Dec. 10, 2002
University of Kentucky President Lee T. Todd and athletics director Mitch Barnhart conducted the meeting of the UK Athletics Association Board of Directors which convened on Tuesday, Dec. 10 at the Patterson Office Tower on the UK campus.
Todd opened the meeting with remarks about Coach Guy Morriss accepting the head football coaching position at Baylor. The 11th President of UK thanked Morriss for his hard work and dedication to the University.
“I want to thank Guy (Morriss) for his passion toward the University and wish him and his family all the best. I feel good about the position we’re in and the foundation that has been built by Coach Morriss.”
Opening his portion of the meeting, Barnhart also gave a statement on the football coaching vacancy left by Morriss and stated he would like to have a replacement in place by Christmas. His agenda included the introduction of new athletics department personnel, plans to make a more equitable ticket system for Rupp Arena and a three-phase facilities update.
Barnhart, who began his tenure at UK on July 15, 2002, introduced Rob Mullens – executive associate director of athletics, Greg Byrne – associate director of athletics/fund raising and development, Rick Thompson – associate director of athletics/marketing, licensing and media relations, and Joe Sharpe – assistant athletics director/tickets, to the Board, and also appointed Micki King – assistant athletics director/senior women’s administrator – to a full-time position.
Among improving existing facilities, Barnhart introduced to the board a three-phase construction plan with an estimated completion date of fall 2004. The first project is a state-of-the-art recruiting facility to be added to the Nutter Field House with an estimated cost of around $2 million to be built by the end of 2003. Secondly, Barnhart informed that architects are currently designing a multi-purpose basketball facility that will be constructed on the north side of Memorial Coliseum. The third phase consists of improvements to the Commonwealth Stadium press box to better accommodate television and radio broadcasts.
Executive associate director of athletics Rob Mullens included his finance report which featured fiscal accountability and budget issues. Mullens noted that the $550,000 of revenue budgeted from the Southeastern Conference football championship game is not available due to UK’s NCAA probation, however, half of those funds as well as shared 2002 bowl game allotments would be eligible to Kentucky if no infractions take place within the athletics department in the next five years.
Board structure recommendations also were made by Todd, proposing a reduction from 22 members to 17. The proposed design would include the addition of two student representatives – one female and one male – both of which are scholarship athletes.
A press conference with Barnhart followed the meeting with questions pertaining to Morriss’ replacement and the athletics director’s time frame on hiring a coach.
“We have to move decisively and quickly in terms of recruiting. I want someone who is dedicated to winning championships and someone who is prepared to compete annually in the top half of what I consider to be the best football conference in America.”
– UK –
