Challenging Athletes' Minds For Personal Success
The mission of the 1A Athletic Directors' Association is to prepare student-athletes for life as productive citizens in our society.
What Is CHAMPS?
The CHAMPS program focuses on five commitments that each Division 1A program is making in the growth and development of student-athletes.
- A Commitment to Academic Excellence:
- Ensures that each student-athlete will have the opportunity to excel in their chosen field of study and that athletic programs will provide services to support and enhance the academic success of student-athletes
- A Commitment to Athletic Excellence:
- Ensures that each student-athlete will be provided facilities, coaching staff, and support services that will enable them to excel in a broad program of sports sponsored by the university. The fundamental principles of these programs will be based on a commitment to sportsmanship, equity, fair play, and integrity.
- A Commitment to Personal Development:
- Ensures that each student-athlete participating in a CHAMPS program will be provided opportunities to focus on personal growth issues such as values clarification, goal setting, fiscal responsibility, decision making, and stress management. Each of these components will be focused toward developing a healthy lifestyle.
- A Commitment to Service:
- A challenge to student-athletes to give back to communities and individuals that are in need. With a clearly defined program of service, our student-athletes will be given opportunities to develop the foundation for a lifelong commitment of volunteerism.
- A Commitment to Career Development:
- Places a priority on preparing for life after college sports. The program acquaints students with the job search process, provides networking opportunities, and ultimately assists with job placement. As our programs work toward the development of the total person, the ultimate goal is to develop individuals who will have rewarding careers and productive lifestyles.
Following is how CHAMPS started and some of the key people involved in making it a success.
CHAMPS Program Timeline
2005-2006
The ninth group of schools recognized for the Program of Excellence were Texas Tech University, University of Illinois, University of Wisconsin and University of Wyoming.
2004-2005
The eighth group of schools recognized for Program of Excellence were Auburn University, Purdue University, and University of Utah.
Bob Bradley assumes chair of CHAMPS Board.
Steve McDonnell received the 2004 Dr. Gene Hooks recognition for CHAMPS Administrator of the Year.
2002-2003
The Association forms a partnership with AXA Advisors to develop a Financial Management Program for D1A student-athletes.
The fifth group of schools chosen for Program of Excellence award were Brigham Young University, University of Missouri, and University of Oregon
The CHAMPS Board of Advisors expands to include representatives from C-USA (Judy Sackfield), Mt. West (Sandra Thomas), WAC (Schnea Bates-Nealy), and Mid-American (Deb McAlpin).
The Division 1A Athletic Director's Association established an Assistant Executive Director position. Felicia Martin assumed the position May 2003.
2000-2001
The fourth group of schools chosen for Program of Excellence award were: Ball State University, Central Michigan University, and Louisiana State University.
Bob Bradley received the 2001 Dr. Gene Hooks recognition for CHAMPS Administrator of the Year.
1998-1999
The CHAMPS Program of Excellence Award becomes the model for all 1A CHAMPS programs. The name of the award is changed to 1A Directors' CHAMPS Program of Excellence
The second group of schools chosen for the Program of Excellence award were Florida State, Penn State, Syracuse, Florida, Nebraska, Tennessee, and Washington.
The NCAA terminates the exemption for the Great Eight after the 1999 event in December, thereby handicapping CHAMPS fundraising. NCAA Corporate Partners contract has severely limited other types of fundraising.
One hundred ten of 112 Division 1A schools now have functioning CHAMPS programs.
1997-1998
The CHAMPS Program of Excellence Award is developed by Gene Hooks and the Board of Advisors
First schools chosen and awards presented at Program of Excellence Luncheon to North Carolina State, Ohio State, Arizona, and Texas during Annual Meeting
CHAMPS fund raising limited to Great Eight revenue because of sponsorship restrictions imposed by the NCAA partnership and its Corporate Partners contract with Host. Host and 1A Directors' agree to cooperative effort.
One hundred and eight of 112 Division 1A schools now have CHAMPS programs.
1996-1997
1A Directors achieve an annual exemption during vote of the NCAA Convention delegation for Great Eight participants.
Great Eight sets attendance record in first year in Chicago.
New contract signed with RAYCOM/ESPN that not only generates increased revenue but includes almost $750,000 annually in CHAMPS television exposure.
1A Directors' approve formation of a 1A CHAMPS Board of Advisors who will counsel with Director of 1A Director's CHAMPS on matters pertaining to CHAMPS. Gene Hooks retires as executive director and accepts job as Director of 1A CHAMPS. Dutch Baughman becomes Association's first full time executive director.
1995-1996
At Annual Meeting, 1A Directors voted unanimously to designate all revenue received from the Great Eight to its CHAMPS program.
Great Eight agrees to move to the United Center in Chicago.
1994-1995
The first annual Great Eight Basketball Festival was played at the Palace at Auburn Hills, Michigan.
1A President Vince Dooley received the $120,000 check from RAYCOM/ESPN. Calvin Hill, as honorary chairman of CHAMPS, spoke at the CHAMPS Luncheon.
Decision made to appeal to NCAA for game exemption for the Great Eight (Voted down at January Convention).
1A Directors and NCAA agree to change name to CHAMPS/Life Skills.
1A holds CHAMPS Administrative Symposium for CHAMPS coordinators. Over half of 1A schools attend.
1993-1994
In an effort to generate revenue and exposure for CHAMPS, two events are developed:
- The Great Eight Basketball Festival was proposed to RAYCOM and ESPN;
- ACC -SEC CHAMPS Celebrity Golf Tournament was held in Atlanta with Nike serving as the sponsor.
1A Directors' Executive Committee made CHAMPS a separate non-profit organization with a separate budget.
The NCAA Life Skills program was moved from the Foundation to Education Services.
The 1A Directors' and the NCAA work out a cooperative program in which the NCAA agreed to train coordinators and provide materials while the 1A Directors' would provide leadership, promotion exposure, revenue, and the source for the program coordinator training.
First NCAA Pilot Program for coordinators was held; 37 of 46 schools attending were 1A members.
1992-1993
Cedric Dempsey's presidency is noted because it was through him that we learned of the NCAA Foundation's Life Skills Program.
This program featured community service, alcohol awareness, career development, etc. It did not emphasize the athletic component.
The athletic, academic, community service, and career development components are recognized as the four cornerstones of the 1A CHAMPS program.
The CHAMPS program was incorporated and the logo was registered.
1991-1992
During Jack Lengyel's presidency Gene Hooks was named the first Executive Director of 1A Directors' Association.
Hooks outlined the CHAMPS program to the Mission and Values Committee as a fulfillment of the 1A Directors' mission.
Mission and Values Committee under Chairman Glenn Tuckett recommended adoption of the program to the Association.