Wright To Attend NCAA Convention

NEW PALTZ — Men’s volleyball standout Christopher Wright will represent not only SUNY New Paltz, but all Division III athletes, when he attends the NCAA’s 95th Annual Convention January 4-11 at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

Wright, a recent at-large selection to the 24-member NCAA Division III Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, will be one of only a select few student-athletes nationally to have an active voice in legislation enacted by the NCAA for its more than 400 Division III institutions. He and his committee counterparts have the unique opportunity to have an audience with their respective division’s Management Council to provide the student-athlete perspective on issues, as well as suggest future legislation and comment on subjects of interest to today’s college athletes.

This latest post is a logical progression for Wright, the current chair of New Paltz’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. He has been an advocate locally for student-athletes since his arrival on campus in 1997.

A 1993 graduate of LaGuardia High School for the Arts in New York City, Wright spent four years in the United States Navy, where, among other things, he guided pilots landing military aircraft. In 1995, he was the starting middle blocker and one of just 10 servicemen worldwide selected to the exclusive All-Navy volleyball team. He was honorably discharged from the military in August 1997 with the title of Aviation Electronics Technician Third Class.

This fall, Wright, a senior interpersonal/intercultural communications major with a minor in journalism, tried his hand at coaching, as a student assistant for New Paltz’s women’s volleyball team.

Since 1999, he has worked in New Paltz’s sports information office, and previously served the university’s athletic department as a games administration student coordinator and worker.

On the volleyball court, Wright has also been very visible. This season will be his fourth as a starter on the Hawks’ perennially nationally ranked squad, and two of the last three years Wright was selected to the All-Eastern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (EIVA) All-Star team.

In addition, he was recognized as the American Volleyball Coaches Association’s Division III National Player of the Week last March, and in three years has already surpassed 1,000 career kills. Wright will likely achieve career milestones of 400 blocks, 300 digs and 100 service aces sometime during the 2001 season.

Note to editors: Photos of Christopher Wright are available from the university sports information office at (845) 257-3927.