipient and delivered a heartfelt speech full of humility, gratitude, and a series of thank-you's to those who have contributed to his success.

After the awards were all given out and the luncheon was winding down, Bernstein made her final remarks and reflected on what being involved in college athletics has meant to her.

"One of the most rewarding things about being on my side of the business is traveling to schools and meeting student-athletes, coaches, and the administrators," she said. "And what makes this so rewarding is the fact that these individuals are really good, passionate people who just love sports."