31st Annual Mathematics Symposium at Western Kentucky University
October 28-29, 2011 (Friday 5pm-; Saturday 8am-)
Snell Hall (SH)1st Floor
Theme: Mathematics and Sports
Submitted abstracts and Schedule
Free registration: at the registration desk at the meeting
Abstract submission: Please submit no later than October 20, 2011 to
Dr. Dominic Lamphier (dominic.lamphier@wku.edu) or
Dr. Mikhail Khenner (mikhail.khenner@wku.edu)
Keynote Speakers
Ron Gould
Emory University
Rating Player Performance - The Old Argument of Who is Best
Sports statistics have often resulted in arguments about who is really the best player. Beginning with the NFL quarterback rating formula, we consider quantitative methods of rating players performance including quarterbacks, hitters in baseball and basketball players.Some of the history of such ratings will be discussed along the way. Special attention will be paid to linear weighting schemes. We look for the strengths and weaknesses of each method, including ESPN's new quarterback index.
Kenneth Massey
Carson-Newman College
Sports Ratings by Linear Regression with Lp norms
The college football schedule graph is very sparse, and game results exhibit substantial
variation. Many mathematical models have been constructed to objectively evaluate
team strengths. I will explain the popular least squares regression (L2) approach,
and then generalize to other norms. We will discuss computational algorithms and
properties of the solution. Results from recent college football seasons will be used
for illustration.
Presentations: Many 20 minute talks will be given on mathematics and related topics.
The talks can be expository, historical, research related, or education related.
Student presentations are especially welcome.
We have funds for student travel!
Lodging: There are several hotels in Bowling Green, You may call or make online reservation.
Holiday Inn: (270) 745-0088
Courtyard by Marriott: (270) 783-8569
Baymont Inn: (270) 843-3200
Drury Inn: (270) 842-7100
Motel 6: (270) 843-0140
Best Value Inn: (270) 781-9594
A more extensive list of hotels can be viewed in this external link.
Where: Snell Hall Directions to WKU Campus Map
Organizers: Dr. Dominic Lanphier, Dr. Mikhail Khenner, Dr. Ferhan Atici
and Dr. Samangi Munasinghe of the Mathematics Program
Sponsored by: WKU Mathematics Program Ogden College of Science and Engineering National Science Foundation
Questions: Please contact the Mathematics program office (tel: 270 745-3652; fax: 270 745-3699)
or
Dr. Dominic Lanphier (email: dominic.lanphier@wku.edu; tel: 270 745-6228)
Dr. Mikhail Khenner(email: mikhail.khenner@wku.edu; tel: 270 745-2797)
Funding for the 2011 Mathematics Symposium at WKU is provided by NSF grant
DMS-0846477 through the MAA Regional Undergraduate Mathematics
Conferences Program, www.maa.org/RUMC.
We gratefully acknowledge the funds
from Ogden College.
