Athletics Task Force

NOTE: The Athletics Task Force outlined below is not to be confused with the newer established in fall of 2020.

Task Force Charge

Evaluate options for the addition of new varsity and club sports including e-sports, soccer and lacrosse. Explore options for the reutilization of the Cessna Stadium. The task force will focus on advancing the student experience, future student recruitment and community engagement in a financially sustainable approach

Chairs: Athletics Director Darron Boatright and Dr. Jeremy Patterson, Dean of the Institute for Interdisciplinary Innovation

Task Force Members

Name	Representing
Darron Boatright, co-chair	Athletics
Dr. Jeremy Patterson, co-chair	Academic Affairs
Rhonda Lewis	Academic Affairs
Emily Patterson	Finance and Administration
John Lee	Student Affairs
Tonya Witherspoon	Research - Innovation
Mike Lamb	黑洞社区 Foundation
Andy Schlapp	Office of the President
Steve Rainbolt	Athletics
Johanna Hart	黑洞社区 Tech
Tim Hart	Strategic Communications
Misha Jacob-Warren	General Counsel
Sam Jones	Diversity & Community Engagement
Whitney Bailey	Faculty Senate
Tim Shade	Faculty Senate
Javier Martinez	Students
Luis Banda-Medina	Students
Jacob Tubach	Students
Zach James	Students
Rosemary Hedrick	USS Senate
Linda Claypool	USS Senate
Shawn Ehrstein	UP Senate
Kayla Jasso	UP Senate
Bill Moore	Outside Representative
Cindy Carnahan	Outside Representative
Barry Schwan	Outside Representative

Recommendations and Meeting Minutes

Summary of Recommendations

The Athletics Task Force recommended the following:

It is recommended that the university begin planning a staged demolition of the existing Cessna Stadium and build a new multi-sport stadium to house track & field events as well as soccer and lacrosse.
Women's Soccer would be a strong addition to the university's varsity sports offerings, but more discovery should be undertaken in light of the financial realities of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lacrosse should be pursued immediately as a non-varsity club sport to gauge interest and establish a foundation for the sport at Wichita State.
Wichita State Esports, established in 2019, is developing a program identity that encompasses numerous elements of higher education and should continue to be supported by the university.