Possible UNCW athletic cuts will not affect CAA Championships

Submitted by Bob Bonner, Sports Director

Friday, May 17th, 2013, 7:41am

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) - A day after proposed cuts to the UNCW athletic program were released, student-athletes expressed concern that the recommended moves wouldn't just effect the Universities programs, but the Conference as well.

The concern is that a sport needs to have at least six participants to field a Championship. If men's swimming and diving were removed from the program only five teams would remain in the CAA.

According to CAA Associate Commissioner of Communications Rob Washburn, the six-team requirement only applies to team sports who's championships result in automatic NCAA bid much like basketball, baseball and softball.

CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP COMPETITION

4.01

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SRO's recommended in all NHC schools

Submitted by Craig Reck, Reporter

Friday, May 17th, 2013, 7:39am

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WECT) – School Resources Officers are a must in New Hanover County Schools, according to a recent security assessment.

Dr. Tim Markley, Superintendent of NHCS, asked URS Corp. for a preliminary recommendation about SROs in time for the budget process.

According to the letter Markley shared with the County Manger and Board of Commissioner Chairman, URS suggests continuing the support that would stop at the end of this school year.

Each of the 26 elementary schools across the county has its own SRO.

The Board of Education unanimously supported a minimal coverage plan of 11 deputies floating between schools earlier this year.

The preliminary report from URS reads in part

"…the team felt consistently that having the SROs at each of the schools has contributed to the safety, security and well-being of students, faculty and staff."

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New Wilmington Starbucks opens Friday

Submitted by WECT Web Staff

Thursday, May 16th, 2013, 8:52pm

By Zach Hunt

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) - Coffee addicts will have a new location to satisfy their java fix soon -- the Starbucks at the corner of Oleander Drive and Independence Boulevard opens Friday, according to an employee there.

The new Starbucks replaces the old Oleander Gas and Automotive.

The old gas pumps were demolished, but the original building is still standing.

This will be the fifth Starbucks in Wilmington.

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UNCW petitions and pleas generate attention online

Submitted by Craig Reck, Reporter

Thursday, May 16th, 2013, 8:07pm

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) – As the surge of support grows for several athletic programs at UNC-Wilmington, both current and former athletes are speaking up in an effort to keep their teams together.

Tori Sewell, a red-shirted Junior on the softball team, said she can't imagine her career ending so soon.

"I expected to walk onto that field for my Senior Day, with my coach, with my family," she said. "I didn't expect this."

A recent report recommended five athletic programs be cut from the UNCW budget.

Sewell said she's hopeful that administrators will see how important sports can be to the college experience. Regardless of the decision, she said her teammates are sticking together.

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Civil rights documentary to air in Wilmington

Submitted by Heather Setzler, Executive Producer, Theater/Arts Reporter

Thursday, May 16th, 2013, 5:41pm

Civil rights documentary to air in Wilmington

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) - A civil rights documentary is showing in Wilmington for one night only.

Kimberly McLaughlin-Smith, who works in the Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion at UNCW, is helping host a screening of Free Angela and All Political Prisoners at Carmike Cinemas.

It's about Angela Davis, a University of California philosophy professor, who became a civil rights activist icon in the late 1960's.

The movie starts at 7:00p.m. on Thursday, May 16, and there will be a discussion on civil rights afterwards.

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21st annual Greek Fest kicks off this weekend

Submitted by Sarah Crandall, Web Producer

Thursday, May 16th, 2013, 1:58pm

21st annual Greek Fest kicks off this weekend

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) - The St. Nicholas Orthodox Church is hosting its 21st annual Greek Festival this weekend, according to the church’s website.

Friday through Sunday, folks can enjoy a little Greek culture through baked goods, music, and more.

Admission to get in is $3, and kids 12 and under are free.

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Cuts recommended for five UNCW athletic programs

Submitted by Bob Bonner, Sports Director

Thursday, May 16th, 2013, 7:33am

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) - Recommendations have been made to eliminate the UNCW men's indoor track/cross country, men's and women's swimming/diving and softball teams.

The recommendations next go to Chancellor Gary Miller for final approval. There are no indications when a final decision will be made.

According to the official report the IARC's recommendations will save the department $800,000 annually.

Early Wednesday an email was sent to all UNCW student-athletes indicating the results of a 19-person Intercollegiate Athletics Review Committee would be made public Wednesday afternoon.

"It's unfair, you pay some salaries to have a losing season year by year and show no improvement, but you'll cut a team that's won it all 12 years in a row." said a student-athlete who requested to stay anonymous. "I guess my success doesn't matter at the end of the day unless I participate in a revenue sport."

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