An environment for growth
Time and time again in higher ed we‘re forced to defend the decisions we make and the programs we offer. Anecdotal evidence no longer satisfies or justifies the means, which puts a strain on those who must perform these tasks routinely. I empathize with my colleagues around the country as I know it never gets easier and passion can only take you so far. To them, I would say stay the course because those small victories tend to stack up. For the Series, it’s been exactly that: Many small victories that have blossomed into great experiences.
I believe it’s important to be immersed in an environment that encourages growth and trying new things, and I think leadership plays a huge part in creating this type of setting. Leaders provide a good supportive foundation and try to ensure people are comfortable operating in those spaces. When it comes to the Champ Series, NIRSA Director of National Sports Programs Nicole Jackson deserves a shoutout for not only embracing this part of leadership but for doing it her way and continuing to allow others to thrive in these spaces. It has been a full circle moment for me as during my first go around with the Champ Series, Nicole had just been hired as the NIRSA National Sport Programs Coordinator. This time around, I get to work alongside Nicole and continue to build on this journey we started long ago. So, thank you Nicole for all the work you have done so far, and I look forward to exploring the future of the Champ Series with you.
Looking back at 2023
As we kick off 2024, I’d like to rewind back to 2023 and highlight some of the great work the Series has accomplished thus far. This past November saw another successful NIRSA National Soccer Championships which were hosted in Round Rock, Texas. Forty-eight men’s and women’s teams vied for the 2023 title: We crowned UCLA in the Women’s Championship Bracket, BYU in the Men’s Championship Bracket, Miami (Ohio) for the Men’s Division Open Championship Bracket, and San Diego State for the Women’s Division Open Championship Bracket.
The Soccer Work Team worked tirelessly along with representatives from the Round Rock Sports Complex to ensure everyone had a great experience whether they were a participant, player, volunteer, official, or fan. I received a personal email from a parent of an athlete who praised the staff for intervening in one of those moments where it would have been easy to look the other way. He expressed to me his appreciation that NIRSA upheld its values and maintained a safe environment for all. That small intervention from the staff allowed him and his family to enjoy the atmosphere regardless of the score and showed him that we are much more than just focused on wins and losses.
On the football front, Oklahoma State University wrapped up hosting the NIRSA National Flag Football Championships in conjunction with the National Football League back in December. We hosted 40 teams across Co-Rec, Men’s, Women’s, and Unified divisions. In our four leagues, we had quite a few teams defend their titles with Georgia College repeating for the Men’s, the University of Florida taking home the title in Women’s, and the University of Georgia holding onto the Co-Rec title. We saw a new champion crowned in the Unified Division as Georgetown University etched its name on the Unified trophy this year. I cannot stress how appreciative I am of everyone involved with this tournament—especially since this year brought about a lot of change for the sport (all for the better!) and a lot of it was welcomed and well received.
Work team chairs of the month: Amber Mateer and Corbin Ross
I always like to take the time to recognize individuals for their dedication and commitment to helping lead and continue the work of the Champ Series. Our Social Justice Work Team has been instrumental in providing inclusive spaces and impactful trainings for all involved across all our sports. Led by Amber Mateer and Corbin Ross, this work team has been able to help establish multiple collaborative trainings and activities. They have been instrumental in developing gender inclusive language and maintaining reporting channels that are safe spaces to identify unruly or unwanted behavior. While all the training is done on a volunteer basis for anyone who’s a part of the Series, Amber and Corbin have done a great job providing opportunities for anyone to engage and build on diverse topics they may not necessarily have the most experience with.
Excited for a bright future
I’m excited to get going this spring and see what else the group has in store. I always tell them I can never thank them enough for all their work and the time they dedicate to the Series. I work for them and know that without them this whole thing would not be in the state it’s currently in. I look forward to all the future inductees in the Champ Series Hall of Fame and to the basketball, tennis, and the club basketball seasons starting. We’re doing some intentional work with the NIRSA Foundation and the Officials Development Campaign that I am very eager to see get going. If you would like to participate and stay up to date with opportunities to support officials, I encourage you to submit your information. As my term continues, I really am just taking it all in as the Series is constantly evolving and adapting to the ever-changing needs of our students, volunteers, and institutions. For me, this is great to see!
Oscee Wheatfall, Chair of the NIRSA Championship Series, is currently the Associate Director of Operations & Events at Texas A & M University-College Station.
