Central Michigan University Athletics
A Season To Remember
1/14/2020 9:00:00 AM | General, Fire Up Chats
Michael Alford Fire Up Chat
The turning of the calendar, particularly one that starts a new decade, is always a hopeful time. For Central Michigan Athletics, however, there is more reason for optimism than just the turning of the calendar.
We'll begin at the end of our previous year where our football program completed one of the finest one-year turnarounds in the country.
I recall vividly many of the conversations with our loyal fans and donors in the weeks and months following the hiring of Jim McElwain as our head coach.
In most instances there was a renewed sense of excitement that typically accompanies a coaching change, but that usually shifted to skepticism when I spoke of championship expectations in year one.
That skepticism never made it past the door to the CMU locker room.
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I can't speak highly enough about the character and commitment to excellence displayed by the men in our football program. The 2019 season was the quintessential example of what can be accomplished when a talented group of people buys into a vision and will accept nothing less than their absolute best. We will greatly miss the outgoing senior class, but thanks to their efforts our program is positioned for success faster than most thought possible.
This transitions into another element of our program where universal buy-in is yielding game-changing results — the Chippewa Champions Center.
Donors recognized a need and demonstrated unprecedented and record-breaking generosity in making this dream a reality for our university. Construction on the facility is moving along and we are still on pace to be in the facility prior to our season opener on Sept. 5.
Our fundraising efforts for this project are ongoing and continue to offer multiple levels at which to support our program and leave your legacy. I encourage you to reach out to our Chippewa Athletic Fund team to learn more.
Just a few yards from that construction site, McGuirk Arena and Jack Skoog Track are buzzing as our winter sports programs begin the heart of conference play. With new coaches in women's basketball and gymnastics, to a burgeoning contender in our men's basketball program, to some new competition on the wrestling mat, to an indoor track & field program that looks to continue its ascension as it defends a league championship, there's plenty of reason to get out and support our student-athletes this winter.
I'll finish touting the academic achievement of our student-athletes. It's one area where I am happy to become redundant. This fall marked the 42nd consecutive semester that our student-athletes earned a 3.0 GPA or higher. Thirty-nine student-athletes earned a perfect 4.0 and 193 earned a spot on the Dean's List with at least a 3.5 GPA. I am always amazed at the dedication our student-athletes apply in the classroom and in their sport. Remarkable young men and women who we all should be proud to have represent CMU and wear the maroon and gold.
I wish you all a happy and healthy 2020 and look forward to you joining me in helping to make this year and this decade a special one for CMU.
Fire up Chips!
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We'll begin at the end of our previous year where our football program completed one of the finest one-year turnarounds in the country.
I recall vividly many of the conversations with our loyal fans and donors in the weeks and months following the hiring of Jim McElwain as our head coach.
In most instances there was a renewed sense of excitement that typically accompanies a coaching change, but that usually shifted to skepticism when I spoke of championship expectations in year one.
That skepticism never made it past the door to the CMU locker room.
Â
I can't speak highly enough about the character and commitment to excellence displayed by the men in our football program. The 2019 season was the quintessential example of what can be accomplished when a talented group of people buys into a vision and will accept nothing less than their absolute best. We will greatly miss the outgoing senior class, but thanks to their efforts our program is positioned for success faster than most thought possible.
This transitions into another element of our program where universal buy-in is yielding game-changing results — the Chippewa Champions Center.
Donors recognized a need and demonstrated unprecedented and record-breaking generosity in making this dream a reality for our university. Construction on the facility is moving along and we are still on pace to be in the facility prior to our season opener on Sept. 5.
Our fundraising efforts for this project are ongoing and continue to offer multiple levels at which to support our program and leave your legacy. I encourage you to reach out to our Chippewa Athletic Fund team to learn more.
Just a few yards from that construction site, McGuirk Arena and Jack Skoog Track are buzzing as our winter sports programs begin the heart of conference play. With new coaches in women's basketball and gymnastics, to a burgeoning contender in our men's basketball program, to some new competition on the wrestling mat, to an indoor track & field program that looks to continue its ascension as it defends a league championship, there's plenty of reason to get out and support our student-athletes this winter.
I'll finish touting the academic achievement of our student-athletes. It's one area where I am happy to become redundant. This fall marked the 42nd consecutive semester that our student-athletes earned a 3.0 GPA or higher. Thirty-nine student-athletes earned a perfect 4.0 and 193 earned a spot on the Dean's List with at least a 3.5 GPA. I am always amazed at the dedication our student-athletes apply in the classroom and in their sport. Remarkable young men and women who we all should be proud to have represent CMU and wear the maroon and gold.
I wish you all a happy and healthy 2020 and look forward to you joining me in helping to make this year and this decade a special one for CMU.
Fire up Chips!
Â
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