UCR junior righthander Ben Washburn was drafted by the Montreal Expos in the 14th round of the annual Free Agent Draft, held Monday in New York.

Washburn was 7-3 with one save and a 4.96 ERA. He appeared in 13 games, striking out 63 batters in 78 innings of work.

UCR senior infielder Jeff Stevens was drafted by the Florida Marlins in the 45th round of the annual Free Agent Draft, held Tuesday in New York.

Stevens led the Highlanders with a .401 batting average and four triples. He had 47 RBI and 14 doubles, both second on the team. He was named the Male Student Athlete of the Year at the Annual Awards Banquet on Sunday.

UC Riverside senior women's tennis player Shari Cook has been named to the GTE Academic All-American College Division Spring At-Large Second Team, as voted on by the Collegiate Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).

Cook, from Murrieta, CA, was the Highlanders' number one singles and doubles player. She competed in all 15 matches for the Highlanders, posting a 6-9 singles mark and an 8-7 doubles mark and was named second-team All-CCAA.

In the classroom, Cook has been a member of the Dean's List in every quarter from Fall '97 through Winter '99, and was named to the Chancellor's Honor List in 1998 and 1999. In addition, she was named to the ITA Scholar-Athlete All-Academic team. She has completed her undergraduate degree and is currently pursuing her teaching credential.

In early June, Cook was named winner of the UCR Academic Senate Award, Scholar-Athlete of the Year. The award is selected by a committee of scholars and athletes and is presented annually to a student-athlete whose athletic and scholarly achievements are deemed most outstanding. Cook, who was has earned her degree, is now pursuing a career as a teacher in Jurupa. 

"I am honored to have been selected for this award," Dochterman said. "It means a great deal just to be nominated and validates the work that we are doing here at UC Riverside."

The NACMA/Host Communications Marketer of the Year Award recognizes marketing excellence within the campus and or college community environment. It is for NACMA members in the U.S. and around the world and is presented for significant contributions made by a marketing administrator at their institution in their respective region. This award is presented annually in NCAA Divisions I-A, I-AA/I-AAA, II/III and NAIA/Other Four-Year Institutions/Junior/Community Colleges. Awardees must have demonstrated a commitment to student-athletes and athletics marketing, continuous teamwork, loyalty and excellence, the ability to inspire individuals or groups to high levels of accomplishment and leadership.

"We are very proud that Cliff is being recognized for his extraordinary achievements at UC Riverside. His dedication to our student athletes, his knowledge of athletics, and his commitment to our campus and community have made the difference here," Chancellor Raymond Orbach said. "Our successful student referendum, our move to Division I, and our acceptance into the Big West Division I Conference all owe a great deal to his leadership. We join the NACMA in its acknowledgement of Cliff's accomplishments."

Dochterman constructed sponsorship and annual fund programs as well as directed the creation of the organizational infrastructure, game management and business operations for the athletic department, helping to increase departmental revenue 14-fold and spearheaded the university's lobbying efforts to gain the school admittance to the Big West Conference.

"Research indicates that genius level thinking results from single-focused work in a particular discipline over eight to twelve years. In my opinion, Cliff demonstrates genius level thinking with his vision for the departments development processes, " UCR Director of Athletics Stan Morrison said. "Few have ever demonstrated the "big picture" thinking as well as Cliff. We are thrilled that his work is being recognized on the national stage."

The honor is not the first national recognition for Dochterman, who arrived on the Riverside campus in 1996 after two seasons as general manager of the Amarillo (TX) Dillas baseball team of the independent Texas-Louisiana League. While in Texas, he directed the development the franchise start-up and operations plan for the Texas-Louisiana League, while guiding the Amarillo Dillas to the leagueís top attendance in 1994 and 1995. During his tenure the franchise was twice named the Texas-Louisiana League "Franchise of the Year." In addition, Dochterman also earned "League Executive of the Year" honors, and in 1995 was named the Sportsman of the Year by the West Texas Sports Hall of Fame. He was also Assistant to the General Manager of the Sacramento Surge Professional Football Club from 1990-1992.

"We are extremely proud of Cliff's selection for this national award," added Vice Chancellor for Administration C. Michael Webster. "There are hundred of programs that we have been measured against. It is not surprising that Cliff and UCR's program has been selected as the national benchmark. Cliff is the consummate professional, in sports lingo, he is the "real deal.'"

The Highlander squad defeated seven other teams in their division. The 18-member team was judged on the difficulty, execution, formation, dance incorporation and technique of their routine. 

"One judge remarked that our technique and difficulty was head and shoulders above the rest of the competition," Coach Tim Black said.

"We will be ready to compete and win at the Division I level," Black added. "This is just our second year of competitive cheer and we have worked hard at developing a winning attitude in that short time." 
 

The march is designed to generate exposure, interest, community involvement and financial support for UCR's women's athletic programs. Following the one hour walk-a-thon will be a barbeque for participants. In addition, each participant who generates $50 or more will get a UCR March for Women's Athletics T-Shirt. Participants will also receive a raffle ticket for each pledge that they turn in. Prizes will also be given to groups in the categories of top costumes, most money raised and most pledges.

Money that is raised from the march will go towards increasing the operating budget of the athletic deparmtent, helping to support student-athletes, scholarships and training. With the move to the Division I level, UCR has had to increase their annual operating budget by nearly three million dollars. 

"This is an outstanding opportunity to get involved with the UC Riverside Athletics Family," Director of Athletics Stan Morrison said. "Even if one can't participate on the day of the march, I hope that they will sponsor a participant."

The goal of march organizers is for a donation of $150 per participant, although Morrison added that his personal goal is to raise $10,000 by himself.

For more information or registration information, call (951) 827-4292 or email Jim Peterson at jim.peterson@ucr.edu.
 

Competing against the country's best fighters are several nationally ranked local karate athletes. The list includes UCR karate instructor Kevin Warner, who placed an impressive individual third last September at the World Shotokan Karate Championships, and UCR athletes Stephanie Miner and Tai Richards who earned unprecedented 2nd and top-8 places, respectively, in the 1999 championships in Moscow.

"I am really looking forward to this year's competition," Tournament Director and UCR Director of Martial Arts Edmond Otis said. "We are going to see some of our best international caliber U.S. competitors butt heads in an event that really lets them push each other. Outside of the World Championships, I'm expecting the best competition of the year to be right here in our gym."

The competition, which is being presented by the University of California, Riverside Department of Physical Education and is sanctioned by the American JKA Karate Association, will serve as part of the selection process that picks the 1999-2000 U.S. National Shotokan Karate team.

The tournament will be held on Saturday, May 20 in the UCR Gymnasium. Eliminations begin at 10:00 AM with finals and demonstrations beginning at 7:00 PM. Admission is $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for children under 13 and free for kids 5 and under. For more information, call (951) 827-4524.
 
 
 

The mission of the NCAA Foundation Leadership Conference is to develop a diverse group of student-athletes who will actively participate in and experience a multitude of challenging and thought-provoking activities that will enable them to become change agents on their campuses and in their communities. It will provide NCAA student-athletes with the opportunity to discuss and explore critical issues facing their peers; to enhance their leadership skills; and to promote better communication among student-athletes, coaches, administrators, faculty, and communities.

A total of 352 student-athletes from around the country have been invited to attend the 2000 NCAA Foundation Leadership Conference. Student-athletes were nominated from institutions that participate in the CHAMPS/Life Skills program. Each institution is invited to nominate four individuals, and the NCAA selects one of the four to participate in the conference.

UCR's four nominees included Stephen Clayton (men's basketball), Julie Shaw (women's basketball), Danielle Camacho (softball) and Charboneau.

The NCAA chose Charboneau, a sophomore history major who competes in the hammer throw and shot put for the UCR Track Team. A native of Placentia, CA , his leadership on campus includes active involvement in Student-Athlete Advisory Council, Student-Athlete Mentors, Residence Hall Advisory Council, and Outdoor Club. In the community, Tom has been an extraordinary leader with Boy Scouts of America, achieving Eagle Scout honors in 1996. 

Each of the nominees had to select a project that they would work on during the 2000-01 academic year, and part of the conference agenda is to help participants develop an "Action Plan" to complete this project. Tom's project is to address UCR's school spirit, specifically in support of UCR Athletics programs and events.

The NCAA has also selected Doug Everhart, Coordinator of UCR's CHAMPS/Life Skills program, to participate in the conference as one of twelve new facilitators. He has years of extensive experience in working with students on leadership and health issues, with an emphasis in alcohol and other drug prevention. He has volunteered for the BACCHUS and GAMMA Peer Education Network, a national organization which supports collegiate peer education efforts as they relate to leadership and health issues, currently serving as an Area Consultant for affiliates in Arizona, California, Hawaii, and Nevada. In the Riverside community, he is active with the Tri-County South Regional Tobacco-Free Coalition, the Riverside County Tobacco Intervention Advisory Coalition, and is also on the Riverside Board for the American Cancer Society. On campus, he advises various student organizations, chairs the UCR Committee on Substance Abuse, provides a wide variety of outreach efforts and programs on health issues, and coordinates the CHAMPS/Life Skills program.

As part of the plan to develop programs to support student-athletes in the move to Division I status, UCR pursued and was selected to be a participant in the NCAA CHAMPS/Life Skills program. This program will provide guidance and support in the five component areas of the program: Academic Excellence, Athletic Excellence, Personal Development, Career Development, and Community Service. Of the honor, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Stan Morrison said, "In our transition to Division I status and membership in the Big West Conference, it is appropriate for UCR to continue to access meaningful information that enhances the university experience for all student-athletes. The NCAA has selected a wonderful representative who is fully capable of gathering and delivering information by participation in this wonderful conference." 

In a conference call meeting today of the presidents of Big West member universities, both UCR and Cal State Northridge were invited to join the conference currently comprised of 12 universities in California, Nevada, Utah, Idaho, New Mexico and Texas. 

"We have wanted to join the Big West ever since we conceived the transition to Division I," said UCR Chancellor Raymond L. Orbach. "Throughout this process, it has been our goal to raise the level of intercollegiate athletics to the same national preeminence as our academic programs. Association with the Big West has moved UCR a giant step forward toward that objective. We are delighted by the invitation extended by the Big West and we accept that invitation enthusiastically." 

Conference affiliation with the Big West provides important symbolic and practical benefits as the UCR Highlanders complete their transition to the top rung of intercollegiate athletics competition, UCR Athletics Director Stan Morrison said. 

"This gives us a sense of belonging. The Big West has a rich heritage of success in so many sports and some of the truly great academic institutions in the nation," Morrison said. "From a geographic and rivalry perspective, this is an ideal match for the Highlanders." 

Since its establishment in 1969, the Big West on many occasions has garnered national attention, with member schools excelling nationally in men's basketball, baseball and women's volleyball, among other sports. In basketball, former Big West school UNLV captured the national championship in 1990. Current Big West member Cal State Fullerton has won a national title in baseball under the Big West banner. In women's volleyball, the Big West has won six NCAA championships. 

The Big West Conference is currently comprised of Boise State, Cal Poly, Cal State Fullerton, Long Beach State, New Mexico State, UC Irvine, UC Santa Barbara, Idaho, University of Nevada, North Texas, Pacific and Utah State. 

UCR, a Division II power since the early 1970s, began moving toward Division I two years ago. In 1998, UCR undergraduates voted to assess themselves $35 per quarter ($105 per year) to help fund a Division I athletics program. Last spring, UCR formally announced its intention to reclassify the intercollegiate athletics program from Division II to Division I.

Last summer, the Highlanders appointed Stan Morrison as athletics director. Morrison has previously achieved national recognition as a basketball coach, athletic administrator and television commentator. Since then, efforts have focused on gaining a league affiliation, a move seen as critical to the Highlanders' success both for scheduling reasons and because the student referendum stipulated a conference membership.

The next phase for the Highlanders will be stepping up to Division I competition on the playing field and in the gym, according to Morrison. Beginning in the 2000-2001 academic year, UCR teams will play a Division I schedule. Men's basketball will open at Stanford, currently ranked No. 2 in the nation.

As part of the Highlanders' two-year transition to Division I, scheduled to be completed at the end of the 2000-2001 academic year, UCR will add four new sports - men's and women's soccer and men's and women's golf. 

C. Michael Webster, UCR vice chancellor of administration who oversees intercollegiate athletics, said the Highlanders hope to make an impact immediately in at least one of the campus' major sports - men's and women's basketball, women's volleyball and baseball. "The goal is to be competitive immediately and I believe we can do that because of the quality leadership of our coaches and intercollegiate athletics staff and because of the dedication of our student-athletes," he said. 

Invoking the Highlanders' motto, "Braveheart is Alive!," Morrison said UCR athletics teams are prepared for what will surely be a tremendous challenge in the early years of Division I competition. "We aren't so naeve to think we will not get knocked down, but we will grow and we will stand again, and eventually, we will stand all the time," he said. 

One of the most respected and successful volleyball coaches in the nation, Goaznsky's record through Oct. 1 was 600-326-16 in her 30 seasons as UCR's coach. Only four coaches in NCAA Division II history have won more matches. 

Among her many successes have been three national championships (1977, '82, and '86) and five California Collegiate Athletic Association Coach of the Year honors, and she has traveled extensively around the world teaching volleyball.

 The gift is the largest donation ever received by the Athletics Department, according to Associate Athletics Director Cliff Dochterman. The gift allowed the institution to substantially upgrade and expand its UCR Fitness Center, which is used by athletics, physical education classes, students and staff. The Fitness Center, which had its grand opening Sept. 21, was formerly 1,900 square feet and was expanded to approximately 5,100 square feet. The breadth of the gift also allows the creation of additional strength and conditioning facilities for the baseball and softball programs at the Riverside Sports Complex.

 "Pacific Bell reacted like an NCAA champion in providing a true Division I contribution that will provide momentum for years to come," said Director of Athletics Stan Morrison. "The gift is a reflection of the intuitiveness of a remarkable company in aiding the foundation of strength training, which is essential for all Division I student-athletes.

 "Vice Chancellor of Administration Mike Websterís quick response in providing a true Division I facility/setting for the equipment was icing on the cake."

 "Pacific Bell has always been a major investor in the future and prosperity of our communities," said Dave Bernal, area vice president for Pacific Bell. "We strive to be a good corporate citizen in providing resources, services and products to help make the community a better place to live and work. We are honored to make this contribution to the University of California at Riverside, and share with them the type of athletic program that they are fast becoming." 
 
 
 

Miller-Reif was Bowling Green's coach for five seasons (1994-98), leading the Falcons to a 104-160-2 record. She also has Division I experience as an assistant coach and player. Prior to Bowling Green, Miller-Reif was an assistant at the University of Pacific (1993) and the University of Toledo (1991-92), was a graduate assistant at her alma mater, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (1989-90) while working toward her bachelor of science degree in health education. As a player for the Rebels (1985-88), Miller-Reif was the ultimate utility player, as she played every position at least once, including pitcher.

Miller-Reif has extensive playing experience on the national and international levels, having played for the Alpha Sports Canadian club team (1987-89). In 1987, while playing in the International Women's World Fastpitch Championships in Taiwan, she was named All-World at third base. She and her husband, Peter, and infant child will be relocating from Ohio to Riverside later this month.

 "The people of UCR and the support of the students and community in making the transition to Division I made this a very attractive position," said Miller-Reif. "The new athletics director, and the longevity of so many coaches are also very appealing. I look forward to the challenges that lie ahead."

 "Coach Miller-Reif has a blend of discipline and communication skills which will allow her to serve as a sensational role model for the young women in our softball program. She received absolute rave reviews when I made my inquires," said UCR Athletics Director Stan Morrison. "Between the lines, she is one tough competitor and knows how to prepare a softball team for Division I competition. I'm excited for our department and our university."

Morrison's selection was announced Thursday (August 12) at the University and concludes a nationwide search to select an athletics director to lead UCR's transition from Division II to Division I status.

Morrison is the former head men's basketball coach at San Jose State, the University of Southern California and the University of Pacific. He was Director of Athletics at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Most recently, he has served as vice president for The Dudeck Group, an executive effectiveness training program and has worked as a sports broadcaster. The new athletics director will begin immediately. He succeeds UCR Vice Chancellor of Administration Michael Webster, who had been interim athletic director since October. John Masi, UCR's head men's basketball coach, had dual responsibilities of coach and AD from '92 to '98.

"The opportunity to work in an administrative position for the University of California is very special," said Morrison. "My wife and I are excited to be a part of the university family.

"The challenges that lie ahead, in making the transition into Division I, are going to require a new way of thinking and involvement from the community. We are going to be calling upon the community to the extent that the Inland Empire, and the city of Riverside in particular, have never seen before. There will be great excitement and energy, and the fuel from that will come from our many constituencies. I am extremely impressed with the quality of coaches and leaders I see at the university, particularly at the hands of Chancellor Orbach and Vice Chancellor Webster."

In making the announcement, Chancellor Raymond L. Orbach said the appointment was "one of the most significant in UCR's distinguished athletics history."

"Stan Morrison has been an accomplished coach and administrator in successful Division I programs. His impact on this campus and community will help our athletics program gain the same national preeminence as our academic programs," said Orbach. "We have an excellent group of experienced, successful coaches and staff in place, and Stan Morrison is the perfect person to lead UCR Athletics in this most important time of transition."

Morrison first gained national recognition when he was hired as head men's basketball coach at the University of the Pacific ('72-79), where he led the Tigers to the Pacific Coast Athletic Association championship and a berth in the NCAA Tournament in '79. He moved to the University of Southern California for six seasons ('79-86), and led the Trojans to the NCAA Tournament in '82, then repeated the feat in '85 after USC won a share of the Pacific-10 championship. 

In '86, Morrison was appointed Director of Athletics at the University of California, Santa Barbara. While at UCSB (1986-89), he was administrator over the Gauchos 21-sport athletics program, helped raise $1.4 million annually for UCSB Athletics, and served on the NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Tournament Committee. In '89, he was afforded the opportunity to return to coaching with San Jose State for nine years ('89-98), highlighted by a Big West Co-Championship ('94), Big West Tournament Championship and NCAA bid ('95).

Since leaving San Jose State, Morrison served as a personal coach and consultant to Shaquille O'Neal, as a color commentator for Pac-10 and West Coast Conference basketball for FOX Sports and BAY TV, and is vice president for The Dudeck Group, Inc. "Effectiveness Coaching for High Achieving Individuals."

A Division II power since 1954, UCR has demonstrated its athletic excellence by achieving All-America status 178 times, with 5 team national championships, 17 individual championships, 27 regional titles, and 36 conference crowns. Additionally, 44 student-athletes have earned Academic All-America recognition on the regional or national levels since 1985.

Chancellor Raymond L. Orbach has sent a letter to the NCAA informing the organization of the campus's intent to reclassify the athletics program to Division I status, after consultation with faculty and student representatives. The change requires a two-year qualifying period in which the campus must follow Division I rules and regulations. During the first year of the transition period (academic year 1999-2000), UCR will continue to compete in Division II as a member of the California Collegiate Athletic Association, but its teams and individual student-athletes will not be eligible for post-season competition. During the second year, the campus will be required to have a primarily Division I schedule for all its sports, including four new sports not currrently intercollegiate.

"It is the vision of this campus to raise the level of intercollegiate athletics to the same national preeminence as our academic programs," said Orbach. "As the campus grows rapidly from 10,000 to over 15,000 students in the next few years, it makes good sense for its student-athletes to compete at the Division I level and for the other students to share in the excitement."

Michael Marlatt, president of the UCR Athletic Association, was also enthusiastic about the announcement.

"The UCR Athletics Association is proud to be a part of this exciting time in Highlanders athletics," said Marlatt. "It is a natural evolution for the UCR Athletics Program to seek the same level of national prominance that is enjoyed by UCR's outstanding academic programs. As the President of the UCR Athletics Association, I would like to call upon sports fans from throughout the entire Inland Empire to join on the ground floor of building what promises to be a superior athletics program."

Last year, undergraduate students voted to assess themselves $35 per quarter ($105 per year) to help fund a Division I athletics program. Assessment of the fee was approved by The Regents of the University, and will be assessed at the beginning of the last year before the formal change to Division I.

The campus will be adding four new sports during the transition period: men's and women's soccer and men's and women's golf. UCR currently offers intercollegiate competition for men's and women's basketball, baseball, women's volleyball, softball, men's and women's tennis, men's and women's cross country, and men's and women's track and field. A national recruiting effort to hire a full-time athletic director to oversee the transitional period and subsequent competition at the Division I level will begin shortly.

A Division II power since 1954, UCR has demonstrated its athletic excellence by achieving All-America status 175 times, with 5 team national championships, 17 individual championships, 27 regional titles, and 36 conference crowns. Additionally, 41 student-athletes have earned Academic All-America recognition on the regional or national levels since 1985.