HIRAM, OHIO - Hiram College Athletic Director, Ellen Dempsey, took time out of her busy schedule to give students of the sports journalism class an end of the year press conference. Dempsey had a lot of information for them, which included some never heard before announcements.
Right from the start, Dempsey focused on some new additions to Hiram's Program including the NCAA Women and Minorities Grant, an exercise science major, and men's volleyball as a varsity sport. The grant's goal is to create more opportunities for women and minorities during a 10 month paid internship. This intern will assist Hiram's current Director of Sports Information, Andrew Korba. Being that there are only nine of these grants given out to division III schools per year, it is an honor for Hiram to receive it two times within the last five years.
Hiram will look to open up its marketability and ability to recruit more student-athletes with its new integrative exercise science major. "It's huge," stated Dempsey. "Hiram staff are really excited about it."
Students majoring in integrative exercise science will complete a strong core of exercise science coursework incorporated with biology and bio-medical humanities courses. These tracks will include sports health, human performance, or sport and fitness management, accomplished through elective coursework and their chosen minor. They will prepare students with an interest in sports for future opportunities in the medical field or management as well.
Three and a half years ago, Ellen submitted a proposal that included added men's volleyball as a varsity sport at Hiram College. Thanks to a special donor, this vision is finally being met. Not only is the anonymous donor funding the new sport, but he has also volunteered to sponsor the new coach and pay his or her salary for the first year.
Demspsey ended her press conference with highlighting all of Hiram's accomplishments throughout the year. One of the most humbling awards that Hiram received was the Musial Award for sportsmanship. Hiram was honored with this award because of their involvement in the Lauren Hill game. "It was a very special moment," Ellen recalled. "Lauren's parents made the trip to Hiram so that they could present it to the college themselves."
On another positive note, Hiram hired nine new athletic staff members this year. In turn, both fall and spring sports have accomplished many achievements within their own sport.
"Hiram is improving every year and I believe we are a meaningfully competitive institution," Dempsey concluded.
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