June 19, 2006
NORMAL, Ill. -
After one year as a graduate assistant with the athletics department, Ted Crane has been named the CHAMPS/Life Skills Coordinator at the Karin Bone Athletics Study Center at Illinois State University. In his new position, Crane will coordinate personal and professional development programs for Redbird student-athletes.
In addition, he will supervise the academic progress of Illinois State student-athletes on the soccer, swimming and diving and men's and women's tennis teams.
Crane takes over for Reed McCloskey, who left the post in May after her husband was relocated.
Serving as a graduate assistant at the study center for the 2005-06 school year, Crane monitored student-athlete academic progress, while working closely with McCloskey on career development programs. In just his first year, Crane's dedication and commitment helped Redbird student-athletes achieve a semester record GPA of 2.99, while also recording more than 2,000 hours of community service.
Jane Fulton, Director of the Karin Bone Athletics Study Center, is confident in the abilities Crane brings to the position.
"One of the most positive things we saw in Ted when he was a G.A. in our department was his ability to motivate student-athletes," said Fulton. "We are excited to have him on in a full-time capacity. Ted worked closely with Reed and Tim (Schlosser) last year, helping to develop our student-athletes and prepare them for life after Illinois State. I believe that the transition for him will continue to be very smooth."
Before coming to Illinois State, Crane served as an athletic academic advisor at his alma mater, Ohio University. He was responsible for the academic advisement of the Bobcat field hockey, men's and women's golf and wrestling teams. Crane also acted as a liaison between professors, student-athletes and coaches while also teaching a first-year student-athlete experience course.
The Mantua, Ohio native, is looking forward to his new assignment as part of the full-time Illinois State athletics department staff.
"I feel honored to be working with such a storied program, both academically and athletically," said Crane. "After a year at Illinois State, I appreciate the quality people that the university employs and benefit from those interactions. I've also gotten to know the majority of the Redbird student-athletes, and I am impressed with their dedication and hard work in the classroom, as well as on their respective playing fields.
"I would like to carry on the tradition that Reed started here at ISU," continued Crane. "I value the further expansion of the opportunities, both personal and professional, made available to ISU student-athletes."
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ILLINOIS STATE - Ted Crane named Life Skills Coordinator.
