Looking Back on Year One as Army Athletic Director
Q: What are you most proud of in your first year as the Athletics Director at Army West Point?
A: Putting together what I believe is the best Staff in the country. You are only as good as the people who surround you, and by that measure, we are going to be really good!
Q: You arrived at West Point with experience as an executive at your alma mater Wake Forest and as the athletics director at Furman. What have been some of the biggest adjustments you have had to make since arriving at West Point?
A: Certainly learning all of the military acronyms and the general flow of military etiquette and processes has been a new experience. There are also significant unique aspects to USMA athletics that differentiate us from other schools across the country. Our challenges are unique to USMA, but we don’t have to deal with so many other challenges which other schools face: Scholarship costs, Name, Image & Likeness legislation and eligibility waivers are a few examples of areas that can consume time and energy of other Athletic Directors, but don’t come into play at West Point. This allows us to attack other issues which can have a more direct, positive effect on the cadet-athletes Division I experience.
Q: What has become your favorite spot to visit on post?
A: I love Fort Meigs which is up near the Lusk neighborhood because it has a great view and great history. I also love to jog on Flirtation Walk which has some of the most scenic views of the Hudson River on post.
Q: What are some of the most memorable moments during your first year at West Point?
A: Certainly the Basketball double header sweep of Navy was memorable, but my first ever Army-Navy game in December was an amazing experience to share with family and friends.
Q: How would you describe the characteristics of a cadet-athlete?
A: Gritty, tough, tenacious and focused. Our kids seem to appreciate the competition moreso than at previous institutions which is so refreshing.
Q: How proud have you been of the way that coaches and cadet-athletes have conducted themselves during the pandemic given its effect on the sports world?
A: Extremely. With so many moving parts, it is great to be able to focus on planning and positioning the department without having athletes and families hitting the panic button. Our cadets have great perspective in so many ways.
Q: You have had a front row seat to the Army-Navy rivalry throughout the year across our sports – describe your experience being a part of it?
A: It is an honor to be a witness to this storied rivalry. I am proud to play a small role in providing the support and opportunity for our cadets to passionately compete on a worldwide platform and represent the Army.
