UNC-Chapel Hill posts response to NCAA’s amended notice of allegations

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(Full Release With Additional Links)

(Chapel Hill, N.C. – Aug. 2, 2016) – The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has released its response to the NCAA’s amended notice of allegations resulting from a joint investigation of past academic irregularities.

Carolina posted the response, submitted August 1, on the Carolina Commitment website, https://carolinacommitment.unc.edu/, after a review to protect privacy rights. Later, the University also will post a public copy of accompanying exhibits the University provided with its response to the NCAA.

“As a member of the NCAA, we carefully considered the appropriate University response based upon a thorough analysis of the NCAA’s Constitution and bylaws and all involved parties’ mutual desire to adhere to these important standards,” Director of Athletics Bubba Cunningham said. “We identified key issues and provided factual responses for each allegation with the goal of bringing this case to a fair and just conclusion.’’

“Our work to reach this point has been extensive, including implementing wide-ranging reforms and taking substantial actions to ensure transparency and integrity across the University,” said Chancellor Carol L. Folt. “The necessary scrutiny and self-examination has made us a stronger University, and the resolution of this case will be vital to our moving forward.”

The University responded to the NCAA’s amended notice, sent April 25. The University previously disclosed the original notice sent in May 2015 and reported new information last August that the NCAA determined warranted the revised notice.

Beyond today’s post and consistent with NCAA protocols, University officials are unable to comment on the substance of the investigation until the case is complete.

The next major step in the NCAA’s process for the University is an appearance before the Committee on Infractions later this fall. That committee makes the final decision in the case.

-Carolina-

UNC-Chapel Hill will submit and release NCAA response Aug. 1, 2

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(Chapel Hill, N.C. – July 22, 2016) – The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill will respond to the NCAA’s amended notice of allegations on Aug. 1 and post a public copy Aug. 2 on the Carolina Commitment website after a review to protect privacy rights.

The University and other involved parties requested the one-week change this week. The NCAA permits requests for additional time to respond to allegations.

This schedule does not reflect any new information, and the amended notice of allegations the NCAA sent on April 25 has not changed.

For more information, refer to https://carolinacommitment.unc.edu/updates/.

-Carolina-

About the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the nation’s first public university, is a global higher education leader known for innovative teaching, research and public service. A member of the prestigious Association of American Universities, Carolina regularly ranks as the best value for academic quality in U.S. public higher education. Now in its third century, the University offers 77 bachelor’s, 113 master’s, 68 doctorate and seven professional degree programs through 14 schools and the College of Arts and Sciences. Every day, faculty – including two Nobel laureates – staff and students shape their teaching, research and public service to meet North Carolina’s most pressing needs in every region and all 100 counties. Carolina’s more than 308,000 alumni live in all 50 states and 150 countries. More than 167,000 live in North Carolina.

Issued by: Rick White, Associate Vice Chancellor for Communications and Public Affairs;
Communications and Public Affairs Contact: (919) 445-8555, mediarelations@unc.edu

Photo courtesy of GoHeels.com

Bob Harris to Retire as Voice of the Blue Devils

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DURHAM, N.C. – Hall of Fame broadcaster Bob Harris, the “Voice of the Blue Devils” for the past four decades, will retire from his post following the 2016-17 men’s basketball season.  Harris, who will retire as the longest-tenured play-by-play announcer in the history of the Atlantic Coast Conference, will make a public announcement tomorrow (Wednesday, July 6) at a press conference set for 12 noon in the Bill Brill Media Room in Cameron Indoor Stadium.

A three-time recipient of the North Carolina Broadcaster of the Year honor from the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association in 1988, 1991 and 2011, Harris is a member of the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame (inducted in 2006) and the Stanly County Sports Hall of Fame (1993).  In 2009, he was honored with the Atlantic Coast Conference’s prestigious Skeeter Francis Award, an honor presented annually to individuals for distinguished service to the league.  In 2016, Harris received The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, an honor conferred by the Governor of North Carolina for exemplary service to the State of North Carolina and its communities.

Harris will enter the 2016 football season with an active streak of 459 consecutive games announced, a run that began on September 11, 1976, with Duke’s 21-18 victory over Tennessee.  He has called six postseason bowl games (1989 All American, 1994 Hall of Fame, 2012 Belk, 2013 Chick-fil-A, 2014 Hyundai Sun & 2015 Pinstripe) along with Duke’s appearances in the Coca Cola Bowl against Clemson on November 30, 1991, in Tokyo, Japan, and the Dr Pepper ACC Championship Game versus Florida State on December 7, 2013, in Charlotte, N.C.

Harris has worked with nine head football coaches (Mike McGee, Red Wilson, Steve Sloan, Steve Spurrier, Barry Wilson, Fred Goldsmith, Carl Franks, Ted Roof & David Cutcliffe) and 114 assistant coaches while calling the action alongside analysts Wes Chesson, John McNabb and Danny Highsmith.  The Harris-Chesson tandem has manned the Blue Devil broadcast booth for the past 35 seasons and partnered in 2000 to call the 64th annual Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas, a high school football all-star event featuring teams from North and South Carolina.  In addition, Harris has been joined on football broadcasts by sideline reporters Tony Haynes, Anthony Dilweg and Johnny Moore along with spotters Clyde Cupples and Joel Stutts and statisticians Bristol Maginnes, Eric Brooks, Joe Beavers, Mike Sobb and Tripp Winkler.

On the hardwood, Harris has called 1,358 Blue Devil basketball games including 104 tilts in the storied Duke-North Carolina rivalry.  He has worked 13 NCAA Final Four events while calling 10 championship games including all five of Duke’s national titles in 1991 (Indianapolis), 1992 (Minneapolis), 2001 (Minneapolis), 2010 (Indianapolis) and 2015 (Indianapolis).  Harris also has broadcast 16 ACC Tournament championship game victories for the Blue Devils in 1978, 1980, 1986, 1988, 1992, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010 and 2011.

With Duke basketball, Harris has worked with a pair of head coaches (Bill Foster & Mike Krzyzewski) and 26 assistant coaches.  Analysts to work with Harris include Glenn Smiley, Bob Bender, Jay Bilas, Billy King, Johnny Dawkins, Steve Wojciechowski and John Roth while sideline reporter Matthew Laurance and statistician Phyllis Harris also have accompanied the broadcasts.

Additionally, Harris has worked with nine engineers during his tenure, including the past 13 seasons with John Rose, plus Donnie Tuck, Paul Matthews, David Modlin, Mike Waters, John Brockwell, Rusty Helser, Bob White and Ben Alexander.

Born in 1942 and a native of Albemarle, N.C., Harris got his start in broadcasting in 1967 as the Sports Director at WZKY in his hometown, and later served as the Sports Director at WDNC in Durham from 1975-97.  He has served as the President of the North Carolina Sportscasters Association (1976), President of the Atlantic Coast Sports Media Association (1992) and Honorary Chairman of the North Carolina Beautiful Golf Classic (2010) while also serving as a member of the Board of Directors of the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame (1996-08) and Board of Directors of Special Olympics North Carolina (2016-present).

In December of 2010, Harris published his autobiography, “How Sweet It Is!: From the Cotton Mill to the Crows’ Nest”.

Over the course of his career, Harris has been involved with many charitable organizations including the Add Penfield Regional Consolidated Services Golf Tournament, Agape Corner School, ALS Association (Jim “Catfish” Hunter Chapter), Brad Johnson Celebrity Golf Classic, Brain Injury Association of North Carolina, Brenner Children’s Hospital, Celebrity Waiters Dinner for Leukemia Foundation, Children’s Charities of the Bluegrass, Children’s Miracle Network, Duke Children’s Hospital, Duke University Hospice, Eastern North Carolina Spinabifida Association, Emily K Foundation, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Grande Dunes Make-A-Wish Pro-Am, Hebron Colony Ministries, Juvenile Diabetes Association of North Carolina, March of Dimes, Meet Me At The Bridge Charity, Me Fine Foundation, Mulligans For Kids Golf Tournament, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Nazareth Children’s Home, New Hanover Medical Center, North Carolina Realtors Charity Challenge, North Carolina Vietnam Veterans Association, Oxford Masonic Home for Children, Ronald McDonald House of Durham, South Brunswick Educational Fund, Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, Triangle United Way, United Way of North Carolina, and The Willie Stargell Foundation.

Bob and his wife, Phyllis, married 53 years, are proud of their supportive family: daughter Bobbi Harris-McCoy, son-in-law, Ron McCoy, and two grandchildren, Tripp and Meredith Winkler.

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“Bob Harris’s voice is probably the most familiar and recognizable sound at Duke after the bells of the Chapel.  He has made Duke athletics come alive for generations of fans, through victory and heartbreak alike.  Bob’s commitment to Duke, and especially to our student-athletes and coaches, is deep and fierce. The entire Duke community is grateful for his legacy.”

— Richard H. Brodhead, Duke University President

 

“Bob Harris has served Duke passionately and professionally for 40 years, which is an amazing accomplishment. To be sure, his voice is synonymous with the Blue Devils men’s basketball and football teams. The way he has approached his job, with unmatched dignity and class, is even more impressive. We hope that this year can be a celebration of Bob’s abundant broadcasting accomplishments. He will be missed when his service comes to an end next spring, but until then, we will relish every word as Bob takes his well-deserved ‘victory lap’ during the upcoming year.”

— Kevin White, Duke University Vice President and Director of Athletics

 

“When I think of Bob Harris, I think of sustained excellence as the longest tenured broadcaster in the history of the Atlantic Coast Conference. His unwavering passion for Duke came through each and every broadcast over the past four decades. Without a doubt, Bob has produced some of the greatest calls in Duke history, if not all of sports, during that time. Bob and his wife Phyllis have become great friends of ours throughout the years, and we consider them part of our family. More than that, they’ve made a terrific team, representing Duke with a tremendous amount of class during their long association with the university. Certainly, we will miss Bob after this season ends, but we are very thankful we have had such a long run together.”

— Mike Krzyzewski, Duke University and U.S. National Team Head Men’s Basketball Coach

 

“First off, congratulations to Bob on just an incredible tenure – a true Hall of Fame career – behind the microphone.  When I think of Bob, three words that immediately come to mind are passion, dedication and consistency.  His commitment to both his craft and Duke University are second to none, and then to put together a streak of 459 – and counting – consecutive football games called is absolutely remarkable.  Bob has given his heart and soul to Duke fans, coaches and student-athletes over the past four decades, and for that we are forever grateful.  Deservedly so, Bob is in the class of radio broadcasting icons, and we’ve been fortunate to have him in our booth. With all of that said, I am most proud to call him my friend.”

— David Cutcliffe, Duke University Head Football Coach

 

“Thirty-five years ago Bob took on a neophyte as his partner in the broadcast booth; he tolerated me, mentored me, and afforded me one of the most meaningful and enjoyable experiences of my life.  The main thing Bob taught me was that our broadcasts were about the players; the broadcasts were not about us, Duke, or the coaches, they were about the players.  Over the past forty years, no one has loved Duke University or given more of themselves to Duke University than Bob Harris.  This is going to be a fun football season as we celebrate Bob’s wonderful career.  Like all Duke fans, I am going to miss Bob’s broadcasts, but fortunately, I will continue to enjoy what I treasure most from the thirty-five years I have worked with Bob and that is the great friendship that I have with Bob and that my family has with the Harris family.”

— Wes Chesson, Blue Devil IMG Sports Network Football Analyst

 

“This may sound cliché or colloquial, but Bob truly is one of a kind, and his retirement marks the end of an era. For many Duke fans, he is the only radio voice they’ve ever known. If you were born after 1975, or became a Duke fan since then, he’s the guy who’s provided the soundtrack to a whole catalog of unforgettable Blue Devil moments. It’s hard to think of a dramatic buzzer-beater or some other iconic Duke highlight without hearing Bob’s call playing alongside the memory; even if you didn’t hear it live, you heard it later and got excited all over again. Needless to say, it’s been both a privilege and a pleasure to work with Bob, but it’s been even more enjoyable to spend so much time with him off the air — on road trips, at meals, attending various functions — because he is the living definition of a “people person.” He has time for everyone, no one is a stranger. There simply couldn’t be a more fan-friendly broadcaster. I hope his retirement is as rewarding and fulfilling as the Duke athletics experiences he has enriched for so many of us.”

— John Roth, Blue Devil IMG Sports Network Men’s Basketball Analyst

 

“Congratulations to Bob Harris on over 40 years of being the voice of our Blue Devils.  During my six years at Duke he was “the best voice in sports” and one of my best friends.  Many thanks for a job well done, Bob.  Go Duke!”

— Steve Spurrier, former Duke University Head Football Coach

 

“Bob Harris has been a fixture at Duke for 40 years capturing all the great memories of competition.  What makes Bob special is his love and passion for Duke and his job. He is one of a kind and his calls will live on forever. Congratulations, Bob.  God bless.”

— Joe Alleva, LSU Director of Athletics & former Duke University Director of Athletics

 

“Bob Harris is an institution at Duke, and his voice accompanies almost every iconic moment in Duke history. Bob taught me to be a broadcast pro and, while there is sadness at the thought of him leaving the booth, it will be wonderful to see the rich career of a true Duke legend appropriately celebrated in his final season. Bob Harris’ voice will be missed, but I’m thrilled we all get to savor it for one more year.”

— Jay Bilas, ESPN Broadcaster

 

“Bob Harris is a broadcasting legend. As much a part of Blue Devil lore as the players themselves. I’ve loved sitting a few seats down from Bob on press row – he greets everyone with a warm smile and when you are in his company you know you are in the presence of royalty. You couldn’t ask for a better ambassador of the Duke ‘brand’ than the incomparable Bob Harris.”

— Jim Nantz, CBS Sports Broadcaster

 

“Bob Harris poured his heart, soul and voice into something he loves dearly, Duke University. He is respected by many, including those he often questioned, referees. My favorite, signature call from Bob is Christian Laettner’s buzzer-beater against Kentucky in 1992. I STILL get chills when I hear it.”

— Jeff Gravley, WRAL Sports Director

 

“When I was given the opportunity to begin my career as a member of the Duke broadcast team in 1987, Bob Harris quickly took me under his wing and gave me guidance. Among other things, he taught me the value of passion and enthusiasm. I can’t ever remember Bob having a ‘bad day at the office.’ His positive energy was always so contagious on game days. For Duke fans everywhere, his legendary radio calls will always remain as the soundtrack of their lives. What a great career, a great legend and a great man!”

— Tony Haynes, NC State Wolfpack Sports Network Broadcaster

 

“Bob Harris is without question one of the finest voices in the nation and will be missed not only by Duke fans but fans around the country who have been loyal listeners for years and years. Not only is Bob a legend in the ACC but you would be hard pressed to find a better individual with a heart as big as the state of North Carolina. I know his 41st year at Duke will be a banner year for Bob and his family and he looks toward retirement. I will miss Bob as a broadcaster but more importantly as a dear and loyal friend.”

— Johnny Holliday, Maryland Sports Radio Network Broadcaster

 

“As the voice of the Blue Devils for the last four decades, Bob Harris is synonymous with Duke athletics. His remarkable career has brought us many of the most exciting and iconic moments in Duke football and basketball history. Bob’s love for Duke University is indisputable, and he’s represented himself, his family and the entire Duke community with unwavering class, character and integrity. All of us in the ACC look forward to celebrating Bob as he begins his 41st, and final year, behind the microphone.”

— John Swofford, ACC Commissioner

(photo from WRAL Sports Fan)

H-V 10U Softball Championship

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H-V Rec Softball – Cosmos vs Wolfpack

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H-V Rec Softball Cosmos vs Eagles 5-10-16

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Northern Vance Baseball Team Thanked

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Donald and Maggie Anthony of Roanoke Rapids, came to Northern Vance High School on May 5 to meet with members of the Vikings baseball team and offer them a face-to-face special thank you.

On April 15, Donald Anthony became ill after the Vikings played a game in Chapel Hill. Emergency response personnel had to be called to the scene to take care of Anthony and transport him to a nearby hospital.

The Vikings’ players and coaches joined the players and coaches from Chapel Hill in kneeling as a group and offering prayers for Anthony.

The Anthonys’ grandson, Justin, had just pitched in the game to lead Chapel Hill to a win over the Vikings. Despite their loss, the Vikings’ players showed great sympathy and caring for Anthony and his family members who were at the game.

Once he was released from the hospital and strong enough to travel, Anthony said he wanted to visit Northern Vance High School and thank the players and coaches in person.

With great emotion, he talked to the players and coaches in the school’s media center.VCS Anthony Visit May 2016a

“I can’t thank you enough for the great caring you showed that night,” Anthony told them. “You are truly fine young men and, if you continue on your present path, I know you will be successful in life.”

Anthony stayed for about 20 minutes to talk individually with the players and coaches. In addition to the players, on hand for his visit were Principal Larry Webb, Athletic Director Jeff Tate, Head Coach Benji Nelson and Assistant Coach Kevin Boone.

Nelson presented Anthony with a Vikings t-shirt and baseball cap, as well as a framed copy of the article that appeared in The Daily Dispatch, Henderson’s newspaper, about the teams’ fellowship that night after Anthony collapsed at the end of the game. Around the border of the framed article were the names of each of the Vikings’ players and their jersey numbers.

The Anthonys also posed for several pictures with the players, coaches and school officials.

(Press Release provided to WIZS News by Vance County Schools)

MEEKS TO RETURN TO CAROLINA FOR SENIOR SEASON

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA

ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2016

CHAPEL HILL – University of North Carolina junior forward Kennedy Meeks will withdraw from the 2016 NBA Draft process and return to UNC for his senior season in 2016-17.

The Charlotte, N.C., native has averaged 9.4 points and 6.5 rebounds and shot 55.4 percent from the floor in 104 games over his first three seasons.

“I’m thankful I had the chance to explore my draft options, but I’m excited about the opportunity to rejoin my teammates and work toward having another outstanding season at UNC,” says Meeks.  “I appreciate the support my coaches and teammates gave me during this process as we gathered information about my professional opportunities at this time. The feedback on what I have to work on so that I can have a great senior year, help my team have a great season and be ready to take that next step is invaluable.”

Meeks has started 77 games, including 28 in 2015-16 when the Tar Heels won 33 games, the ACC regular season and Tournament championships and won the NCAA East Regional. He averaged 13.3 points in UNC’s NCAA Tournament wins over Indiana, Notre Dame and Syracuse, and needs only 19 points to become the 73rd 1,000-point scorer in Carolina history.

“Kennedy did the right thing in taking the time to see where he stood with the NBA Draft at this point in his career, an opportunity we encourage all of our players to take,” says Carolina head coach Roy Williams. “I think Kennedy’s made the right decision in returning to school to finish his degree and put himself in better position toward playing professional basketball, which is his dream. If he works hard this summer, he can have a big-time senior season and also help our team reach its goals.”

(Thanks to STEVE KIRSCHNER, University of North Carolina, Senior Associate A.D. for Communications for the press release)

VGCC holds Banquet to honor Student-Athletes

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Vance-Granville Community College celebrated Vanguard student-athletes at its annual Athletics Banquet, held on April 18 in the Civic Center on the college’s Main Campus.

VGCC Director of Student Activities & Athletics Jeffrey Allen started the event by praising the hard-working students for meeting their academic requirements while also keeping up with a packed schedule of home and away games, and, in many cases, jobs and other responsibilities.

Women’s volleyball coach Christopher Young started the presentations of awards by recognizing his players. He presented the award for “Most Outstanding Player” to Kara Reese of Henderson for the second straight year. Meanwhile, Jesse Edwards of Henderson received the “Vanguard Leadership Excellence” award. Other volleyball team members recognized included Avery Allen, Morgan Carter, Melissa Elliott, Kiyanna Kearney, Caitlyn Robins and Rachel Thomas.

Next, Vanguards men’s basketball head coach DeMarcus Oliver presented awards to members of his team. Raekwon Hall of Raleigh received the “Most Outstanding Player” award. Tyrek Beverly of Oxford received the “Vanguard Leadership Excellence” award. Oliver also recognized players Antonio Adams, Joseph Avery, Hunter Carter, Mycal Elam, Donal Gooch, Dy’quan Marrow, Anthony Mims, Alcyone Moore, Christopher Pernell, Tyquon Reid and Wesley Whitley.

For the first time, members of the “Vanguard Spirit” Pep Squad were also recognized. Tina Ragland, who (along with fellow VGCC staff member Glynnis Wilson) serves as one of the advisers for the squad, presented the “Most Outstanding Team Member” award to Seniqua Turner of Henderson, and the “Vanguard Leadership Excellence” award to Latessa Wilkerson of Henderson. Three other squad members were recognized: Brooklyn Davis, Jakara Steed and Bali Reavis.

Allen recognized three students for their service as support staff for the VGCC athletics program this year: Keyante’ Lindsey, Jasmine Richardson and Angelique Taylor.

In closing remarks, Stacey Carter-Coley, VGCC’s vice president of employee and public relations, congratulated the student-athletes on making “great progress, both on and off the court.” She added, “You are now part of Vance-Granville Vanguards history, and are setting the bar higher for those who come after you…We find inspiration in your determination to achieve professional and personal success.” Carter-Coley thanked the athletes’ family members, coaches and staff for their support.

Current or prospective students interested in participating in VGCC athletics during the 2016-17 year should contact Jeffrey Allen at (252) 738-3405 or allenjl@vgcc.edu.

2016 ACC NFL Draft Notes

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The 2016 NFL Draft kicks off tonight at 8 p.m.  Check out these #ACCFootball draft notes supplied by @theACC.

In last year’s NFL Draft, the Atlantic Coast Conference had nine players chosen in the first round, which tied for the highest total nationally.

Over the past two years, the ACC has had 89 players chosen in the NFL Draft, the second-highest total of any conference in the nation.

Florida State’s 11 2015 draftees allowed it to set an NFL Draft record for the most players chosen in the three-year span. The Seminoles had 11 taken in 2013, seven in 2014 and 11 more last year for total of 29, besting the previous high of 28 set by Miami (2002-2004).

A very young league in 2015, the ACC returns many of its top performers in 2016. The number of highly talented returners and statistical leaders tells the story of why the conference not projected to have as high a total of draftees this year. The ACC is set to return nine of its top 10 rushers; nine of its top 10 passers; nine of its top 10 in receiving yardage and eight of its top ten in total offense. The ACC had a league-record seven 1,000-yard rushers in 2015 and all seven return in 2016.

In each of the last 11 NFL Drafts, the ACC has had at least 31 players drafted each year.

Over the last decade, the ACC has had 60 of its former players taken in the first round of the NFL Draft, the second-highest total of any conference in the nation.

Miami has had a player chosen in ever NFL Draft since 1975, or 41 consecutive years. The Hurricanes look to continue that streak as cornerback Artie Burns is projected to be drafted in the first or second rounds.

Florida State and Virginia have had a player chosen in each of the last 32 drafts, or every year since 1984. Virginia Tech has had a player chosen in each of the last 22 NFL Drafts.

Over the last 11 NFL Drafts, or since the 2006 Draft, a total of 401 players have been drafted from the ACC, the second highest total of any conference nationally, and more than 80 draftees more than the next closest league.

Since the 2006 NFL Draft, the ACC has had 24 defensive ends or outside linebackers selected in the first two rounds, far and away the most of any conference. The next highest total was 18. (Using positions determined by the NFL for the draft).

Clemson has had at least four selections in the NFL Draft each of the last seven years, the only ACC school that can make that claim.   Clemson’s seven-year run of at least four players drafted is the longest by an ACC school since Florida State had at least four selected 10 consecutive years from 1992-2001.

In 2015, 30 players were drafted from the ACC’s Atlantic Division, including 11 from Florida State, 10 from Louisville, five from Clemson, three from Boston College and one from Wake Forest. That total ranked ahead of the individual totals of four FBS conferences.

When Virginia Tech’s Kendall Fuller is drafted this week, he will become the fourth Fuller brother to have played at Virginia Tech and be drafted into the NFL. Older brother Vince was a fourth-round pick of the Tennessee Titans in 2005. Older brothers Corey, who was selected in the sixth round by Detroit in 2013 and Kyle, who was tabbed on the first round by the Chicago Bears in 2014, have also been drafted.

(Thanks to Mike Finn, Associate Commissioner, Football Communications, for the notes!)