University officials are sticking by their initial punishment of two national champion water skiers by suspending them without a scholarship for the spring semester, according to a statement by Laura Woodard, director of Media Relations.
Skiers Zack Worden and Claudio Kostenberger, who finished first and second respectively in the jump competition at nationals, were suspended from the team for breaking a midnight curfew while celebrating the win with parents in Baton Rouge.
“Water Ski Team Coach Treina Landrum, just like any other coach at ULM, has the right to award and rescind scholarships—and any other privileges associated with the team—at any time,” Woodard said in a statement.
The players will lose their spring scholarships, be denied access to any team activities including bayou access to practice and face a review board in may to consider being reinstated on a probationary basis, according to Worden’s sanction letter.
So while the official statement says “suspended,” the skiers said losing all team privileges is a dismissal.
Center in this controversy is assistant coach Heather Raley. Worden and Kostenberger said Raley gave them permission to be out past curfew.
Woodard sharply disputed that claim saying, “We have determined that no such permission…was given. This statement is simply untrue.”
Worden maintains he was given permission to be out with his parents celebrating his accomplishments at nationals.
“[Raley] said it wasn’t a big deal if we went out, as long as we didn’t get arrested or get a DUI,” Wordon said.
Worden’s father, John, said while he didn’t hear Raley give permission with his own ears “that was the understanding that was prevalent in the lobby among the team and parents.”
Raley did not respond to multiple attempts by the Hawkeye to contact her.
Worden’s father compared his son’s punishment to LSU quarterback Jordan Jefferson, who allegedly broke curfew, engaged in a bar fight, injured a man’s spine and was arrested on charges of battery. He served a four game suspension, and retained his scholarship.
“I have a serious problem with someone telling me my 20-yearold son can’t celebrate his national championship with his parents,” John Worden said. “They didn’t get in a fight. They didn’t get arrested. They just missed curfew.”
Woodard said the players were suspended because of “multiple violations,” though she would not elaborate as to the nature of the violations, citing student privacy.
Worden said the only violation he and Kostenberger have had was a streaking incident in Baton Rouge during the summer. His sanction letter only mentions a violation in mid summer, which coincides with the streaking incident.
Landrum denied comment on the situation.
Woodard said all skiers sign an honor code. An excerpt from the policy says: “Scholarships, team membership and skiing privileges are earned by fulfilling requirements, meeting responsibilities and following rules.”
Worden and Kostenberger said “following the rules” is nearly impossible since they change as Landrum sees fit, as do the punishments.
Because the ski team is technically a club sport, the team falls under Student Life, not Athletics.
Wayne Brumfield, vice president of Student Life and Leadership, refused requests for an interview.
The skiers’ suspensions do not take effect until the spring after national championship celebrations are done.
John Worden said, “[Landrum] won’t pay Zach in the spring, but she’ll ride him to a national championship? Come on.”
Lyle Perkins • Nov 20, 2011 at 9:34 pm
There is an overwhelming consensus that this punishment is unjustified. To be a true leader, coach, boss, or otherwise in charge of other peoples lives you must sometimes accept that decisions you have made were the wrong decisions.
I attended NLU, now ULM, as a ski tem member from 1981 through 1985. We were National champions all 4 years by a considerable margin. We had scholarships and although we were a “club” sport we received a tremendous amount of help from the university and the university athletic programs. We had no coach just a wonderful advisor Dean of Students – Thomas Murphy.
I think it was 1983 or 84 that we, as a club and because we were so successful, got the student body to vote and approve a $1 per head per semester fee for the ski team. We also secured deals with Mastercraft boat company to provide boats on an interest only loan at a very favorable cost. We were able to sell these boats at a profit. I think we went through about 6 boats one year making about $6000 extra besides the $12k or so we were getting form the student body, besides the extra money we were receiving from sponsors and our fund raising events which were many. I could go on an on about this but my point is that the new boat that the school bought is nothing new. I am out of touch on the funding but I believe the student body would still be behind it and obviously are not behind booting the top skiers off the team.
Waterskiing is not a NCAA sport but more of a “lifestyle” sport that involves socializing as much as skiing. The collegiate waterski system is as valuable, if not more, as a social network for the future of these athletes as is the championship.
Treina, I hope you will rescind your wrong decision regarding Zack and Claudio, revise the rules to make them more realistic and clear, and continue to strive for championship ski teams.
Lyle Perkins
Past VP of NLU SKI TEAM
Stacie Spiker Farley • Nov 18, 2011 at 7:31 pm
So the thread continues and I have patiently waited for this to end, but it has not. David Landrum- don’t quite know who you are or what your role is other than defending the coach and apparently trying to elude that there may have been an “incident” that may have led to the punishment that has affected Zack and Claudio-
I am a former member of the NLU ski team, not a founding member, just a contributing member, and one of the many who value my time and commitment to what essentially made me who I am today.
I was a National Champion BEFORE I came to NLU and was a National Champion while I was there- however, I was a TEAM member more than a National Champ. My time spent at NLU remains a part of my life that will live forever in my kids and hopefully my grandkids.
I was a Team Captian when we won in Florida and some of the group had caught a small ‘gator, put him in the tub of our hotel room and summoned myself and the Men’s team captain asking if we could please take him home! Really?? The example is this- as a team, as a group, we understood that was not a great idea, and as a group, as a team, we let the little ‘gator go-
This was a growing period and time, and part of what college is all about. “cooler heads prevail” so they say.
The fact that all of the information has not been forthcoming, and insuations, accusations, gossip et.al are floating about- I would recommend that the University, if that is who is truly behind this decison, let the facts be known, so people will stop speculating, forming oppinions, etc. and all can have a CLEAR UNDERSTANDING of what the infractions were, and then we can all weigh in on the punishment provided. Until then- as I understand in our Constitution- “Innocent until Proven Guilty”
Mr. Landrum- et. al- try to be objective in this matter, leave the emotion out of it and allow the facts to be heard-
Stacie Spiker Farley,
NLU ski team
1979-1983
Brenda Worden • Nov 17, 2011 at 8:11 pm
I am also an NLU/ULM water ski team alumni (’83 & ’84) and a proud supporter of the current ULM Waterski team.
Unfortunately, my son, Zack Worden is at the center of this controversy. I certainly appreciate the support of former ski team members and parents as you have reminded me of the bond created after being a member of this team and the parent of a current ski team member.
I would like to clarify a few things which seem to have a taken on a life of their own in many posts I’ve read. First of all, my family (Zack included) does not have any personal issue with Treina Landrum. We are only appealing the punishment handed out by Treina for two minor infractions Zack was involved in.
The first incident happen when Zack was staying at ski school during the summer of 2011. This was a night time streaking incident that lasted about 30 seconds in Baton Rouge. Unfortunately, this incident was captured on a camera phone and posted on a friend’s private Facebook page where Zack was tagged in the post. The assistant coach was friends with Zack on Facebook, saw the post and reported the summer streaking incident to Treina. Treina then handed down punishment that equated to him losing 1/4 of his scholarship and being placed on probation for the Fall 2011 semester although we never saw any ski team rules around their summer activities. We had no idea this type of punishment could be handed out for a college kid’s behavior during the summer months.
The second infraction was missing curfew after the Nationals was over on Saturday night. I heard the assistant coach tell the skiers and parents, including myself that she didn’t care what they did as long as they didn’t get a DUI or arrested. Zack was with us and three other ski team members’ parents the entire time except for the ride to and from our destination. Zack did have a few beers (with us present – as is legal in the state of Louisiana) that night, but he DID NOT drive! I’m not quite sure why there is a correlation between this curfew infraction and underage drinking or drinking and driving as others on this thread are eluding to. By appealing this punishment, I am in no way condoning underage drinking, drinking and driving or lawlessness by removing all rules. The punishment for this infraction was dismissal from the ski team during the Spring 2012 semester, a complete loss of scholarship and absolutely no access to the bayou ski facilities during the entire Spring semester.
I do appreciate what Treina Landrum does for this team, however I would like for her to review her policies around the National’s last night’s curfew and monitoring student’s summer activities and accept guidance on appropriate punishment when breaking team rules. Unfortunately, Zack is now forced to leave Monroe for the Spring semester because as a professional skier and commitments to his boat sponsor he cannot afford not to have a place to practice from January through May.
I hope this puts to rest any misconceptions around behavior, previous infractions, and punishment handed out. If you have any problems with the information I have shared here, please email me directly.
Thank you,
Brenda Worden
[email protected]
David Landrum • Nov 14, 2011 at 2:20 am
This will most likely be my last post. I know several that are happy to hear this. I am saddened and shocked at what this whole debate has degenerated into. Here we are talking about team rules, state laws and how these apply to a University Water Ski Team. I’ve read everything each of you as former skiers and current skiers and parents of skiers and students at large have had to say. I am at the point of wanting nothing further to do with water skiers. If this central issue is what is most important to some of you, I’m done. We are talking about one or two individuals, that receive funding for water skiing while attending college. When I brag about my school giving scholarship money for water skiing to people in the general population, they are dismayed to say the least. We are talking about asking these two people to adhere to rules that only partially restrict what they can and can’t do for a couple of nights out of the entire year. But it isn’t about the money. If it were, Coach Landrum wouldn’t be the coach now for seven years for not one red cent. My family wouldn’t be spending thousands of dollars supporting this team. Let me repeat my previous statement so you don’t miss it. Coach Landrum has never received one dime of compensation for what is turning into a thankless job. I invite each and everyone of you skiers and parents to come take this position for no pay. I invite you to come take this position of ridicule following your 5th National Championship. But much more importantly, I invite you to use your brain just for a second and imagine how you would feel as the coach, if the morning after the big win, when all skiers were allowed to go and do whatever the night before, one of the skiers were driving the University van, pulling the equipment trailer, loaded with almost the entire team. Imagine if the driver, a team captain, designated driver, certified driver, wasn’t quite where he should be due to the night before. I don’t care if you are the family member of the four people that got wiped out by our van or if you are the parent of one of the skiers in the back of our van that doesn’t exist anymore. When this accident occurs and you can begin to sift through the fog in your mind, you will first focus on the person that was suppose to try to safeguard your family or your child. You won’t give a damn about state laws or team rules. You won’t think about the scholarship money. You will want to know who let this happen! We have seen recently the life of a super person, a college water skier, ended by the hands of a drunk driver. This driver was a previous ULM water skier. I can come up with a dozen more scenarios that should make you ashamed for the trivial crap you are putting this team through. Some of you are defending behavior that puts the University, the Team, and most importantly, your child at severe risk. For the life of me, I don’t know why Treina works so hard to protect your children, for no pay, and no thanks.
Skiers Parent • Nov 13, 2011 at 3:45 pm
I am in complete shock to hear the news, and to see how big of an issue it has become. Trenia did mention to her students they could drink with their parents. We traveled around the world to see our child only to be locked up with curfews. Is the ski team not considered a “Club” sport. It is Louisiana Laws you can drink underage with parents. I believe more than half of the students are of age in their home countries. Yes, it is American law and we must follow, but yet you must realize it is %100 legal to do so. I was unaware of the law until I looked it up myself. It states: #8. on alcohol-selling premises, with parental approval:
“In some states, underage consumption of alcohol is allowed on an alcohol-selling premise, such as a restaurant or a bar, if the alcohol is furnished to the minor by a legal guardian and if the minor is in the presence of his or her legal guardian.”
So therefore it seems to be more of a personal issue then actually breaking the set aside new “Rules”. My child has told me other instances of singling out the two skiers before. This punishment was not made clear to any team members until after the Tournament. It was not clear to anyone if you missed the van ride back you would be stripped of you’re scholarship. Stripping money worries me about my child as we have much invested as well.
Both skiers Zack and Claudio are a major impact for the future of skiing.They ski tournaments around the world, and doing so represent ULM well for recruitment. My child is Honored to be a part of such a talented group of skiers. We thank the ULM Warhawkes for their recruitment and life changing opportunity they have given our child. It is a bit rational to drop the hammer a few days following the win. Long term, do you not think this may hurt future recruitment’s? We as parents with our child living many miles away look for comfort. I just hope this does not happen to us for what ever reason in the future.
Please do not take this personal. We just want you to understand from the parents stand point. We were at the banquet and witnessed everything.. Both sides of the story are missing details. Yet we will keep it confidential and do not want to cause anymore conflict. Lets try and solve the issue than try to keep adding to it. Let Claudio and Zack continue to ski.
Thank You,
Steve Kidd • Nov 13, 2011 at 1:53 am
All,
As a former team member and spouse of a former team member and the parent of a UTEX (I Know) team member I hope I can give some perspective to this issue. First, Coach Landrum has been as gracious a host in our few times we have interacted as anyone would wish for. That being said I sincerely hope that the punishment for the two skiers involved is appropriate. It is Coach Landrum’s neck and reputation that are on the line. The other teams in the region do like to interact with the quality skiers that ULM puts on the water. It is the only time most of them will be associated with this caliber of waterskier. We all know times have changed and that with the new media any and everything that these kids ( and yes they are still “kids”) do is an open book to the world. I for one would not have liked to come of age with having to worry about every dumb mistake that I made was for the masses to see and comment on. My wish is for calmer heads to prevail and these two be given another chance, maybe a one tournament suspension without loss of scholarship. The fact that they were with their parents weighs heavily on my opinion of this issue.
Steve and Gayle Kidd NLU Waterski Team 79-82
David Landrum • Nov 12, 2011 at 1:36 am
To Mike, Bill and Jenny
First let me say thank you for being here from the start. What a great tradition you started. As a ’79 graduate of NLU I was very close friends to many of the founders. I wish I had had the chance to ski with you. Second, I would like to gently suggest to you all that things here, just like the rest of the world, are not the same as it was 35 years ago. To suggest otherwise would make as much sense as suggesting we meet over at Sherrouse room 222 for cold ones. It ain’t there anymore. However, if you would like to meet me tomorrow and help me do the oil change on the brand new boat the University just purchased I will gladly accept your help and will bring the cold ones too. There are no sacred cows when it comes to state budgets. Any program that receives a dime is constantly under the threat of survival. Anything we can do to help continue the unequaled support we get from the University is a must. Bill, it isn’t “win at all cost.” It is survive or revert back to the days where I bet you and Jenny paid a lot out of your pockets. Dang I was never on this team but I wish someone would send me a check every now and then and help me pay for some of this expensive synthetic oil. There has been too much talk out of context in this situation. I would like for you guys to come down for a little visit. I think it is admirable to come to the aid of one of your team mates but I would gently caution that more information might be helpful to you. For example, anyone that has a facebook account knows how it works. The individual can control every aspect of that account. But you must also be aware that facebook is used by thousands of organizations as a communication tool. That is the simple truth here. To characterize it any other way is simply false. With so many of our skiers traveling all over the world on a regular basis, with so much practice time at stake, with fluid schedules for classes and team meetings, facebook makes sense as a way to keep everyone informed. I would also like to point out to the skiers that are my age and maybe slightly less, practically every freshman on campus at that time was of legal drinking age. I’m sure you realize that now almost half of the seniors on campus now aren’t. It is a sad situation Bill. NO one is happy about this. And at a time when the team should be elated. So, we have to ask how did we get here and what are we gonna do for these two skiers and the team as well? My purpose in this particular response is not to discuss the two skiers. I’m asking all involved to moderate their tones, stick to the facts, stop smearing individuals and the team or coach. None of that is helping the skiers or the team.
Bill Rainwater • Nov 13, 2011 at 10:31 am
David & Tyler…
Well said! I certainly hope that I did not sound as if I was making an attack on Triena or the school. We are very proud of what the program has become and what Treina has continued there. Pointing fingers or making accusations was certainly not my intention.
Both are right in the fact that “the times, they are a changing”, and that there is still a lot of information from both sides that have not been brought to light. It just seems like the program has grown so much, and like everything else, there is just too much “government”.
I would like some clarification, please: the ski team scholarships were originally “special talent awards” funded by a small “levy” on all the students’ tuition, and that the team does not fall under the department of athletics; is it still a recognized club under the student life department, and funding from that department?
As a former athlete at NLU (football, 1970), a skier, a veteran, and now a contributing member of society, I certainly agree there has to be rules, and that we are expected to abide within the rules or suffer the consequences. I’m sure we’ve all stretched the rules at some point in our lives, but losing a scholarship for breaking curfew just seems over the top.
I’m sure there are extenuating circumstances that have not been made public, and that may be the fuel of this fire. (I certainly understand that a student’s privacy must be protected.) The basis is that we are weighing in because we are sensing a felony punishment for a misdemeanor crime.
Again, please let me be clear that I DO like and appreciate Triena and what she and the entire program has done, my concern is that “the crime doesn’t justify the time!”
Bill
Old Student • Nov 12, 2011 at 12:40 am
If the club is a club and not a team, why not leave it and start a new one?
Nancy Pavur • Nov 11, 2011 at 9:51 pm
I have to agree with the previous comments that the punishment seems a bit harsh. Especially when you consider that the tournament was over. Behavior that either of these two young men engaged in at this tournament certainly doesn’t seem that it would require punishment so severe. I know there are rules for good reason, but from what we have read this has gone too far. Maybe someone needs to look more in depth to the statement made by the assistant coach who has been said to have given permission for Zach to stay out with his parents. We can only make assumptions from what we read, but if the words are true, than I hope that the people who are the in “Charge” will step back and take a closer look.
Think about it this way – Curfew can be obeyed and things can happen that are totally out of line and could be deserving of punishment. Curfew can be broken: maybe even with permission, and scholarships are taken away along with a suspension and most of all practice time.
Intercollegiate skiing at N.L.U. was an incredible time that so many of us reflect on. The friendships made are still in place today. Did we make mistakes? You know it and we learned from our mistakes as most do. We were more than Blessed to have Dean Murphy as not only our “Coach” but a mentor in every way. I just can’t imagine that he would have handled this situation the way it is being portrayed. He had his share of decisions to make with the team and I am thankful that he handled things the way he did.
Hopefully, this situation and outcome can be revisited – and maybe if pride is involved, it can be set aside and things can be resolved in a different way that will benefit everyone.
Nancy Pavur 1979- 1982
Tyler Collins • Nov 11, 2011 at 8:18 pm
All,
I speak to the founders out of respect and to give a clear understanding to the other side of the story. From an outside looking in I would agree it is very easy to see how the two skiers may have been targeted. I assure you this was not the case. I was a team member from 2004-2008. I had the opportunity to ski under both Bill and Treina. The rules that you speak of have not change under either coach. There is a difference in the way that each conduct business. Bill was very laid back and Treina is very straight to the point lets get things done. I understand and can appreciate both styles of management. The university itself is very different today than it was when earlier members attended. The rules that are in place now are just a common practice unfortunately in all universities and things are not so simple. When it comes to having fun and making the team about camaraderie between teams I absolutely agree it should take place. I do not recall a time where the team was not allowed to attend the after party that was sponsored by the host site. These skiers are on “athletic scholarships” this is a very important concept to understand. These rules that you speak of are not Treina’s rules. This is a common mistake. These are university policies. If you want these policies to go away then you are in fact making a decision that could very easily do away with the team itself. Being able to go to school for free and to do so with a water ski scholarship is an amazing opportunity for skiers across the world and to risk that just to have a little extra fun from what you already are having seems like a foolish decision. Everyone looks at the suspensions as if they were a onetime infraction; this is not the first time the skiers involved have been in trouble including fines. If you search on espn athlete suspended for team violations you will find many articles about this topic. These athletes broke the rules and paid the punishment. Why should it be any different in a sport that provides the athlete with an opportunity to attend a public institution for free? Bottom line in order to continue forward the ski team must adhere to the policies that the university sets for it. I am a huge fan of the ski team and I would never want to ski it go away due to the actions of a few. Whether I like the rules or not they are what they are. All four years that I was a part of the team this was not an issue under either coach. But I assure if all the situations were the same under either coach the same end result is very likely. Not due to someone not likely a skier but because it was a must in order to protect the team. No coach in any sport would ever want to suspend one of his or her best talents. This is a suspension though the skiers involved are not dismissed. They have an opportunity to rejoin the team and its great tradition. Hopefully they will do so and if not best of luck to each of them.
Tyler Collins
Team Captain 2006-2008
Bill & Jenny Rainwater • Nov 11, 2011 at 8:11 am
Thank you for posting more information on this current “hot” topic.
As founding members of the NLU/ ULM water ski program, we feel that we must make a comment.
We were very disappointed to learn that two skiers have lost their scholarships for violating curfew AFTER the recent National Championships.
The water ski “club” was formed by students under the premise of competing in a sport we love and to have fun! Building friendships, working together, and being a TEAM was the foundation of this program. The fact that a curfew has been placed on skiers is against our founding principles! Deans Murphy and Lassiter are probably spinning in their graves right now!
Mandatory “friending” on Face-Book?? Give me a break! The water ski team won something like 10 National Championships in a row without imposed curfews or strict guidelines. We managed to play and compete, and still had one of the highest GPA’s of any group on campus.
The ski team is still a club, not an athletic organization, and falls under a different set of rules. Why should curfew still be imposed after the season is over? Why the military-like control? College should not be boot-camp.
The ULM ski program has gotten a reputation the last few years as being elitist and snobbish: the team does not stay at the same hotels as other ski teams, and rarely do they participate in the social events given by the tournament hosts. Why? Intercollegiate Water Skiing was started to encourage competition, but the interaction and camaraderie between the competing teams was as important as the competition itself.
Perhaps we should take a closer look at the “win at all costs” attitude and get back to basics. The program has grown, there are more scholarships available, and we understand there have to be some rules, but it certainly seems, from what we are hearing and reading, that the rules and rule-makers have gone overboard. We ski team Alums have enjoyed watching ULM team progress over the years, and very proud of what we started, but these are still student athletes, young men and women who are attending the university not just for the chance to ski, but for the opportunity to learn and grow; to make mistakes and hopefully learn from them and become better people.
Enough of the Big Brother (Big Sister?) police – get back to skiing and having fun!
Bill & Jenny Rainwater, NLU Ski Team, 1977-1980
Original team Member • Nov 11, 2011 at 5:32 am
I find it interesting that David Landrum wants to speak about how the students and Alumni feel about the most recent turn of events as though he knows there thoughts. As one of the founders of the team I can attest to the fact that the previous ski Team alumni are appalled by these decisions. From the outside it appears that the coach has some personal issue with these two skiers. They may push her buttons or she may feel disrespected – I don’t know her so can’t be sure, however her actions are clearly out of line and the punishment is clearly out of line.
In fact the question / interpretation of alleged permission should have been in question, perhaps the assistant coach did give the wrong impression to the skiers and is now afraid to speak the truth. Why is she believed over the word of the skiers.
Although I think a curfew after the tournament is over is a bit ridiculous – the punishment is far too much
Mike “Goon” Adams
Original founding member of the team
First, Team president
First, National tournament director