Central Michigan University Athletics
Great Things Ahead for CMU Athletics
8/26/2019 9:14:00 AM | General, Fire Up Chats
Michael Alford Fire Up Chat
The other day, I had a rare moment where I was in my office and not out on campus, at practice or on the road meeting with friends of CMU. As I sat at my desk in the Dan Rose Center, the sound of the Chippewa Marching Band came floating in from their practice field.
While the music of one of the finest bands in the country would be welcome regardless of the season, it is especially sweet this time of year as they signal the start of the fall!
The arrival of the 2019 season ushers in a season of hope and expectation in Mount Pleasant. New coaches on the soccer pitch and the football field arrive with high expectations while sophomore coaches in golf and field hockey look to take the next step.
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My style as an athletic director has centered on truly investing in our student-athletes and their success. I genuinely get excited watching our young men and women succeed regardless of the sport because I know how much work they put in to be competing at their best.
Still, there is something to be said about the galvanizing effect of college football and its expressly unique place in the American sports landscape.
Because football game days play such a pivotal role in our sports calendar, our staff works tirelessly to ensure each trip to Kelly/Shorts Stadium is a memorable experience for our fans.
In our communications throughout the summer, we've detailed the exciting new changes from new hospitality areas inside the gates to a concerted effort to energize the north parking lots. I want you to know all of our changes are centered on the people who help make this program go, our loyal fans and supporters.
Oh yeah, we also erected a 32' x 100' video board in the south end zone that will be in a class of its own in the Mid-American Conference for years to come.
Also in the 2019 season, our fans will literally watch the construction of the future of CMU Athletics just beyond the north end zone. Slated for completion in 2020, the Chippewa Champions Center will improve our ability to train and develop all 475 of our student-athletes and also recruit the next generation of Chippewa greats. As the fall progresses, keep an eye out for information on the many ways you can support this transformational project.
When I'm on the road meeting with alums or interacting with folks at events here in Mount Pleasant I'm often asked, "What is the best way I can support the program?"
Certainly capital projects like the Chippewa Champions Center offer a highly visible and exciting way to impact CMU Athletics, but becoming a member of the Chippewa Athletic Fund is still the most fundamental way you can support our student-athletes. Every dollar donated to the CAF goes directly to supporting our student-athletes.
It's part of the reason why my wife Laura and I along with 100 percent of our athletics department staff are proud to be CAF members.
Another great way to support us is to simply purchase a ticket and attend an event. Let's create an imposing home field/court advantage at CMU.
The fall is here, the Chippewas are ready to play and I can't wait to enjoy another season alongside you all.
Fire up Chips!
Â
While the music of one of the finest bands in the country would be welcome regardless of the season, it is especially sweet this time of year as they signal the start of the fall!
The arrival of the 2019 season ushers in a season of hope and expectation in Mount Pleasant. New coaches on the soccer pitch and the football field arrive with high expectations while sophomore coaches in golf and field hockey look to take the next step.
Â
My style as an athletic director has centered on truly investing in our student-athletes and their success. I genuinely get excited watching our young men and women succeed regardless of the sport because I know how much work they put in to be competing at their best.
Still, there is something to be said about the galvanizing effect of college football and its expressly unique place in the American sports landscape.
Because football game days play such a pivotal role in our sports calendar, our staff works tirelessly to ensure each trip to Kelly/Shorts Stadium is a memorable experience for our fans.
In our communications throughout the summer, we've detailed the exciting new changes from new hospitality areas inside the gates to a concerted effort to energize the north parking lots. I want you to know all of our changes are centered on the people who help make this program go, our loyal fans and supporters.
Oh yeah, we also erected a 32' x 100' video board in the south end zone that will be in a class of its own in the Mid-American Conference for years to come.
Also in the 2019 season, our fans will literally watch the construction of the future of CMU Athletics just beyond the north end zone. Slated for completion in 2020, the Chippewa Champions Center will improve our ability to train and develop all 475 of our student-athletes and also recruit the next generation of Chippewa greats. As the fall progresses, keep an eye out for information on the many ways you can support this transformational project.
When I'm on the road meeting with alums or interacting with folks at events here in Mount Pleasant I'm often asked, "What is the best way I can support the program?"
Certainly capital projects like the Chippewa Champions Center offer a highly visible and exciting way to impact CMU Athletics, but becoming a member of the Chippewa Athletic Fund is still the most fundamental way you can support our student-athletes. Every dollar donated to the CAF goes directly to supporting our student-athletes.
It's part of the reason why my wife Laura and I along with 100 percent of our athletics department staff are proud to be CAF members.
Another great way to support us is to simply purchase a ticket and attend an event. Let's create an imposing home field/court advantage at CMU.
The fall is here, the Chippewas are ready to play and I can't wait to enjoy another season alongside you all.
Fire up Chips!
Â
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