Hunter Yurachek and his team at the University of Arkansas played an instrumental role in making CALS 2024 an unforgettable event in Northwest Arkansas. From the moment attendees stepped off the buses and arrived at Razorback Stadium, they were greeted with signature Arkansas hospitality. Razorback cheerleaders and mascot welcomed them as they made their way up to Big Red’s Rooftop—touted as the largest outdoor sports bar in college football. With perfect fall weather and stunning views of the stadium and the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, it was the ideal setting for reconnecting and networking.

For the first time in CALS history, the opening dinner took place outdoors, right on the football field, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. The energy from Arkansas’ Top 5 victory the previous night lingered in the air, making the evening even more special. The highlight of the night was an engaging conversation between Yurachek and Arkansas graduate and Walmart CEO Doug McMillon. McMillon’s wit, humility, and emotional intelligence were on full display as he shared leadership insights that resonated with the crowd. When asked about leading through times of change, like leaders in college athletics are doing now, McMillon offered a key takeaway.

“When facing an uncertain future, the first and most important question is, ‘What are we not going to change?’“ McMillon explained. “And then everything else has to be on the table to change moving forward.”

Many CALS veterans remarked that it was one of the most memorable evenings they’d experienced, thanks in part to the unique atmosphere and the candid discussion between Yurachek and McMillon.

The momentum continued Monday when Yurachek joined his friends and former colleagues, Baylor's Mack Rhoades and Boise State’s Jeremiah Dickey, for a panel discussion moderated by Christian Lewis of Paciolan. Rhoades reflected on recruiting Yurachek to serve as his number two at Houston before moving on just months later, which allowed Yurachek to eventually be elevated into the Athletic Director role. Dickey shared a pivotal moment from his early career when Yurachek gave him critical advice about leadership.

“Hunter sat me down and reminded me that success isn’t just about achieving results,” Dickey recalled. “It’s about bringing people along with you.”

That moment helped reshape Dickey’s approach to leadership and serves as a testament to Yurachek’s mentoring style.

Yurachek’s involvement in CALS over the past decade underscores his commitment to shaping the future of college athletics.

"As I was coming up, so many people poured into me, teaching me about the profession and allowing me to grow. That’s what CALS is all about—connecting the next generation of leaders," Yurachek shared.

His outlook on CALS aligns with the event’s mission of equipping emerging athletic administrators with the tools to succeed in this unique industry.

Prior to CALS, Yurachek joined Ryan Bradley on the first episode of The CALS Report podcast for a wide-ranging conversation about rewards of working in college athletics, the importance of continual personal and professional development, and the current state of the industry.

“I love watching our student-athletes train, compete and doing what they love,” Yurachek said. “For me, the reward of this business is the time you get to spend with your student-athletes.”

Despite his packed schedule, Yurachek makes time to be present at practices and competitions. “Getting out to practices is the icing on the cake for me. It's what makes this job rewarding.”

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Yurachek’s passion for developing future leaders was a key theme throughout his podcast interview and at CALS 2024. He reflected on the importance of mentorship, both in his career and for those navigating their own paths today.

“I’ve been fortunate to have mentors who invested in me early in my career, and I see it as part of my responsibility to do the same,” he said.

He advises emerging leaders to build meaningful relationships and stay connected with mentors.

"You want to be a sponge wherever you are, learning as much as you can. Finding a mentor or two who will pour into you is invaluable,” he noted.

Yurachek also emphasized the power of handwritten notes, calling it a lost art in today’s digital age.

“I keep a stack of handwritten notes on my desk as a reminder of the people who’ve helped me along the way. It’s a small gesture, but it leaves a lasting impression.”

The conversation also touched on the rapid changes in college athletics, from NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) to the transfer portal. Yurachek acknowledged that adaptability is now a key leadership trait in the industry.

“You have to be nimble and willing to adapt,” he said. “This industry is changing whether we like it or not, and as leaders, we have to be at the forefront of that change.”

While the challenges are significant, Yurachek remains optimistic about the future of college sports and the opportunities that come with it.

“We want to make sure we’re preparing our student-athletes not only for success in their sports, but also for life after college,” he explained.

Arkansas’ innovative programs in brand development and financial literacy reflect his proactive approach to navigating the evolving landscape.

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Balancing the demands of being a college athletics director with personal life is no small feat, but Yurachek has found ways to make it work. His morning routine, which includes time for reflection, reading, and exercise, is a cornerstone of his approach.

“That early morning time is mine,” he said. “It helps me start the day on the right foot, mentally and physically.”

As his sons were growing up, Yurachek also prioritized family time, ensuring that his three sons’ sporting events were always on his calendar.

“I’ve given up things like golf and hunting to make sure I’m present for my family. If I do play golf, it’s with my boys,” he shared, underscoring the importance of intentionality in finding balance.

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As Yurachek looks toward the future, his focus remains on maintaining a broad-based athletic program at Arkansas that provides equal opportunities for all 19 sports.

“We want to be at the forefront of change, ensuring that our programs remain strong and that all of our student-athletes, whether they play football or swim, have the opportunity to succeed,” he said.

In an industry defined by constant evolution, Hunter Yurachek’s leadership stands as a model of adaptability, mentorship, and balance. His contributions to CALS and his ongoing commitment to professional development reflect his dedication to shaping the future of college athletics.

Through his leadership, Yurachek continues to inspire the next generation of athletic administrators, reminding them to stay connected, embrace change, and always lead with purpose.

Editor’s Note:

At our first CALS in 2011, I quickly realized I’d overlooked something essential—moderators for the panels. Watching panelists ask, and answer, their own questions put “assigning moderators” at the top of my list for the following year. Since then, most moderators have come from within our attendee community, giving them a chance to gain experience and build connections. We’re also fortunate to have expert partners like Christian Lewis of Paciolan and Kevin Barefoot of Teamworks, who have elevated our panels each year. Kevin, who first moderated at CALS in year two, has since become a go-to panel leader across the industry. We asked him to share his approach. – Will

I started participating in panels at college athletics events out of necessity. In 2009, when I began working in collegiate athletics, I didn’t know anyone, and no one knew me. This was before platforms like D1Ticker and ADU, and there wasn’t much content with insights from administrators. I saw an opportunity to make my mark: sharing conversations with industry leaders could provide value for others while helping me connect within collegiate athletics. I began publishing roundtables on topics like fundraising and facilities innovation in the early 2010s, which eventually led to hosting panels at NACDA, SBJ, and the NCAA Convention. I quickly realized this content was not only an effective tool for thought leadership but something I truly enjoyed.

By 2012, I had the chance to sponsor a small gathering of industry leaders called CALS, held at UNC and hosted by industry legend Bubba Cunningham. At the time, it was only in its second year, and I had no idea what it would grow into. But I liked the event organizers (shoutout to Will!), and since it was drivable from my home in North Carolina, I took a chance on the sponsorship. It turned out to be a great decision!

Not all panels go smoothly, though. If I’m being honest, the first CALS panel I moderated was a train wreck. I can laugh about it now, and CALS OGs like Wren Baker don’t let me forget it. Today, I’ve had the chance to participate in 13 CALS events and look forward to many more. Having been both a panelist and a moderator, I wanted to share some behind-the-scenes stories about how these panels come together, plus insights into what makes a successful panel—especially from a moderator’s perspective.

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First off, the best moderators aren’t memorable. A great moderator makes sure the panelists are the stars—no one attends a session to hear the questions; they want to hear the panelists’ insights. When preparing to moderate, focus on eliciting answers that are both interesting and actionable.

Interesting answers might include behind-the-scenes stories from campus, explanations of tough career decisions, or stories panelists would only share in a setting like CALS. Actionable answers make people take notes; when you see the audience putting down their phones, you know you’ve hit on something valuable.

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The panelists are the stars, and I’ve been fortunate to work with great ones. Will has always helped pair me with industry titans, and with strong panelists, my job is simple: don’t screw it up. Here are a few insider tips I’ve found helpful:

• Schedule individual calls—not group calls. This lets you explore topics the panelists care about and those they’d rather avoid.
• Come prepared with ideas to make the calls productive.
• Ask, “If you were moderating, what would you ask the other participants?” This often reveals the most intriguing topics.
• Push the envelope—just a little. Some of the most engaging topics are those that were challenging for the panelists to manage.
• Respect boundaries. Always ask if there are any topics they don’t want to cover, and honor that.

I also do my homework by reading recent news about the panelists’ universities and keyword-searching D1Ticker for relevant headlines. This research inspires questions and informs the panel outline, which I tweak until it’s finalized.

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I over-prepare. Sitting on stage in front of 350–400 people is not the time to feel underprepared. Moderating has become easier over the years, but again, the goal is to not be memorable. You don’t want to be remembered for mispronouncing a name or fumbling a question. Preparation is key.

On the day of the panel, I review my questions one last time and make sure I have enough content. It’s better to have too many questions than to run out with 10 minutes left. I budget 3-4 minutes per question and always prepare quick hitters at the end to give everyone a final chance to chime in.

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Two tactics I’ve picked up over the years have improved my moderating:

• Ask specific questions for each panelist. Going down the line with the same question gets repetitive. Individualized questions keep the conversation fresh.
• Don’t feel the need to respond to or affirm every answer. Keep the flow going. Only interject if you have something that truly adds to the conversation.

Organic humor and a bit of back-and-forth make for a great panel, so I always encourage panelists to jump in whenever they see fit. Like Wren and Joe Castiglione’s ongoing debate during our panel this year…

Although these conversations are some of the most enjoyable parts of my job, there’s always a sense of relief when a panel goes smoothly. Afterward, I chat with attendees and gather their feedback. That feedback is invaluable and helps me refine my approach for future panels. Overall, these experiences are always rewarding.

In the end, participating in and moderating panels has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my career in collegiate athletics. From that first nervous attempt to now, I’ve learned that the key to success lies in preparation, creating space for authentic conversations, and focusing on the value for the audience. Whether I’m learning from industry leaders or sharing insights myself, these panels have allowed me to connect, grow, and contribute to the ongoing dialogue in our field. And honestly, I can’t wait for the next one.

Kevin Barefoot is a Senior Vice President at Teamworks. Check out his recent interview with Sports Business Journal, where he discusses how Teamworks is revolutionizing the sports industry with its cutting-edge platform.

1. What does your current role entail? What are your areas of responsibility?

As Athletics Director at Bates College, I oversee 31 varsity programs, which involves a lot of balance and mutual trust with our team. I’m also the chair of the Physical Education department, and we oversee all club sports and recreation at the College. I’m fortunate to work with a strong administrative team, which allows me to focus on strategic planning, fundraising and donor relations, and new and renovated facilities.

2. Tell us a little about your path to your current position and how your previous experience shaped you as an administrator.

I started on this path as an athletic training major during my undergrad and later completed grad work in sports management, holding a graduate assistant position. Part of my grad work involved helping to reintroduce intercollegiate athletics at the NCAA Division III level at my alma mater after its Division I program was cut due to budget issues. This experience gave me an early opportunity to approach athletics with an equity lens, which has been invaluable throughout my career.

3. Please share your degree history and how your coursework has helped you in your career.

I hold a BS in Athletic Training and an MS in Sport Management, with a concentration in communications. Early in my career, I worked in sports information and athletic communications, which gave me an understanding of both the operational and communication sides of athletics. That experience has been helpful in my day-to-day role. Having walked in the shoes of athletic trainers and communications staff, I can empathize with their frustrations and challenges.

4. Who have been some role models or mentors to you in your career, and what have they offered?

There are many, but Gene Marshall, currently the AD at Binghamton, has been a trusted mentor and friend since I was young. Gene taught me the importance of listening to all perspectives, leading with empathy, and finding practical solutions. My first head ATC, Bill Chisolm, who mentored many great athletic trainers now working in the MLB and NBA, also made a big impact on me. He passed away too soon but led by example and instilled in me a strong work ethic.

5. How have you grown as a leader throughout your career?

Growth happens throughout one’s career, and I hope that’s been true for me. I used to focus more on being right; now, I’m more focused on learning from mistakes and finding the best solutions for the most people. Active listening, maintaining balance, and leading with empathy are essential, though challenging. Mentoring others and helping bring people through the same professional pipeline I went through is also critical. It’s mutually beneficial—it helps them grow and continues to shape me as a leader.

6. What is the most challenging part of your role today? And what is the most rewarding?

The biggest challenge is balancing the time and energy each project deserves, as we’re constantly juggling multiple responsibilities. The most rewarding part is the daily interactions with student-athletes and staff. Working at a place like Bates, where there’s a highly competitive academic and athletic environment, is incredibly inspiring. Seeing our students’ hard work and playing even a small role in their success is deeply rewarding.

7. What advice would you give to people just starting out in their career in college athletics?

Every role, whether big or small, paid or unpaid, provides valuable experience and connections that often lead to the next opportunity. My advice is to “say yes,” and good things will follow. People often focus on connecting with high-profile figures at large institutions, but there’s so much to learn at all levels of intercollegiate athletics. Take advantage of events like CALS to put yourself in situations where you can get comfortable being uncomfortable—it expands your playbook and improves your ability to pivot and problem-solve. And finally, follow through. Doing what you say you’ll do leaves a lasting impression on colleagues, student-athletes, and even your own family. Show up consistently, and it will be remembered.

8. How have professional development events like CALS influenced your career?

Events like CALS are invaluable for networking with the best in our industry and for realizing how much common ground we share. No matter the institution’s size, public or private, or division level, the chance to engage in professional development is a huge positive. These events help us realize we’re not alone in our challenges, which is reassuring and empowering.

9. Tell us something fun or unique about Bates College that you’ve enjoyed. Any hidden gems for visitors?

Maine has so much natural beauty, including Acadia National Park, which is a short drive away. A hidden gem right here in Lewiston is that it was the site of one of the most storied rematches in boxing history—Muhammad Ali’s knockout of Sonny Liston on May 25, 1965, which led to an iconic photo. The NESCAC is also unique in combining high academic achievement with excellence in athletics at the national level. We’re currently engaged in projects that will greatly enhance our student-athlete experience, including our new soccer and track complex with a turf field, lights, and bleachers, a new turf baseball infield, and plans for a new softball stadium and fitness center in the heart of campus.

10. What book, podcast, or TV show are you currently recommending?

Two book recommendations: Range: How Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World by David Epstein, and Radical Candor: How to Get What You Want by Saying What You Mean by Kim Scott. For podcasts, I enjoy SmartLess for a fun break, and I’m currently loving the show Shrinking on Apple TV, with Jason Segel and Harrison Ford.