Convention in Pictures

Here are a few photos from my phone and camera to give you a closer look at some of the highlights and surroundings at the 2013 NCAA Convention at the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine, Texas, just outside of Dallas. Some of these were posted on Twitter and Facebook during our time in Texas, and some are making their MIAC Internet debut! Enjoy.

2013 NCAA Convention Photo Blog

 

Seeing a MIAC school represented on the front door of the convention center was certainly a nice way to be welcomed. Pictured on the sign was St. Thomas alum Ben Sathre after winning the 2011 Division III Cross Country Championship.

 

 

 A look at the inside of the Gaylord Texan. The huge center area was made to look like San Antonio's Riverwalk, complete with water, fountains and plenty to do.

 

 

I attended a session on Thursday about dealing with the media in various situations. "The Good, the bad and ugly" was the subtitle. Interesting stories and good information.

Gustavus President Jack Ohle (at podium) presided over Friday's Division III issues forum. President Ohle also assumed the role of Presidents Council chair at the convention.

 

The NCAA Honors Celebration is always a highlight, as current and former NCAA student-athletes are honored in grand fashion.

 

 

All the honorees gathered on stage to start the show.

 

 

Former Oklahoma and NFL tight end Keith Jackson (a Super Bowl Champion with  Green Bay in 1997) was a recipient of the Silver Anniversary award.

 

 

 Heisman winner RGIII (Robert Griffin III) was one of the Today's Top Ten honorees, but you may have heard he recently had knee surgery and was unable to attend.

 

 

Tony Dungy accepts the Theodore Roosevelt award from University of Minnesota President Eric Kaler.

 

As always, Dungy's words were inspiring and uplifting.

 

I was extremely fortunate to meet and get a photo with Coach Dungy. Such a thrill to meet someone who has long been an inspiration to me, and a fellow Golden Gopher grad!

 

Coach Dungy meets Carleton's Gerald Young (athletic director) and Heidi Jaynes (associate athletic director, SWA & head volleyball coach.

 

 

 The Carleton crew - Gerald and Heidi - pose for a picture with the Super Bowl-winning coach.

 

MIAC Executive Director Dan McKane speaks on the floor of the  NCAA Division III business session in support of our electronic communications proposal.

 

 

Hope you enjoyed that quick look at some of the photo highlights of the 2013 NCAA Convention. For more thoughts and information on the convention, check out this week's MIAC Media Video Spotlight (below). Also, don't forget to check out last week's MIAC Media Podcast. Mike Gallagher's special guest was Saint John's Head Men's Basketball Coach Jim Smith fresh off his 750th career victory! Give it a listen, and feel free to send in questions for either the Podcast or the Blog ... we'd love to hear from you and answer your questions about the MIAC. Stay warm!