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The Premier High School Basketball Holiday Invitational Returns, Highlighting Triangle’s Young Talent

Durham, NC (November 14, 2023) – The Durham Sports Commission (DSC) is excited to announce the return of the Champion Durham Classic. The event will be held from December 26-28 at Hillside High School, located at 3727 Fayetteville Rd, Durham, NC 27707. Action on the court kicks off at 3 p.m. each day. The complete game schedule and ticket packages for one, two, or all three days are now available. Those interested in volunteering during the event are encouraged to reach out through the event website.

“Returning for the third year, the Champion Durham Classic exemplifies our mission to celebrate and elevate young talent,” said Kaila’Shea Menendez, Deputy Director of the Durham Sports Commission. “The invitational goes beyond just competitive basketball; it serves as a platform that fosters diversity, education, and community spirit for each participating student-athlete. It’s an incredible experience to witness teams compete from the Triangle area, but even more exciting to offer unique programming that will help pave the way and contribute to their bright futures. Our vision has always been to deeply intertwine sports and community in Durham, and I urge all fans, families, and community members to join us in supporting these outstanding young athletes.”

For the second year in a row, the Champion Durham Classic remains committed to the Durham community through contributing proceeds from the Classic to the One Team, One Durham Fund (1T1D). 1T1D plays a pivotal role in supporting youth sports development in the community by providing essential grants to local non-profits. This initiative counters the escalating costs of youth sports, ensuring that every young athlete, regardless of their financial background, gets an equal shot at pursuing their sporting dreams. Attendees will have the opportunity to contribute even more by choosing to donate additional amounts when securing their tickets.

The Champion Durham Classic will proudly showcase a diverse array of teams, reflecting the rich talent across North Carolina. On the girls’ side, the event will feature Raleigh’s Millbrook High School Wildcats and the Knights from North Raleigh Christian Academy; local talents from Hillside High School’s Lady Hornets, Charles E. Jordan High School’s Lady Falcons, Southern Durham High School’s Spartans, and Durham School of the Arts’ Bulldogs. As for the boys, the lineup is equally thrilling with the Bulldogs of Durham School of the Arts, Hillside High School’s Hornets, and the Cavaliers from Hugh M. Cummings High School in Burlington.

The DSC will host educational sessions titled “More than the Game: What’s Next” during the invitational. These sessions, scheduled on Tuesday, December 26, and Thursday, December 28, at 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., aim to guide student-athletes, parents, coaches, and others in understanding recruiting, personal branding, and name, image, and likeness (NIL). Prominent speakers include Dr. Ingrid Wicker-McCree, Mitch Moser, and Ovester Grays.

The DSC would also like to extend its gratitude to sponsors Capitol Broadcasting Company, Inc., Marco’s Pizza, Durham Sports Club, and Sheetz. In a new collaboration, Sheetz will not only provide complimentary snacks for student-athletes and coaches throughout the Classic but also informal interview opportunities for student-athletes looking for employment.

In the heart of the Durham community, Hillside High School stands as a beacon of history and excellence, celebrating its 100th year of operation. Originally named after Hillside Park, this institution predates the desegregation of schools in the South, and it carries the distinction of being among the five remaining historically black high schools still running today. In a recent collaboration, the basketball courts of Hillside Park received a stunning refurbishment, thanks to the combined efforts of FILA USA and the Tamia and Grant Hill Foundation.

Tickets are $15 per day with two- and three-day ticket packages available for purchase at the door or by visiting www.durhamncsports.com/champion-durham-classic/.

About Durham Sports Commission 

The Durham Sports Commission (DSC) is a collaboration of the City of Durham, the County of Durham, the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce and Discover Durham. The DSC was established in 2016 as a 501(c)(3) with a mission to create economic and social impact by leading the community’s efforts to attract, support, and promote youth, amateur, collegiate, and professional sporting and recreational events and is operated by Discover Durham. The DSC provides leadership for sports-based initiatives and creates positive economic impact and quality of life in Durham and the surrounding region. Be sure to follow the DSC on FacebookTwitter, and Instagram to keep up with all sports-related news in Durham, NC, and other announcements.

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New members to provide vital support and leadership as the DSC continues transforming Durham into a championship hub while creating social and economic change through sports 

Durham, NC (July 10, 2023)The Durham Sports Commission’s (DSC) Board of Directors has elected two new members, Angelique Stallings and Ryan Craig. Stallings is the owner and founder of Mocha Mind Agency in Durham, a full-service consulting and communications strategy firm. She also serves as the vice president of community investment with the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce. Craig currently works at Gallagher, one of the world’s largest insurance brokerage, risk management and consulting firms, as a health and welfare consultant and is a member of the Duke Sports Business Conference Alumni Board.  

“I first want to thank our outgoing board members, Terrence Holt and Susan Scott, for their six years of service. Their commitment, guidance and passion set a foundation and has created extraordinary momentum for the DSC,” said Marcus Manning, executive director of the DSC. “The future is bright, and our board, made up of dynamic leaders who are visionaries and forward-thinkers will utilize the new three-year strategic blueprint as a playbook to elevate the local Durham sports community and recruit and retain both regional and national sporting events to the Bull City. Both Stallings and Craig have demonstrated their deep-rooted, unwavering dedication to our community. Their contributions will be essential in the continued growth and sustained success of our organization and the broader Durham sports ecosystem.” 

Stallings has served the Durham community for 20-plus years in various roles and is passionate about being a conduit between underrepresented populations and the business community. She demonstrates her commitment to civic engagement as a member of the Durham Success Summit Advisory Counsel, Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People and the NC Central University Athletics and Alumni Association. Before her current roles, she worked as a marketing and sales executive at Radio One Raleigh. She is a graduate of North Carolina Central University and is an active member of the Durham Alumnae chapter of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. In her free time, she enjoys reading, spending time with friends and family and traveling around the world.  

Craig is a graduate of Duke University with degrees in history and psychology. Immediately after college, he worked at WRAL-TV for eight years in various roles, including producer, reporter, videographer, assignment desk editor, video editor, web editor, writer and radio host. He then went on to work in the Athletics Department of his alma mater, primarily focusing on digital strategy, overseeing the website, mobile apps and social media for all 27 varsity sports. During this time, he worked across campus on various projects, including Duke’s Code+, Data+, and Fuqua Client Consulting Practicum programs and also served on the Campus Communicators Steering Committee.  

The term for these two new board members began July 1, 2023 and will expire June 30, 2026. Ingrid Wicker McCree, Ed.D., founder and CEO of WM Leadership & Legacy Coaching, LLC, will continue as chair, with Ray Trapp, executive director of NPower North Carolina, replacing Susan Scott, President and executive director of Public Television Major Market Group, as vice-chair. Mitch Moser, higher education consulting director for Huron Consulting Group will continue in his role as secretary/treasurer. Other continuing board members include Dan Hill, former president of the Carolinas Golf Association and former partner of the Orange County Speedway, Bill Kalkhof, retired CEO of Downtown Durham Inc., Jonathon Leach, executive director of administration at NCCU, Umar Muhammad, professor of sport management and faculty athletic representative at St. Augustine’s University and Scott Strickland, assistant general manager – operations at the Durham Bulls Baseball Club.   

For more information about the Durham Sports Commission, please visit www.durhamncsports.com. 

About Durham Sports Commission  

The Durham Sports Commission (DSC) is a collaboration of the City of Durham, the County of Durham, the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce and Discover Durham. The DSC was established in 2016 as a 501(c)(3) with a mission to create economic and social impact by leading the community’s efforts to attract, support, and promote youth, amateur, collegiate, and professional sporting and recreational events and is operated by Discover Durham. The DSC provides leadership for sports-based initiatives and create positive economic impact and quality of life in Durham and the surrounding region. Be sure to follow the DSC on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to keep up with all sports-related news in Durham, NC, and other announcements. 

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Durham, NC (March 29, 2023) – The Durham Sports Commission, a leader in supporting and promoting positive economic and social impact through sporting events, is proud to announce the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association’s (CIAA) 2023 Outdoor Track and Field Championships will be held at Durham County Memorial Stadium on May 5-6.

This will marks the 100th time the CIAA has crowned a men’s champion and the 43rd anniversary of the women’s championship. The competing teams and athletes will be announced in April.

“We are thrilled to bring the CIAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships to Durham in 2023,” said CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams. “This is a great opportunity to showcase the talent and dedication of our student-athletes and to celebrate their hard work on the track. We look forward to working with the Durham Sports Commission, as well as the Durham community to make this event a success and to create a memorable experience for everyone involved.”

The 8,500-seat Durham County Memorial Stadium, originally built in 1958 and extensively renovated in 2010 to include the Tommy Hunt Press Box, expanded concourses and updated team spaces, has long been home to exciting events in Durham. Just this past December, the Durham Sports Commission hosted a thrilling NAIA Football National Championship in the stadium.

“We are honored to partner with the CIAA and Durham County Memorial Stadium in hosting the 2023 Outdoor Track and Field Championships here in Durham,” said Durham Sports Commission Deputy Director Kaila’Shea Menendez. “This event is not only a chance to showcase our exceptional facilities but also an opportunity to highlight the unique character and culture of our city. We look forward to welcoming the athletes, coaches, and fans to Durham and providing them with an unforgettable experience.”

For more information on this and other exciting Durham sporting events, please visit durhamncsports.com.

About Durham Sports Commission 

The Durham Sports Commission (DSC) is a collaboration of the City of Durham, the County of Durham, the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce and Discover Durham. The DSC was established in 2016 as a 501(c)(3) with a mission to create economic and social impact by leading the community’s efforts to attract, support, and promote youth, amateur, collegiate, and professional sporting and recreational events and is operated by Discover Durham. The DSC provides leadership for sports-based initiatives and creates positive economic impact and quality of life in Durham and the surrounding region. Be sure to follow the DSC on FacebookTwitter, and Instagram to keep up with all sports-related news in Durham, NC, and other announcements.

About the CIAA
Founded in 1912, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) is the first and longest-running, African American athletic conference in the U.S. and one of the most recognized conferences in Division II. The CIAA conducts 14 championships attended by more than 150,000 fans from around the country. In 2020, the conference celebrated the special 75th anniversary of its Championship Basketball Tournament – an event that has become a must-see in the African American community. The Basketball Tournament has been honored as a Champion of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism by Sports Destination Management, the leading publication with the largest circulation of sports event planners and tournament directors in the sports tourism market, for both 2018 and 2019. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, the CIAA is governed by the Presidents and Chancellors of its 12 member institutions: Bowie State University, Claflin University, Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, Johnson C. Smith University, Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, Livingstone College, Saint Augustine’s University, Shaw University, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University, and Winston-Salem State University. Chowan University is an associate member in football and women’s bowling. For more information on the CIAA, visit theciaa.com, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram. 

 

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Kaila’Shea Menendez Elected to the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame Board of Directors

The Durham Sports Commission’s Deputy Director was Unanimously Elected for a Three-Year Term

 

DURHAM, NC (February 8, 2023) – The Durham Sports Commission (DSC) is proud to announce Deputy Director, Kaila’Shea Menendez has been named to the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame’s Board of Directors. Menendez was unanimously elected during the board’s quarterly meeting at Elon University on February 6 to fill a three-year term through May of 2026.

 

“The rich sports history of North Carolina is something we are proud to celebrate at the Durham Sports Commission,” said Menendez. “It’s an honor to join this organization and help fulfill the mission of sharing that history to inspire the next generation of North Carolina sports greats.”

 

Founded in 1962, the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame has a mission to use sports as a way to connect, enrich and inspire communities across the state. Its goal is to utilize the stories and achievements of local athletic talents to inspire others to find the courage to speak up, encourage others, and aspire to lofty goals. In 1992, the Hall was given a permanent place in the North Carolina Museum of History in Raleigh and later this year it will induct the 59th class of honorees.

 

“We’re excited to have Kaila’Shea join us in telling the story of North Carolina’s illustrious sports history,” said Executive Director Trip Durham. “Throughout her career, Kaila’Shea has shown a commitment to using sports for the betterment of her community and we look forward to aligning in that mission together.”

 

Menendez will bring a unique perspective to the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame Board of Directors. She is a Raleigh native and a part of North Carolina sports history as a former student-athlete at Wakefield High School and Western Carolina University. Now, as Deputy Director of the Durham Sports Commission, she is tasked with spearheading the work of the DSC’s Advisory and Sports Tourism Committees while building dynamic, productive relationships with key stakeholders. She has readily stepped in and owned her position as the point of contact for various national governing bodies in sports as well as other external rights holders and local event owners.

 

For more information on the DSC’s impact, please visit durhamncsports.com. For more information on the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame, please visit ncshof.org.

 

About Durham Sports Commission

The Durham Sports Commission (DSC) is a collaboration of the City of Durham, the County of Durham, the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce and Discover Durham. The DSC was established in 2016 as a 501(c)(3) with a mission to create economic and social impact by leading the community’s efforts to attract, support, and promote youth, amateur, collegiate, and professional sporting and recreational events and is operated by Discover Durham. The DSC provides leadership for sports-based initiatives and create positive economic impact and quality of life in Durham and the surrounding region. Be sure to follow the DSC on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to keep up with all sports-related news in Durham, NC, and other announcements.  

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First-Time Partnership Between Three Organizations to Offer Skill Building and Professional Networking Focused on Sports and Business Careers 

 

Durham, NC (January 30, 2023) – The Durham Sports Commission in partnership with Women Leaders in College Sports, along with presenting sponsor Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, are proud to announce the first Emerging Women in Sports Leadership Summit will be held on Wednesday, April 19 at 1 p.m. at the Durham Convention Center. Registration for the event is now open and more information can be found at www.durhamncsports.com/emerging-leaders 

“Leadership is not limited by gender, but strengthened by diversity,” said Kaila’Shea Menendez, Deputy Director of the Durham Sports Commission. “This summit is a powerful opportunity for women to come together, connect, and learn from each other as we work towards becoming more effective leaders. We are thrilled to bring together these three amazing organizations to elevate the women leaders of today and cultivate the leaders of tomorrow.” 

The Emerging Women in Sports Leadership Summit will be an unparalleled event that brings together women who are passionate about sports and business. The summit is geared towards promoting the growth and development of women in the sports industry and beyond by providing a platform for student-athletes, graduate assistants, interns, volunteers, and young professionals to enhance their skills and expand their professional network.  

“By supporting women, we celebrate our shared commitment to provide inclusive opportunities that empower our next generation of leaders,” said Cheryl Parquet, Director of Community Engagement and Marketing Activation for Blue Cross NC. “We look forward to working with these future leaders and building healthier communities for all North Carolinians.” 

The summit is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for emerging women leaders in the Durham community and surrounding Triangle region to connect with industry leaders, gain valuable insights and career tools, and build lasting relationships. It will be a day packed with speakers delivering real-world expertise and guidance along with opportunities for professional networking and skill building. There will also be an on-site photographer offering professional headshots to attendees. The speaker lineup will be announced in early March.  

“We are thrilled to be a part of this local event that empowers women to reach their full potential and pursue a career in sports,” said Patti Phillips, CEO of Women Leaders in College Sports. “The Durham Sports Commission and Blue Cross NC are actively cultivating the pipeline of women working in sports on a local level and we hope it inspires other organizations to do the same.”  

For all summit participants, Women Leaders in College Sports is providing a one-year membership to access leadership and career resources and connect with a powerful network of women working in sports to support them on their career journey. For those wishing to attend and in need of financial assistance, a total of 20 summit scholarships will be made available by the participating organizations. More information about scholarship opportunities can be found on the event’s website. 

“I am delighted about the opportunity for the Durham Sports Commission to partner with Women Leaders in College Sports, an organization that contributed greatly to my career in college athletics,” said Dr. Ingrid Wicker McCree, former Athletic Director at North Carolina Central University and current chair of the Durham Sports Commission Board of Directors. “This is an amazing opportunity for women at various stages of their careers to connect and learn from experienced leaders in the sports industry.” 

About Durham Sports Commission  

The Durham Sports Commission (DSC) is a collaboration of the City of Durham, the County of Durham, the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce and Discover Durham. The DSC was established in 2016 as a 501(c)(3) with a mission to create economic and social impact by leading the community’s efforts to attract, support, and promote youth, amateur, collegiate, and professional sporting and recreational events and is operated by Discover Durham. The DSC provides leadership for sports-based initiatives and creates positive economic impact and quality of life in Durham and the surrounding region. Be sure to follow the DSC on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to keep up with all sports-related news in Durham, NC, and other announcements.  

About Women Leaders in College Sports 

Founded in 1979, Women Leaders in College Sports (formerly NACWAA) is the only nationally recognized professional membership organization whose mission is to develop, connect and advance women leaders working in college sports and beyond. Nearly 5,000 members strong, Women Leaders provides career and leadership training, access to a powerful network, and the resources to advance women at every stage of their careers. Women Leaders is reshaping the leadership landscape by elevating the women leaders of today and cultivating the women leaders of tomorrow. Follow Women Leaders on Twitter, Instagram, & TikTok @WomenLeadersCS. 

 

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The Durham Sports Commission Announces Virtual 5K Event and Branded Store 

Inaugural Event Supports the One Team, One Durham Fund, and new Varsity Brands and BSN Sports Partnership  

August 29, 2022 (DURHAM, N.C.) – The Durham Sports Commission (DSC) will host a Virtual 5K event on a prescribed course for runners and walkers through downtown Durham from September 17 to 24. A portion of the $15 registration fee will be donated to the DSC’s newly launched One Team, One Durham Fund (1T1D) that offsets the rising costs of youth sports. A new BSN Sports store featuring Virtual 5K gear is also now online, in time for those who register to receive their branded swag before the start of the event. Participants may run or walk the course as often as they would like during the weeklong window, offering those eager to set a personal best as many chances as they would like to record the lowest time.  

“Creating another DSC owned and operated event to engage the Durham community was a part of our strategic blueprint,” said Marcus Manning, executive director of the DSC. “In collaboration with DSC Board member Umar Muhammad and Revo Race’s Dr. Mark Janas, we identified an opportunity to engage the community through a Virtual 5K that seamlessly and innovatively ties together a few of our new initiatives that potentially could generate positive social impact through sports.”  

The Virtual 5K prescribed course starts at the iconic Durham Bulls Athletic Park, routes through the Morehead Hill neighborhood, and finishes on the American Tobacco Trail. A video of the course can be found here as a preview. One the DSC Virtual 5K registration fee is paid, participants may submit score(s) using the Submit Results button on the registration page by uploading a GPX file or manually entering the information. Teams are encouraged to run or walk the course together – as much as individuals are welcome to – with the ability to coordinate and submit team names. Those who register are expected to complete the course on their own, any time or date between September 17-24.  

In May, the DSC first announced 1T1D, accruing funds that will allow for greater access to sports for Durham youth. To date, funds have been raised exclusively through individual, private donations. The Virtual 5K marks the first activation that engages the public while simultaneously supporting the cause. Participants can donate additional dollars directly through the Virtual 5K registration page or have friends and family donate to the One Team, One Durham Fund on their behalf. The Virtual 5K is also the first DSC owned-and-operated event since it became the first sports commission in the country to partner with BSN Sports, the nation’s largest direct marketer and distributor of sporting goods to the school and league markets. Like event registration, a portion of the Virtual 5K branded apparel will be allocated to support 1T1D. The Virtual 5K online store will be open through September 6 to ensure that all orders are placed in time for participants to receive their swag before the September 17 start date.  

For more information about the Durham Sports Commission, 1T1D, and the Virtual 5K, please visit www.durhamncsports.com 

About Durham Sports Commission 

The Durham Sports Commission (DSC) is a collaboration of the City of Durham, the County of Durham, the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce and Discover Durham. The DSC was established in 2016 as a 501(c)(3) with a mission to create economic and social impact by leading the community’s efforts to attract, support, and promote youth, amateur, collegiate, and professional sporting and recreational events and is operated by Discover Durham. The DSC provides leadership for sports-based initiatives and create positive economic impact and quality of life in Durham and the surrounding region. Be sure to follow the DSC on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to keep up with all sports-related news in Durham, NC, and other announcements. 

 

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July 12, 2021 (DURHAM, N.C.) – The Durham Sports Commission (DSC) is proud to announce that Deputy Director, Kaila’Shea Menendez, has been named as one of 11 board members of the North Carolina Sports Association. The NCSA Board Development Committee elected Menendez to fill one of three the at-large seats available for a three-year term beginning with the 2022/2023 year. 

“The NCSA is an important collective that works to further our state’s sports ecosystem, bettering communities in Durham and beyond through the social and economic impact of sport,” said Menendez. “It’s an honor to work more closely with my peers to further position North Carolina as a premier destination for national governing bodies and event planners looking to enhance or bring more events of all shapes and sizes to the area.”  

NCSA is a statewide collaboration of sports commissions, convention and visitors bureaus, parks and recreation entities, and sports authorities who share a direct interest in supporting sports events in North Carolina. The nonprofit’s mission is to grow, promote and enhance the general welfare of the sports industry across the state. By positioning North Carolina as a top-tier destination for the sports tourism market and recruiting event rights holders to the area, NCSA helps generate economic and social impact for destinations from the mountains to the coast.  

“In just a few short months, it’s clear Kaila’Shea is a gamechanger for Durham and the state’s sports tourism industry,” said Marcus Manning, executive director of the DSC. “We’re proud to have her make her mark and contribute to more regional conversations as Durham and North Carolina continue to solidify our positions as championship-caliber destinations.”    

One of seven sports commissions in North Carolina, the DSC was established in 2016 as a collaboration between the City of Durham, Durham County, the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce and Discover Durham. Menendez joined the DSC in December of 2021, shortly before the organization hosted the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Football National Championship and Senior Football Classic, as well as the inaugural Champion Durham Classic high school basketball invitational. In her first few months on the job, Menendez has immediately excelled by leading the management of strategic initiatives and special projects. She spearheads the work of the DSC’s Advisory and Sports Tourism Committees, building dynamic, productive relationships with key stakeholders. She has readily stepped in and owned her position as the point of contact for various national governing bodies in sports as well as other external rights holders and local event owners. While those are the responsibilities she is formally charged with, Menendez’s keen eye for forecasting event owners’ needs, multifaceted skillsets honed by years of leadership experience, and innate thoughtfulness permeate and across all the organization accomplishes.  

Menendez was previously the senior director of leadership programming and events at Women Leaders in College Sports, the premier leadership organization that develops, connects, and advances women working in college sports and beyond. She oversaw the Women Leaders in College Sports National Convention and was responsible for the execution of all association-wide leadership programming and events. Additionally, she managed initiatives dedicated to furthering and supporting women of color in sports and remains an advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Before assuming her senior director role, Menendez served as an events coordinator and director leadership programming. Prior to Women Leaders in College Sports, she held positions with the University of California San Diego, Camp Pendleton, and various parks and recreation centers and YMCAs across the country.  

For more on the DSC’s impact, please visit its website. For more on the NCSA, please visit its website or contact Paul Sheehan, Chair, at paul@visitwinstonsalem.com 

 

About Durham Sports Commission 

The Durham Sports Commission (DSC) is a collaboration of the City of Durham, the County of Durham, the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce and Discover Durham. The DSC was established in 2016 as a 501(c)(3) with a mission to create economic and social impact by leading the community’s efforts to attract, support, and promote youth, amateur, collegiate, and professional sporting and recreational events and is operated by Discover Durham. The DSC provides leadership for sports-based initiatives and create positive economic impact and quality of life in Durham and the surrounding region. Be sure to follow the DSC on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to keep up with all sports-related news in Durham, NC, and other announcements. 

 

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The Durham Sports Commission Names Four New Board Members 

Board Members to Provide Leadership and Guidance as the DSC Fulfills its Mission to  

Create Social and Economic Impact Through Sports 

 

July 7, 2022 (DURHAM, N.C) – The Durham Sports Commission (DSC) is proud to share four new members have joined its Board of Directors. The new board members are Ingrid Wicker McCree, Ed.D., founder & CEO of WM Leadership & Legacy Coaching, LLC; Ray Trapp, vice president of strategic engagement at the Research Triangle Foundation; Umar Muhammad, a professor and faculty athletic representative (FAR) at Saint Augustine’s University (SAU) and founder of USports Consulting; and Scott Strickland, assistant general manager of operations for the Durham Bulls Baseball Club.  

“We have a forward-thinking, strategic, and versatile lineup of board members, guiding us into the future as we continue to partner with and support Durham’s local sports ecosystem and recruit regional and national events to the Bull City,” said Marcus Manning, executive director of the DSC. “Each member has passionately served Durham in various capacities and will continue to do so through the DSC’s mission – this cohort is ready to assist the organization in taking advantage of future opportunities, and ultimately positioning the DSC for sustainable success.”  

Wicker McCree has an impressive and storied career as a higher education leader with more than 25 years in diverse roles. In 2008, she made history becoming the first female to hold the permanent title as the Director of Athletics at North Carolina Central University (NCCU). Wicker McCree recently retired as one of the longest-tenured athletic directors in NCCU history, and as one of only a handful of women athletic directors in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). As founder and CEO of WM Leadership & Legacy Coaching, LLC, she will impart her extensive expertise and leadership skills to individuals, organizations, and corporations within higher education and beyond. She is a native of Durham and graduate of C.E. Jordan High School.  

Trapp joined the Research Triangle Foundation (RTF) as vice president of strategic engagement in January 2021. Prior to his current role, Trapp was the director of external affairs for North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NC A&T) as well as a Guilford County Commissioner representing District 8 from 2012-2017. He participates on the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges and is a board member of Communities in Schools of Wake County, Communities in Schools of Greater Greensboro, the Morrisville Chamber of Commerce, Durham Public Schools Foundation, Leadership Triangle, and the Nature Conservancy. He was also in the U.S. Navy, serving as an interior communications specialist aboard the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN).  

Muhammad has recently made history and garnered national acclaim for becoming one of two head coaches on the inaugural SAU cycling team – the first and only cycling squad and women’s crew team at a Historically Black college and university (HBCU) in the country. Professor Muhammad has been a sport management professor at SAU for nearly five years and most recently appointed the new FAR, a faculty member designated by an NCAA member institution to serve as a liaison between the institution and athletics department as well as a representative of the institution in conference and NCAA affairs. A native of Durham, he is active in his community and involved with the Durham County Juvenile Crime Prevention program, the DSC’s Advisory Committee, and the NCCU Recreation Program Advisory Committee. He founded a sports consulting business, USports Consulting, and was once the general manager of a professional basketball team, the Bull City Legacy, in the Tobacco Road Basketball League.  

Strickland has served as the assistant general manager, operations for the Durham Bulls since 2018. He started his career with the Bulls in 2004 as an assistant groundskeeper, prior to being promoted to head groundskeeper then director of operations. In his role, Strickland oversees stadium and field operations, special events, management of the Durham Athletic Park, as well as the team’s partnership with Duke Baseball. He resides in Durham and is active with the Miracle League of the Triangle where he services on their board of directors. 

The four new board members’ terms started July 1, 2022, and expires June 30, 2025. With the new appointments comes a new board chair, too. Wicker McCree will succeed previous board chair Dan Hill, former president of the Carolinas Golf Association and former partner of the Orange County Speedway. Hill will continue to serve as a board member. Susan Scott, senior director of advancement and marketing at UNC-TV, will keep her position as vice chair and Mitch Moser, deputy director of athletics/resource development and management/chief financial officer at Duke University’s department of athletics, remains secretary/treasurer. Other continuing board members include Terrence Holt, president of Holt Brothers, Inc.; Jonathon Leach, executive director of administration at North Carolina Central University; and Bill Kalkhof, retired CEO of Downtown Durham, Inc. Coinciding with the new appointments, founding members Omar Beasley, George Habel, and Tommy Hunt have rotated off the board.  

For more information about the Durham Sports Commission, please visit www.durhamncsports.com 

 

About Durham Sports Commission 

The Durham Sports Commission (DSC) is a collaboration of the City of Durham, the County of Durham, the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce and Discover Durham. The DSC was established in 2016 as a 501(c)(3) with a mission to create economic and social impact by leading the community’s efforts to attract, support, and promote youth, amateur, collegiate, and professional sporting and recreational events and is operated by Discover Durham. The DSC provides leadership for sports-based initiatives and create positive economic impact and quality of life in Durham and the surrounding region. Be sure to follow the DSC on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to keep up with all sports-related news in Durham, NC, and other announcements. 

 

 

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June 1, 2022 – Durham Sports Commission, located in Durham, NC, today announced that it has established a new partnership with Varsity Brands, the market leader in team sports, school spirit and achievement recognition, and one of its operating businesses BSN SPORTS, the nation’s largest direct marketer and distributor of sporting goods to the school and league markets and a division of Varsity Brands. Through this partnership, BSN SPORTS will serve as the official apparel and equipment provider to the Durham Sports Commission. The program will also benefit from access to BSN SPORTS’ line of custom facility branding products and customizable fanwear shops for the many events the DSC hosts.

Marcus Manning, Executive Director of Durham Sports Commission, stated, “This unique and strategic partnership with Varsity Brands and BSN Sports fits within the fabric of striving to have an impact on the Durham sports community, recruiting events to our community, enhancing the awareness and experience of sporting events and continuing to build the brand awareness of the DSC. I can’t thank Varsity Brands enough for this unique opportunity, and we’re excited about what the future holds.”

Matt D’Orazio, Senior Vice President of Varsity Brands added, “Exclusive partnerships like the one we have announced today drive our mission of elevating experiences for athletes and their supporters who will attend these events.”

 

About Durham Sports Commission

The Durham Sports Commission (DSC) is a collaboration of the City of Durham, the County of Durham, the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce and Discover Durham. The DSC was established in 2016 as a 501(c)(3) with a mission to create economic and social impact by leading the community’s efforts to attract, support, and promote youth, amateur, collegiate, and professional sporting and recreational events and is operated by Discover Durham. The DSC provides leadership for sports-based initiatives and create positive economic impact and quality of life in Durham and the surrounding region. Be sure to follow the DSC on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to keep up with all sports-related news in Durham, NC, and other announcements.

About BSN SPORTS

Dallas-based BSN SPORTS is the leading marketer, manufacturer and distributor of sporting goods apparel and equipment. A division of Varsity Brands, BSN SPORTS markets and distributes its products to over 100,000 institutional and team sports customers in colleges and universities, middle and high schools, and recreational programs throughout the United States via catalog, e-commerce, and direct sales. Focused on providing game changing solutions through local partnerships, multi-brand selection and one-stop shopping for equipment and uniforms, BSN SPORTS’ more than 3,000 employees have been helping elevate participation in team sports since 1972. For more information about BSN SPORTS please visit www.bsnsports.com.

About Varsity Brands

With a mission to inspire achievement and create memorable experiences for young people, Varsity Brands elevates the student experience, promotes participation and celebrates achievement through three unique but interrelated businesses: BSN SPORTS, a Varsity Sport Brand; Varsity Spirit; and Herff Jones, A Varsity Achievement Brand. Together, these assets promote personal, school and community pride through their customizable products and programs to elementary and middle schools, high schools, and colleges and universities, as well as church organizations, professional and collegiate sports teams and corporations. Through its dedicated employees and independent representatives, Varsity Brands reaches its individual and institutional customers each year through competitions, camps and sales.

 

Media Contact

Margaret Pentrack

Sr. Director of Marketing

mpentrack@discoverdurham.com

412.337.2997