From Deseret News archives:
Westminster seeks Utah athletes
Last month, the NAIA school named Shay Wyatt as its new athletic director. The graduate of Bethel College in Newton, Kan., replaces former director Trevor Wilson. Wyatt received his master's degree in sports administration from Wichita State but worked most recently as the sports marketing director at Salt Lake Community College.
The well-traveled Wyatt also gained previous administrative experience under Chris Hill at the University of Utah and was previously at Utah Valley State College.
Wyatt believes Westminster is the right place for him for a couple of reasons.
"It's been a goal of mine to be an athletic director," he says. "In terms of Westminster, it's always been a classy organization."
The timing is good for the new athletic director. Westminster is about to begin play in its most visible sports. Men's and women's hoops will start shortly, and women's volleyball has already begun. The women are currently ranked in the latest NAIA poll.
Plus, men's soccer has 40 players on the roster, the most ever.
The school has invested heavily in facilities like its new Dumke soccer field and the new field house for basketball and volleyball.
Wyatt says the college wants to make a commitment to Westminster students but also reach out to future homegrown athletes.
"There's no doubt the college wants to recruit local kids. As the college has grown, they've given Westminster some great exposure," Wyatt said. "We want to be known as a viable option to play college athletics."
The men's basketball program has been led by Tommy Conner for the past seven seasons. The Griffins are highly rated this year and should contend for the conference title. They return several big men plus Frontier Conference Player of the Year Danny Reeder.
Coaches also believe they have the best freshman class in school history. Players include Highland's Les Brown and Travis Tucker and in-state standouts Tanner Gregory, James Thompson and Nash Lockie.
Kim Norman's volleyball team started conference play a perfect 5-0. The Griffins have moved up to 21st in the national rankings. Norman is well known for her development of in-state players. Led by junior Angie Johnson, volleyball has made a strong resurgence at Westminster.
Wyatt is looking to tweak the department's overall visibility to fans, media and student athletes.
"I think exposing our athletic program more ... will enhance the awareness aspect," he said. "It's going to be fun to watch us."
E-mail: tpeterson@desnews.com
