University of California Riverside Athletics Director Stan Morrison will answer selected questions from our online readers throughout the school year. To submit a question to "Ask Stan Morrison", click here.

Question:

"Stan

Although we certainly celebrate the athletic prowess and recognition of our students who've been drafted into the big leagues, what is UCR's stance on encouraging them to complete their education--especially those who might be leaving after their sophomore year?

Submitted by Vivian-Lee Nyitray

Stan's Reply :

"Dear Ms. Nyitray,
Thank you for taking time to ask such an insightful and important question. Please know that my Senior Staff and all of our coaches are absolute resolute in our support of the Athletics Academic Mission and certainly the mission of this fine university. This space does not allow for me to fully explain the lengths we go to in supporting student-athletes in achieving progress towards legitimate academic degrees. I believe our ranking in Southern California, when compared to other Division I institutions, demonstrates that commitment. Certainly student-athletes are held to a higher standard than non-athletes at UCR and at most NCAA institutions

.With the recent Major League Baseball draft, we have seen student-athletes from around America drafted out of universities without first attaining their degrees. Many have been drafted right out of high school!! I would like to explain that once a baseball student-athlete is enrolled full-time at an NCAA institution, they cannot be drafted until they complete their junior (3rd) year at the university. Once they are eligible for the draft, we then are concerned about their chances of making it in the "big leagues" and the amount of money, both bonus and long term, they will be receiving. Our coaches do a great job of advising and presenting documentation about former players and their respective Baseball earnings. As you can well imagine, some early top first round draftees can receive millions of guaranteed dollars for signing with a Major League Baseball organization. After the elite first few are drafted, the signing/contract money decreases immeasurably. We work hard to "re-recruit" our own players when it is appropriate. If the money is "right," we encourage them to chase their dreams. We never neglect to point out that finishing their degree is critical for the student-athlete because they are just one shoulder or knee injury from being finished in their sport. Legs do wear out. Education never does! One of the most encouraging things about early signings in Major League Baseball is that it is generally the rule that the team also includes paying for their draft pick to finish his degree as a part of the initial contract. This is a win-win-win for the student-athlete, the Major League Baseball team, and certainly UCR.

From university to university, tradition plays a roll in the "finish the degree" process. Here at UCR, certainly our former Hall of Fame Coach, Jack Smitheran, set the standard for our expectations. His successor, Doug Smith, is very strong in making it clear that this is not a country club. UCR is a university where we emphasize the "student" in student-athlete and we are dedicated to upholding and supporting this institutions mission. Please feel free to contact Coach Doug Smith at: doug.smith@ucr.edu if you would like to communicate directly with him about the questions posed in your email to me. Thank you for caring about these young men. So do we. I hope you will introduce yourself to me at one of our games in the future. I will be the tall guy in the stands, probably in my "uniform" that includes a coat and tie. All the best.

"Braveheart is Alive!"

Stan Morrison