Wright Wins Ward Award

Jim Wright, a member of the NCAA staff for the last 28 years, has been selected by the College Sports Information Director's of America to receive the Arch Ward Award at the group's annual workshop July 2 in Cleveland, Ohio. This award is given annually to a CoSIDA member who has made outstanding contributions to the field of college sports information, and who, by his or her activities, has brought dignity and prestige to the profession. Wright, a director of NCAA statistics, has worked in the NCAA statistics department since 1975 and has served as the media coordinator for the College World Series since 1977. He works with a staff of eight statisticians at the NCAA to produce weekly national rankings and annual record books for 11 sports in all divisions, as well as five statistical manuals. The staff is also responsible for providing a Rating Percentage Index for eight NCAA Division I championships. Wright has served as media coordinator at 32 national championships in his NCAA career, which is more than any past or present NCAA employee. He has worked the Division I wrestling championship, the Women's Final Four and, for the past 25 years the College World Series. Wright, a graduate of Ball State University where he earned both his bachelor's and master's degree, became a full-time assistant SID at the Air Force Academy in 1970. In 1974, he was named the sports information director at the University of Southern Colorado and then joined the NCAA staff in 1975. Earlier this year, he was honored by the American Baseball Coaches Association with its Meritorious Service Award, and in 1989 received the Wilbur Snypp Award for his national contributions to the sport of college baseball. He has been lauded by Rawlings, the Greater Wichita Sports Association and the Greater St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce for his efforts to assist with the publicity and awards ceremonies for the NCAA Baseball Player of the Year, the Johnny Bench Award and the Dick Howser Trophy. Wright also served as the media coordinator for the inaugural NCAA Women's Basketball Championships.