TYLER TALK - FROM THE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR'S DESK

Dear Friends of Barton Athletics,

Welcome to the inaugural edition of Tyler Talk, a quarterly newsletter from Barton College Vice President and Director of Athletics Ken Tyler that covers informative, entertaining and behind-the-scenes tidbits from Bulldog Athletics. We're grateful for your interest and your support. Let's Go!!

It's hard to believe we're already in October and our fall sports are in full swing. Men's soccer, under first-year head coach and Barton alum Lorran Antonelli, is off to a hot start at 6-2. Women's soccer is 4-4-2 and set a new school record for consecutive shutouts.



Football, in their last season in the ultra-competitive South Atlantic Conference, is currently 2-4 with lots of new players in key roles. We're excited to begin play next year in Conference Carolinas, where football will join our other sports. Speaking of football, check out this recent powerful article on our program in Our State magazine.  ARTICLE LINK

Two of the stars of last year's team, Kam Johnson and Jordan Terrell, are pursuing their dreams of professional football. Kam made the unlikely journey from undrafted Division II free agent to making the final roster of the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers. I was honored to be in Tampa for his opening game. Jordan is playing in the Canadian Football League, and just scored his first career touchdown! We're very proud of Kam and Jordan and wish them continued success as they pursue their dreams.




We have two exciting facility projects that are almost completed. Thanks to a generous lead gift from trustee Dan Michalak and other significant donations, we've been able to completely reconstruct our tennis complex, which will be named in honor of Dan and his family. We look forward to dedicating the new courts during Homecoming weekend on Friday, November 1. In addition, we are in the final stages of construction for a new restroom and multipurpose building at Truist Stadium. This project will provide required public restrooms on the visitor's side of the stadium, as well as valuable game-day space for our teams.




We continue to seek partners for our transformative administrative suite project on the second level of the Tower at Truist Stadium. Many thanks to those that have already contributed to the new home of Barton Athletics, which will provide a welcoming and versatile space for staff, student-athletes, alumni, recruits, donors and friends. Please contact me at kdtyler1@barton.edu to learn more.  TOWER FLYER

We are grateful to the Wilson Times for the positive profile of our department this summer. As the title suggests, we definitely do have a plan to make Barton Athletics the absolute best it can be! Here is the article.  WILSON TIMES ARTICLE

The new and elevated Bulldog Club has been a big success with our alumni, families and friends. The Bulldog Club supports each of our teams and all 700 of our student-athletes, and is an impactful way to support Barton Athletics. Thank you to those who are already members and thank you to everyone else for checking out the Bulldog Club and considering joining us.  BULLDOG CLUB BROCHURE  WEBSITE

I was so proud to be part of the Barton College community as we recently completed our annual Day of Service. Bulldog student-athletes and staff joined their colleagues from across campus to make a difference in the Wilson community. 650 Barton students and staff completed difference-making projects in the greater Wilson area.



The Division of Athletics has been working hard to develop our Mission, Pillars and Goals. This comprehensive document is the result of months of inclusive discussions and analysis and will serve as our guide moving forward. Each day, we remember our three main purposes:

1. Provide a safe, positive and nurturing student-athlete experience.
2. Do our part to fulfill the business mission of the College.
3. Strive for improvement and competitiveness.

You can find our Mission, Pillars and Goals here. (MPG)

Finally, on a personal note…I recently wrapped up my first year as Vice President and Director of Athletics at Barton College. I am so thankful for the opportunity to serve and lead and am grateful for the warm welcome that my fiancé Dr. Leona Ba and I have received. The Barton family is strong, dedicated and authentic, and I'm honored to be a part of it.

It's a Great Day to be a Bulldog!

Ken Tyler
Vice President and Director of Athletics