University of Richmond Athletics
From The AD's Desk - John Hardt
12/05/2019 | General, Spider Athletic Fund
Seasons' Greetings Spider Alumni & Fans!
The change of seasons is in the air in Richmond! It's not just the weather that's changing, but also the sports seasons! As we complete the fall season and tip-off the winter slate of contests, our Richmond students are diligently finishing up their term papers, preparing for the end of the semester and beginning preparations for final exams. Soon they will be headed home to be with their families for the holidays. What better time of year to pause for a few moments and reflect upon all for which we have to be thankful.
When it comes to Spider Athletics, first and foremost, I am extremely thankful to be leading an athletics department comprised of some of the most dedicated and hardest working coaches, staff and student-athletes in the country. We continuously strive for our Spider student-athletes to be champions in the classrooms, as well as on the playing fields and courts. I continue to be impressed by the many accomplishments of our Spider student-athletes, both on and off the field.
Fall & Winter SportsÂ
Football continued to make positive progress this year under head coach Russ Huesman. The Spiders picked up three wins over nationally ranked opponents, including a pair of those coming on the road. The future is bright for the Spiders. The entire offensive line returns next year and the defense will be headlined by All-Conference performers in Tristan Wheeler, Tyler Dressler and Kobie Turner.
Spider field hockey had a very strong year in head coach Jamie Montgomery's second year at the helm. The Spiders advanced to the Atlantic 10 Conference Championship game, falling by a one-goal margin to nationally ranked St. Joseph's. The Spiders finished with an 11-10 overall record, marking the most wins for the program since the 2015 season. We are excited for the continued growth and trajectory of the program.
Spider soccer also had a nice turnaround season in head coach Marty Beall's second year running the program. The Spiders finished with seven wins overall, a five-win improvement over last year, and finished in a tie for eighth overall in the conference. The Spiders return 92 percent of their scoring next year, headlined by All-Conference performer Alyssa Walker.
Spider cross country once again had competitive showings at both the Atlantic 10 Conference Championships and the NCAA Regionals under the direction of head coaches Lori and Steve Taylor. The women's program finished fourth at the A-10 Championships while the men's team placed seventh overall.
The winter sports are well underway and we have already seen some tremendous performances and great successes early in their competitive seasons. The swimming and diving program has started the season with good team showings and outstanding individual performances by Maggie Purcell and Hannah Gouger. Purcell has already earned two Atlantic 10 Conference Performer of the Week awards this year.
Both the men's and women's basketball teams are off to outstanding and exciting starts to their seasons.
In men's basketball, the Spiders are 7-1 with noteworthy wins over the Southeastern, Big Ten and Atlantic Coast Conferences. The three wins over power conference foes (Vanderbilt, Wisconsin & Boston College) marks the most in a single-season since 2010-11. The 7-1 record is the Spiders' best start after seven games since the 2009-10 season and have started 5-0 at home at the Robins Center. The Spiders have been exceptional on the offensive end of the floor and demonstrated great progress on the defensive side of the ball. Currently, the Spiders have three players averaging 15 points or more this season in Jacob Gilyard, Blake Francis and Nick Sherod, while Grant Golden is not far behind at 12 points per game.
In women's basketball, the Aaron Roussell era has gotten off to a terrific start. The Spiders are 5-3 on the season through eight games after only winning nine games all of last year. The Spiders have wins over Georgetown, UNCG, William & Mary, Florida Atlantic and Coastal Carolina. Richmond has won a lot of close games under the new coaching staff, pulling out wins in the final minute three times this year. Kate Klimkiewicz, a Boston College transfer, has been a catalyst for the Spiders, leading the team with 11.5 points per game.
Academics
While Spider teams had an impressive fall season on the playing fields, our student-athletes continue to get the job done in the classroom.
The NCAA released its latest round of student-athlete graduation success rate reports in October. Richmond posted a GSR of 94 percent. Fourteen of the Spiders' 17 sport program received a perfect 100 percent GSR Rankings and all sports were ranked above the national averages in their respective sports.
Graduating our student-athletes is an expectation at the University of Richmond and one of the basic achievements we hope all of our student-athletes attain. Nonetheless, we are very proud of our prominent success rate in this important area.  This success is emblematic of the hard work put forth by our Spider student-athletes, coaches and staff, and they deserve the outstanding recognition that comes with it.
Spider Leadership
The Spider Athletic Leadership Initiative is now in its third year at Richmond. The continued growth and development of the Spider Athletic Leadership Initiative is a departmental priority. After all, providing successful opportunities to Spider student-athletes is the focus of our mission, and our great University continues to be counted among the nation's leaders in supporting and producing successful student-athletes.Â
The Leadership Initiative kicked-off the school year with a very special leadership presentation from Richmond Athletics Hall of Famer and NBA World Champion, Kevin Eastman '77. More than 100 guests attended the event, including University of Richmond president Dr. Ronald Crutcher, his wife Dr. Betty Crutcher, and former University president Dr. E. Bruce Heilman joining Spider student-athletes and coaches from each of Richmond's 17 varsity sports.Â
Â
Several Spider student-athletes had the opportunity to volunteer at the Reinhart Guest House near the Bon Secours St. Mary's Hospital (BSMH) this semester. Through a recent partnership between the Spider Athletic Leadership Initiative under the direction of Associate Athletic Director Lauren Wicklund, and the Reinhart Guest House to help families in need and engage with the Richmond community.
Â
The Spider Leadership Development program also held a Senior Transition Workshop for Spider senior student-athletes in the Robins Center. The purpose of the workshop was to help prepare senior student-athletes for life after college and competition. The University of Richmond Career Services and Human Resources departments assisted in the event.Â
Â
In addition, the athletic department hosted the annual Etiquette Dinner and Networking event for junior Spider student-athletes this semester at the Country Club of Virginia. The event was a collaboration between the Spider Athletic Leadership Initiative, University of Richmond Career & Alumni Services, and the Spider Club to prepare Spider student-athletes for life after collegiate athletics. This year, the event was expanded to include a networking portion, illustrating the importance of networking and the role of formal dinners within career-building.
Facilities
We continue to make great progress in improving our facilities. Earlier this fall, we celebrated the grand-opening of the Crenshaw Field Team Support Facility along with the 100-year celebration of Spider Field Hockey. The new facility at Crenshaw Field is a game-changer for our program, helping our current student-athletes as well as aiding us in recruiting future Spider student-athletes.
We continue to make progress in the construction of the Queally Athletics Center as well as the renovations and repurposing of Millhiser Gymnasium. Earlier this fall, we held a topping off ceremony for the Queally Athletics Center, a significant milestone in the construction as it marked the end of the concrete and steel construction on the site.
It is very exciting to watch the advancement of this project on a daily basis. Head coaches Chris Mooney and Aaron Roussell took a tour of the site recently to give Spider fans a preview of all the improvements the new facility will provide to our programs. The work remains on schedule for this impressive facility to be open for the fall of 2020.
Strategic Planning
In support of the University's current Strategic Plan, President Crutcher convened a meeting of the recently appointed Strategic Planning Steering Committee to begin the long-range planning process for Spider athletics. In this regard, the University has begun the initial work to develop and implement an ambitious plan for Spider athletics that will ensure our student-athletes are able to take full advantage of a Richmond education; support the scholar-athlete model; promote competitive success; and imagine new ways for athletics to contribute to a thriving University community.Â
In preparation for embarking on this important planning process, the athletics department has developed six guiding principles that will inform our work. These principles are: Student-Centered - Spider Athletics is a student-centered endeavor in which student-athlete welfare, well-being and education is our first priority; Competitive Excellence - Competitive success will be a top priority; Fiscally Responsible & Good Stewardship -We will be committed to the careful stewardship of institutional and environmental resources, and of the relationships that provide the foundation of our Spider community; Fair and Equitable – Spider athletics  will be fair and equitable in all of our varsity programs, and we will treat everyone with respect; Diversity and Inclusion – Spider athletics will value and maintain an inclusive community that will foster and support a diverse community; Leadership and Integrity – Spider athletics is committed to the highest standards of personal and professional integrity. We are role models and leaders.
Collegiate Sports Associates, led by Todd Turner, will assist the University in facilitating this three-semester review and planning process.Â
Restructured Spider Club
The Department of Athletics, in coordination with University Advancement and Finance and Operations, recently completed a comprehensive review of the Spider Club and Athletics fundraising. In order to ensure that the Spider Club can support Richmond's Athletics program, the University has announced a restructuring of the Spider Club based upon industry best practices and recent changes in federal tax laws.Â
As part of the transition, the Spider Club will undergo organizational structure changes to better support the talents of its capable staff and increase engagement with our loyal support base. Jasmonn Coleman will move into the role of Associate Athletic Director for Development and will continue to be responsible for all aspects of Athletics fundraising. In addition, Allison Vogler will transition into a new role within the University's Office of Gift Planning, which will enable Allison to continue her great work with so many loyal University of Richmond alumni and donors. Also, a national search will begin immediately for the new Assistant Athletic Director for Annual Giving position who will direct and lead all day-to-day efforts in annual giving for athletics. Lindsay Biggs, Spider Club Operations Coordinator and Allie Ware, Associate Director of Parent Giving will remain in their current positions and report to the newly hired Assistant Athletic Director.
Â
This transition is intended to maximize support for our Spider student-athletes and increase engagement with our loyal Spider alumni, fans and donors. The Spider Club will now report directly to my office while still being part of the overall umbrella of University Advancement. With these changes, the Spider Club is transitioning into a philanthropic model, which will enhance the student-athlete experience at Richmond and bolster support for the success of all of our varsity programs
In this season of thanksgiving, I would also like to express a sincere "thank you" to each and every one of our Spider Club donors. Your generous contributions to Spider Athletics through the Spider Club directly impact our more than 400 student- athletes and their programs. We rely on fundraised dollars in order to achieve our mission of providing the premier Division I scholar-athlete experience. Our coaches and student-athletes are so grateful for your support.
If you have considered supporting the Spider Club, but have not yet given in 2019, there is still time to make your tax-deductible gift before the end of the year. You can donate HERE or contact Jasmonn Coleman (Jasmonn.coleman@richmond.edu) or Allie Ware (allie.ware@richmond.edu).
Finally, on behalf of the Department of Athletics, I would like to offer our deepest condolences to the family of Dr. E. Bruce Heilman. Dr. Heilman's service and dedication to the University has positively affected generations of students. He will be missed, but his memory and legacy lives on at the University of Richmond!
Best wishes to you and your family for a safe, healthy and happy holiday season! Take care ... and GO SPIDERS!
All the best,
Â
John Hardt
Vice President & Director of Athletics
athleticdirector@richmond.edu   Â
The change of seasons is in the air in Richmond! It's not just the weather that's changing, but also the sports seasons! As we complete the fall season and tip-off the winter slate of contests, our Richmond students are diligently finishing up their term papers, preparing for the end of the semester and beginning preparations for final exams. Soon they will be headed home to be with their families for the holidays. What better time of year to pause for a few moments and reflect upon all for which we have to be thankful.
When it comes to Spider Athletics, first and foremost, I am extremely thankful to be leading an athletics department comprised of some of the most dedicated and hardest working coaches, staff and student-athletes in the country. We continuously strive for our Spider student-athletes to be champions in the classrooms, as well as on the playing fields and courts. I continue to be impressed by the many accomplishments of our Spider student-athletes, both on and off the field.
Fall & Winter SportsÂ
Football continued to make positive progress this year under head coach Russ Huesman. The Spiders picked up three wins over nationally ranked opponents, including a pair of those coming on the road. The future is bright for the Spiders. The entire offensive line returns next year and the defense will be headlined by All-Conference performers in Tristan Wheeler, Tyler Dressler and Kobie Turner.
Spider field hockey had a very strong year in head coach Jamie Montgomery's second year at the helm. The Spiders advanced to the Atlantic 10 Conference Championship game, falling by a one-goal margin to nationally ranked St. Joseph's. The Spiders finished with an 11-10 overall record, marking the most wins for the program since the 2015 season. We are excited for the continued growth and trajectory of the program.
Spider soccer also had a nice turnaround season in head coach Marty Beall's second year running the program. The Spiders finished with seven wins overall, a five-win improvement over last year, and finished in a tie for eighth overall in the conference. The Spiders return 92 percent of their scoring next year, headlined by All-Conference performer Alyssa Walker.
Spider cross country once again had competitive showings at both the Atlantic 10 Conference Championships and the NCAA Regionals under the direction of head coaches Lori and Steve Taylor. The women's program finished fourth at the A-10 Championships while the men's team placed seventh overall.
The winter sports are well underway and we have already seen some tremendous performances and great successes early in their competitive seasons. The swimming and diving program has started the season with good team showings and outstanding individual performances by Maggie Purcell and Hannah Gouger. Purcell has already earned two Atlantic 10 Conference Performer of the Week awards this year.
Both the men's and women's basketball teams are off to outstanding and exciting starts to their seasons.
In men's basketball, the Spiders are 7-1 with noteworthy wins over the Southeastern, Big Ten and Atlantic Coast Conferences. The three wins over power conference foes (Vanderbilt, Wisconsin & Boston College) marks the most in a single-season since 2010-11. The 7-1 record is the Spiders' best start after seven games since the 2009-10 season and have started 5-0 at home at the Robins Center. The Spiders have been exceptional on the offensive end of the floor and demonstrated great progress on the defensive side of the ball. Currently, the Spiders have three players averaging 15 points or more this season in Jacob Gilyard, Blake Francis and Nick Sherod, while Grant Golden is not far behind at 12 points per game.
In women's basketball, the Aaron Roussell era has gotten off to a terrific start. The Spiders are 5-3 on the season through eight games after only winning nine games all of last year. The Spiders have wins over Georgetown, UNCG, William & Mary, Florida Atlantic and Coastal Carolina. Richmond has won a lot of close games under the new coaching staff, pulling out wins in the final minute three times this year. Kate Klimkiewicz, a Boston College transfer, has been a catalyst for the Spiders, leading the team with 11.5 points per game.
Academics
While Spider teams had an impressive fall season on the playing fields, our student-athletes continue to get the job done in the classroom.
The NCAA released its latest round of student-athlete graduation success rate reports in October. Richmond posted a GSR of 94 percent. Fourteen of the Spiders' 17 sport program received a perfect 100 percent GSR Rankings and all sports were ranked above the national averages in their respective sports.
Graduating our student-athletes is an expectation at the University of Richmond and one of the basic achievements we hope all of our student-athletes attain. Nonetheless, we are very proud of our prominent success rate in this important area.  This success is emblematic of the hard work put forth by our Spider student-athletes, coaches and staff, and they deserve the outstanding recognition that comes with it.
Spider Leadership
The Spider Athletic Leadership Initiative is now in its third year at Richmond. The continued growth and development of the Spider Athletic Leadership Initiative is a departmental priority. After all, providing successful opportunities to Spider student-athletes is the focus of our mission, and our great University continues to be counted among the nation's leaders in supporting and producing successful student-athletes.Â
The Leadership Initiative kicked-off the school year with a very special leadership presentation from Richmond Athletics Hall of Famer and NBA World Champion, Kevin Eastman '77. More than 100 guests attended the event, including University of Richmond president Dr. Ronald Crutcher, his wife Dr. Betty Crutcher, and former University president Dr. E. Bruce Heilman joining Spider student-athletes and coaches from each of Richmond's 17 varsity sports.Â
Â
Several Spider student-athletes had the opportunity to volunteer at the Reinhart Guest House near the Bon Secours St. Mary's Hospital (BSMH) this semester. Through a recent partnership between the Spider Athletic Leadership Initiative under the direction of Associate Athletic Director Lauren Wicklund, and the Reinhart Guest House to help families in need and engage with the Richmond community.
Â
The Spider Leadership Development program also held a Senior Transition Workshop for Spider senior student-athletes in the Robins Center. The purpose of the workshop was to help prepare senior student-athletes for life after college and competition. The University of Richmond Career Services and Human Resources departments assisted in the event.Â
Â
In addition, the athletic department hosted the annual Etiquette Dinner and Networking event for junior Spider student-athletes this semester at the Country Club of Virginia. The event was a collaboration between the Spider Athletic Leadership Initiative, University of Richmond Career & Alumni Services, and the Spider Club to prepare Spider student-athletes for life after collegiate athletics. This year, the event was expanded to include a networking portion, illustrating the importance of networking and the role of formal dinners within career-building.
Facilities
We continue to make great progress in improving our facilities. Earlier this fall, we celebrated the grand-opening of the Crenshaw Field Team Support Facility along with the 100-year celebration of Spider Field Hockey. The new facility at Crenshaw Field is a game-changer for our program, helping our current student-athletes as well as aiding us in recruiting future Spider student-athletes.
We continue to make progress in the construction of the Queally Athletics Center as well as the renovations and repurposing of Millhiser Gymnasium. Earlier this fall, we held a topping off ceremony for the Queally Athletics Center, a significant milestone in the construction as it marked the end of the concrete and steel construction on the site.
It is very exciting to watch the advancement of this project on a daily basis. Head coaches Chris Mooney and Aaron Roussell took a tour of the site recently to give Spider fans a preview of all the improvements the new facility will provide to our programs. The work remains on schedule for this impressive facility to be open for the fall of 2020.
Strategic Planning
In support of the University's current Strategic Plan, President Crutcher convened a meeting of the recently appointed Strategic Planning Steering Committee to begin the long-range planning process for Spider athletics. In this regard, the University has begun the initial work to develop and implement an ambitious plan for Spider athletics that will ensure our student-athletes are able to take full advantage of a Richmond education; support the scholar-athlete model; promote competitive success; and imagine new ways for athletics to contribute to a thriving University community.Â
In preparation for embarking on this important planning process, the athletics department has developed six guiding principles that will inform our work. These principles are: Student-Centered - Spider Athletics is a student-centered endeavor in which student-athlete welfare, well-being and education is our first priority; Competitive Excellence - Competitive success will be a top priority; Fiscally Responsible & Good Stewardship -We will be committed to the careful stewardship of institutional and environmental resources, and of the relationships that provide the foundation of our Spider community; Fair and Equitable – Spider athletics  will be fair and equitable in all of our varsity programs, and we will treat everyone with respect; Diversity and Inclusion – Spider athletics will value and maintain an inclusive community that will foster and support a diverse community; Leadership and Integrity – Spider athletics is committed to the highest standards of personal and professional integrity. We are role models and leaders.
Collegiate Sports Associates, led by Todd Turner, will assist the University in facilitating this three-semester review and planning process.Â
Restructured Spider Club
The Department of Athletics, in coordination with University Advancement and Finance and Operations, recently completed a comprehensive review of the Spider Club and Athletics fundraising. In order to ensure that the Spider Club can support Richmond's Athletics program, the University has announced a restructuring of the Spider Club based upon industry best practices and recent changes in federal tax laws.Â
As part of the transition, the Spider Club will undergo organizational structure changes to better support the talents of its capable staff and increase engagement with our loyal support base. Jasmonn Coleman will move into the role of Associate Athletic Director for Development and will continue to be responsible for all aspects of Athletics fundraising. In addition, Allison Vogler will transition into a new role within the University's Office of Gift Planning, which will enable Allison to continue her great work with so many loyal University of Richmond alumni and donors. Also, a national search will begin immediately for the new Assistant Athletic Director for Annual Giving position who will direct and lead all day-to-day efforts in annual giving for athletics. Lindsay Biggs, Spider Club Operations Coordinator and Allie Ware, Associate Director of Parent Giving will remain in their current positions and report to the newly hired Assistant Athletic Director.
Â
This transition is intended to maximize support for our Spider student-athletes and increase engagement with our loyal Spider alumni, fans and donors. The Spider Club will now report directly to my office while still being part of the overall umbrella of University Advancement. With these changes, the Spider Club is transitioning into a philanthropic model, which will enhance the student-athlete experience at Richmond and bolster support for the success of all of our varsity programs
In this season of thanksgiving, I would also like to express a sincere "thank you" to each and every one of our Spider Club donors. Your generous contributions to Spider Athletics through the Spider Club directly impact our more than 400 student- athletes and their programs. We rely on fundraised dollars in order to achieve our mission of providing the premier Division I scholar-athlete experience. Our coaches and student-athletes are so grateful for your support.
If you have considered supporting the Spider Club, but have not yet given in 2019, there is still time to make your tax-deductible gift before the end of the year. You can donate HERE or contact Jasmonn Coleman (Jasmonn.coleman@richmond.edu) or Allie Ware (allie.ware@richmond.edu).
Finally, on behalf of the Department of Athletics, I would like to offer our deepest condolences to the family of Dr. E. Bruce Heilman. Dr. Heilman's service and dedication to the University has positively affected generations of students. He will be missed, but his memory and legacy lives on at the University of Richmond!
Best wishes to you and your family for a safe, healthy and happy holiday season! Take care ... and GO SPIDERS!
All the best,
Â
John Hardt
Vice President & Director of Athletics
athleticdirector@richmond.edu   Â
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