Central Michigan University Athletics
Starting Another Exciting Year for CMU Athletics
8/21/2018 9:00:00 AM | General, Fire Up Chats
Michael Alford Fire Up Chat
One of my favorite events of the academic year occurs at the very beginning—our Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Welcome Back Picnic.
This event witnesses our entire student-athlete body coming together for an evening to share a meal, engage in fellowship with their peers from all 18 sports and compete for the vaunted All-Sports Relay Race championship title (Congrats CMU Wrestling).
While I enjoy watching the camaraderie among our young men and women, perhaps my favorite aspect of this event is the opportunity I have to personally say "welcome home" to each of our student-athletes.
As I embark on my second full year as Director of Athletics at CMU, Central Michigan University, and by extension Mount Pleasant, has truly become home for the Alford family. In our last Fire up Chat, I expressed my gratitude for the generosity of so many of you who came together to support our student-athletes though the Chippewa Athletic Fund. The generosity of our Chippewa Family, however, extends far beyond the financial.
You have opened your hearts and minds in helping us craft a shared vision for the future of this athletics department. As we stand at the precipice of this new year, it's important to look back at all we have accomplished.
The 2017-18 Annual Report begins with our new mission statement and core values that serve to inform our efforts in creating an environment that fosters comprehensive student-athlete development. We want our student-athletes to reach their potential in all facets of the college athlete experience. Successes in competition, in the classroom and in our community are cataloged in detail in this report.
Here are just a few highlights:
There's no question that we had an outstanding year in 2017-18. With that said, I am confident that it was the tip of the iceberg. Our team is eager to continue the momentum in the year ahead, and I invite you to join us as we write the next chapter in CMU Athletics history.
Thank you, and Fire up Chips!
This event witnesses our entire student-athlete body coming together for an evening to share a meal, engage in fellowship with their peers from all 18 sports and compete for the vaunted All-Sports Relay Race championship title (Congrats CMU Wrestling).
While I enjoy watching the camaraderie among our young men and women, perhaps my favorite aspect of this event is the opportunity I have to personally say "welcome home" to each of our student-athletes.
| Fire Up Chat Archive |
|---|
| • Sept.. 10, 2018: Starting Another Exciting Year for CMU Athletics • Aug. 1, 2018: Generous CMU fans show student-athlete support • May 23, 2018: Commitment in classroom leads to lifelong success • April 16, 2018: Spring success continues trend of exceeding expectations • March 13, 2018: Champions! Special group of student-athletes launches March • Feb. 19, 2018: Building up CMU through facilities, new diversity program • Jan. 15, 2018: Second semester starts with victories, good news • Dec. 11, 2017: Champions Alumni Center end-zone project taking shape • Nov. 6, 2017: Your invitation to join our "all-in" mentality • Oct. 10, 2017: Together, we help CMU student-athletes reach their potential • Sept. 8, 2017: Matching your passion for CMU as we transition to be the best |
As I embark on my second full year as Director of Athletics at CMU, Central Michigan University, and by extension Mount Pleasant, has truly become home for the Alford family. In our last Fire up Chat, I expressed my gratitude for the generosity of so many of you who came together to support our student-athletes though the Chippewa Athletic Fund. The generosity of our Chippewa Family, however, extends far beyond the financial.
You have opened your hearts and minds in helping us craft a shared vision for the future of this athletics department. As we stand at the precipice of this new year, it's important to look back at all we have accomplished.
The 2017-18 Annual Report begins with our new mission statement and core values that serve to inform our efforts in creating an environment that fosters comprehensive student-athlete development. We want our student-athletes to reach their potential in all facets of the college athlete experience. Successes in competition, in the classroom and in our community are cataloged in detail in this report.
Here are just a few highlights:
- Three of our programs earned conference championships while five reached the postseason
- 61 student-athletes earned All-Conference honors with two, Tinara Moore (women's basketball) and Katy Clements (gymnastics), earning the title of All-American
- Another banner year for CMU in the classroom with 129 Academic All-Conference picks leading our student-athletes to their 39th straight semester above a 3.0 GPA and eight programs with an APR over 1,000
- CMU student-athletes truly immersing themselves in our community logging over 5,000 hour of community service
There's no question that we had an outstanding year in 2017-18. With that said, I am confident that it was the tip of the iceberg. Our team is eager to continue the momentum in the year ahead, and I invite you to join us as we write the next chapter in CMU Athletics history.
Thank you, and Fire up Chips!
Football Insider - 10.24.25
Friday, October 24
Chippewa Check-In
Friday, October 24
2025-26 MBB Preseason Press Conference - Phat Phat Brooks & Logan McIntire
Tuesday, October 21
2025-26 MBB Preseason Press Conference - Head Coach Andy Bronkema
Tuesday, October 21