CTI tackles ‘Sports by the Numbers’ for ‘Exploding Canons’

October 1, 2013
Categories: General News Tags: College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, Community Engagement

Ever calculated the odds behind whether your favorite team should punt or go for it – or who’s really number one? Charlotte Teachers Institute will tackle these and other tough questions related to the intersection of sports and math in its “Exploding Canons” event on Tuesday, Oct. 22.

This next installment of CTI’s flagship speakers’ series will take place from 5:30 to 8 p.m. the EPIC Building, next to the Jerry Richardson Stadium.

In “Exploding Canons: Sports by the Numbers,” faculty from Davidson College, UNC Charlotte and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and professional sports statisticians will offer perspectives on how athletes, coaches, teams, economists, teachers and others use numbers and data in sports performance, development, analysis and decision-making. Sponsored by Piedmont Natural Gas Foundation with additional support from the Charlotte Bobcats, the public event is free. All attendees also will receive special ticket offers from the Charlotte Bobcats and the Charlotte Checkers.

The event begins with a reception and local sports expo in the EPIC atrium at 5:30 p.m., followed by the panel discussion from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Siemens Energy Lecture Hall (EPIC, Room G256). Space is limited, so registration is recommended. CMS teachers and administrators from all grade levels and subject areas are especially encouraged to attend.

Program topics and featured speakers include:

  • “Who’s Number One? How to Create Predictive Sports Rankings,” Tim Chartier, associate professor of mathematics, Davidson College
  • “Using Math to Run Lightning Fast: Usain Bolt by the Numbers,” Sharonda LeBlanc, postdoctoral fellow in mechanical engineering at UNC Charlotte and West Charlotte High School track and field coach
  • “The Hot-Hand Phenomenon: Is It Real?” Michael Pillsbury, secondary math specialist, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
  • “Thinking Like a Statistician in the Huddle, the Dugout and on the Bench,” Jason Rosenfeld, manager of basketball analytics, Charlotte Bobcats
  • “Sports Economics: Using Sports Data to Understand the World,” Fred Smith, professor and chair of economics, Davidson College

Brian Ralph, vice president of enrollment management at Queens University of Charlotte, will moderate.

“It is nearly impossible to have a conversation about sports without referencing math in some way,” said CTI Director Scott Gartlan. “Today we find math in all aspects of sports – from the front office’s need to draft the best players to the super fans’ quest for a perfect fantasy team. The fascination with sports has driven many to rediscover the value of math to our everyday lives.”

The “Exploding Canons” speakers series draws on the strengths of CTI’s partners to offer educators and the public collaborative learning opportunities that highlight university and college faculty, explore diverse topics in an interdisciplinary manner and encourage community conversation.