Keeping Up With George Mason Athletics

Alumni can access information on George Mason University's various athletic teams in several ways. One way is by accessing the George Mason SportSite on the World Wide Web. The SportSite has information on each of the university's 22 sports competing at the NCAA Division I level, and features rosters, schedules, statistics, team outlooks, and coaching biographies. To reach the SportSite, contact the following address: http://sports.gmu.edu.

Another is by using a telephone to call the Patriot Sports Hotline. Results of events are placed on the line shortly after a home event, and by the next day after an away event. To access this service, please call (703) 993-4074.

If you would like to speak to someone in the Sports Information Office, please call the main number at (703) 993-3260.

George Mason Scores High in Gender Equity Survey
George Mason University hit a home run, some might even argue a grand slam, in the annual Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act survey. George Mason is among the national leaders in several categories regarding gender equity.

The Chronicle of Higher Education, in its May 21, 1999, issue, highlighted many of the key areas of compliance for colleges in the United States. Data was collected from surveys returned by 306 of the 311 full members of Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

"This report validates the commitment we at George Mason have made toward establishing ourselves as a gender equitable institution in the classroom, among our staff and faculty, and on the athletic field," said Alan G. Merten, university president. "Our success says much about the men and women at George Mason who work hard to ensure our student-athletes receive equal and fair treatment regardless of gender."

George Mason ranked 9th in proportion of salaries spent on women's teams (41.3%); 13th (tied) in the highest percentage of recruiting budgets for women's teams (49%); 17th (tied) in the highest percentage of operating budgets for women's teams (49%); 27th (tied) among institutions with the least disparity between the proportion of female undergraduates and the proportion of female athletes (55% undergraduates compared with 52% female athletes); 30th in meeting the Office of Civil Rights requirement that institutions award athletic scholarships in the same proportion that there are female athletes (a variance of one percentage point is acceptable). George Mason has a difference of -0.23. Only 46 colleges fall within the acceptable range.

What does this all mean? "It means that we are meeting both the letter and intent of gender equity," said Tom O'Connor, assistant vice president and director of athletics. "George Mason has been, and will be, fully committed to providing opportunities for female student-athletes in proportion to the female undergraduate enrollment. Not only is it the law, but it is simply the right thing to do. We have been able to accomplish this in addition to, and not in lieu of, advancing our men's programs."

George Mason Ties for Sixth Among 79 I-AAA Colleges in Sears Poll
Continuing its reputation as one of the top NCAA Division I-AAA programs in the country, George Mason University finished in a tie for sixth place among 79 I-AAA programs in the 1998-99 Sears Directors' Cup Poll announced recently.

The Sears Directors' Cup recognizes the top overall sports program using a ratings system throughout the year to determine an eventual national champion.

The Patriots were tied for 86th overall among the 310 Division I universities with 90 points. NCAA I-AAA programs are those that do not sponsor intercollegiate football.

It is the fifth time in the six years of the Sears Directors' Cup Poll that George Mason has finished in the top 10 among I-AAA programs. The Patriots, who placed first in 1995 and 1997, were tied for 11th last year in I-AAA (tied for 96th overall).

"We are thrilled to have maintained our success in the very competitive atmosphere of Division I athletics," said Tom O'Connor, George Mason assistant vice president and director of athletics. "It speaks well of our goal to offer a broad-based, nationally competitive athletics program."

Men's track and field was responsible for 40 points, women's track and field accounted for 30 points, and men's basketball and wrestling each recorded 10 points for the total of 90.

Stanford University captured its fifth consecutive Sears Directors' Cup, followed by Georgia, Penn State, Florida, and UCLA. Long Beach State (tied for 43rd overall) was the top I-AAA program while Pepperdine finished second (tied for 56th overall).