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October 10, 2008
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Sportsmanship key to being a leader
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President Stephen M. Jordan, Ph.D. |
Metropolitan State College of Denver President Stephen M. Jordan, in his capacity as chair of the President’s Council of National College Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II, was featured Oct. 8 in a video on NCAA News, the official news of the NCAA.
An avid rugby player, Jordan reminisces about his own athletic experiences, including 20 years playing in the sport that took him to the Golden Oldies Rugby Festival in Auckland, New Zealand and London. Jordan, who also played baseball for a stint while attending the U.S. Military Academy, says student-athletes have the foundation to become great leaders.
“The things learned on the athletic field are teamwork, overcoming adversity and dealing with the ups and downs of life,” says Jordan, who earlier this year attended an event that celebrated student-athletes from around the country.
“The things learned on the athletic field are teamwork, overcoming adversity and dealing with the ups and downs of life,” says Jordan, who earlier this year attended an event that celebrated student-athletes from around the country.
In May, Jordan, along with Metro State Athletic Director Joan McDermott, attended the NCAA’s third Division II Championships Festival. The festival, hosted by the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority and Rice University, featured competitions for national titles in six sports: softball, men’s and women’s golf, men’s and women’s tennis and women’s lacrosse. With 70 teams represented, the festival had an Olympic flavor, with opening and closing ceremonies.
They also participated in civic engagement, a key value for Metro State. While there, the athletes, administrators and other volunteers built 10 homes in the Houston area in conjunction with Habitat for Humanity. They also held clinics for middle school and high school athletes.
“The festival provided an opportunity for student-athletes to participate in high-level athletics competition and make a positive impact on the Houston community while maintaining their academic focus,” says Jordan.
