Since becoming the new Director of Athletics for the University of Charleston last January, I am often asked do I miss coaching. To be candid there will always be a part of me that misses coaching and teaching, simply because it is a very different and much more intimate way to interact on a regular basis with students. Having said that, I love this job and I am constantly astonished at the many issues, challenges and yet fun experiences that I have already faced in such a short period of time
What I love most about Division II athletics is the quality of the product that we market and promote on our UC campus. If you spend just a few minutes observing a practice, watching a scrimmage or speaking with a member of the UC Athletic Staff you will certainly be impressed. If I might dare to be so bold I would say that “bigger is not always better.” You and your families do not have to go to a Division I game to watch great athletes compete in your favorite sports. You simply just need to take the time to come to the UC campus and watch our athletes compete some of the region’s top competition. Our coaching staffs and their athletes are talented, hard-working and have a sincere passion for what they do every day.
This Thursday, (August 30th) at 7:00 pm we will host Shaw University in our first ever night football game at UC Stadium. Admission is free courtesy of BrickStreet Insurance and we have added many family-friendly events as a way to get the Charleston community involved with UC Athletics. Beginning at 5:00 pm we will serve steak dinners (steak, baked potato, corn, salad, and desserts) for the low price of $10 per meal. These meals will be on a limited basis so you need to arrive to the Stadium early. We will have a superb half-time show, which will includes the “Purina Incredible Dog Show.” We have a new fan zone for young people that will have three large inflatables and other games, activities and giveaways. As you can see, Thursday is much more than just a football game!
Our women’s cross country, volleyball, women’s soccer and men’s soccer teams are all on the road this weekend as they kick-off their respective seasons. Visit www.UCGoldenEagles.com more information on these sports as their seasons get underway and make sure you follow our men’s golf, women’ golf and women’s tennis as they gear up for some home competitions in the next week or two.
In closing, it is my hope that you will try something new and attend a DII game, match, meet or event that the University of Charleston hosts this fall. I hope you will come by and introduce yourself to me as it is one of my personal goals to meet every fan of a UC team.
