Admissons


 
Bart Gray
Director of Athletics
UW-Marathon County
bart.gray@uwc.edu
Office: 715-261-6310

 

     Entering his 2nd year, UW Marathon County Director of Athletics, Bart Gray, brings with him a long history of success. During his 20 years of coaching track and cross country at the collegiate level Gray’s programs produced 165 national meet qualifiers, 135 All-Americans, 3 Individual National Champions and numerous Academic All-Americans. His track and cross country teams captured 15 conference championships in this time as well. Through this 20 year span, Gray was named Midwest Region Coach of the Year 4 times and Conference Coach of the year twice. In addition, he was named the Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference - Athletic Director of the Year for 2002-03 while serving as Director of Athletics at Peru State College in Nebraska.

      Coaching sprinters has always been one of Coach Gray’s strengths and in 2001 he saw his Lindenwood University men’s 4 x 200 meter relay team run the 10th fastest time in the world in winning that event at the prestigious Drake Relays in Des Moines, IA. In that same year, 5 of his athlete’s competed in the World Championships and he coached three of these sprinters who continued on to represent their respective countries in the 2004 Summer Olympic Games.

     During his time in the NAIA, Gray served on the Council of Athletic Administrators, Chair of Region IV, and the Indoor and Outdoor National Track and Field Meet Games Committees.

     Gray is certified as a Level I and Level II coach/lecturer by the USA Track and Field Coaching Education Program and continues to serve in the capacity as a National Lecturer for Level I coaching schools.

     In addition to his Athletic Director duties, Gray is an instructor in the Exercise Science Department and takes as much pride in his responsibilities in preparing our future teachers as he did in his coaching.

     Gray earned his Bachelors and Masters degree’s in Physical Education from the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse. Gray and his wife Pam reside in Weston, WI.

                  A Philosophy of Intercollegiate Athletics in the Junior College Setting
                                                              Bart Gray

     I have had the opportunity to experience various levels of athletics within both the high school and the collegiate ranks. I am a product of the Division III program at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, coached at the high school level, NCAA Division III level (UW-L), NAIA level (Hastings, NE,  Lindenwood, MO,  Dakota State, SD) and NCAA Division II level (Minnesota State - Mankato). Through this exposure I have been able to witness both the positives and negatives of these diverse settings.

     Participation in collegiate athletics should be an extension of the total educational experience for the student/athlete. I feel that nowhere is this done better than at the Junior college level. Perhaps, because it is not only an articulated goal, but is followed-up with the philosophy and action of maximum involvement by its participants. It has also been my experience that this student/athlete approaches the athletic arena motivated more by the intrinsic factors (self-satisfaction) rather than the extrinsic factors (medals, all-star teams, etc.). Once again, this is a reflection of the inherent philosophy which emphasizes the athletic setting as a classroom used to teach character, leadership, self-discipline, commitment, work ethic, respect for difference, and the importance of sacrifice, teamwork and cooperation.

     In addition, research has provided us with some valuable insight into the fact that student-athletes exhibit higher grade point averages, higher retention rates and higher graduation rates than non- athletes. The direct correlation to participation in co-curricular (extra-curricular) activities as a primary predictor of success in later life has been documented in self-studies done by both the ACT and SAT testing services.

     Participation in athletic endeavors also provides an opportunity for self-expression not found in other venues. Learning how to win and lose with dignity, pride, grace and character are traits uniquely developed through the athletic experience.

     Having stated the above, it must also be noted that this philosophy in no way detracts or belittles the competitiveness of this athletic environment. The athletic programs at the Junior College level provide a foundational framework for athletic success to follow in years to come. This success is a direct result of dedicated, knowledgeable coaches who have the integrity to provide student/athletes with a physically, mentally and emotionally challenging experience. It also means that the administration must have an understanding of the benefits of the athletic programs and support the efforts of its coaches and student/athletes. Without this understanding and support, success may not only be difficult to achieve, but almost impossible.