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Lindenwood University – Belleville makes a big play to establish its Athletics Department
March 26, 2010 Lindenwood University – Bellevillle announced Friday the addition of men’s and women’s cross country and golf programs as well as the hiring a new athletic director. Scott Spinner, who previously held the titles of men’s basketball coach, men’s and women’s tennis coach, sports information director and academic advisor will become the first athletic director in the history of the Belleville campus. He’ll remain as coach of the men’s basketball team and of men’s and women’s tennis. But Spinner will shed his other titles to focus on building Lindenwood – Belleville’s sports programs from scratch. “I’m excited to lead the athletics department during this crucial start-up period,” Spinner said. “I think we have the foundation to produce very successful athletics programs for many years to come.” Successful sports programs are nothing unusual for Lindenwood University. Teams at the main campus in St. Charles are regular contenders for national titles in programs including track and field, wrestling, roller hockey, bowling, water polo and target shooting. “Lindenwood – St. Charles has won 40 national championships in the last 8 years because they have strong support from the administration,” Spinner said. “We have that same support here in Belleville and we plan to be just as successful.” Lindenwood – Belleville kicked off its sports program in 2009 with men’s soccer. Women’s soccer will take the field for the first time this fall as will men’s and women’s basketball, cross country, golf, tennis, and cheerleading. Spinner said Chad Fournie, a certified personal trainer who is currently in charge of the fitness center at Lindenwood – Belleville, has been hired to coach the cross country teams. Announcements on the hiring of volleyball and golf coaches are expected to be made within the week. Spinner said building the sports programs is an important part of helping Lindenwood – Belleville attract students to the West Main Street campus. “Men’s and women’s golf, and men’s and women’s cross country will increase enrollment, expand our athletics department, and bring more scholarship opportunities to prospective student athletes considering Lindenwood,” Spinner said. “We are working to identify a home golf course, but we will likely utilize several courses for practice to help keep the players sharp.” Lindenwood Vice President Jerry Bladdick, CAO of the Belleville campus, said it is an exciting time to be a part of the school. “We have the honor of building a foundation here that we hope will last for decades to come,” Bladdick said. “It’s a wonderful thing to watch Lindenwood University’s vision for the Belleville campus grow.” ### Press Release Contact:Lynx Athletics |
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