Dear Allen University fans and supporters,
As the dust settles on another exhilarating season all while preparing for another, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey we've had and express our sincere gratitude to you, our devoted Yellow Jacket fans for your unwavering support. Athletics has once again showcased its indomitable spirit and commitment to excellence, making us proud to represent this esteemed institution.
From the moment the season kicked off, it was clear that we were embarking on something extraordinary. Our student-athletes displayed remarkable talent, tenacity, and an unyielding passion for their respective sports. Each practice, each game, and each victory and defeat has been a testament to their hard work and ability to be receptive to change and feedback. We have witnessed moments of brilliance, record-breaking achievements, and unforgettable displays of teamwork and sportsmanship.
Our wrestling team, led by Eric Pack set the bar high this season, going above and beyond to achieve remarkable milestones. In fact, the squad crowned two All-Americans at the NCWA National Tournament this past spring in Michael Jackson and Drevon Wallace. The team placed 14th overall out of 65 teams at the national competition.
We were able to experience university history over the course of the 2022-23 athletic season. Cross Country, men's and women's basketball along with track and field all competed in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) postseason tournaments and championships for the first time in school history. Other sport programs will have the opportunity to make those same strides as the university has its eyes set on approaching NCAA provisional year three.
The entire Yellow Jacket family was excited to see women's basketball finish the season above .500 and enter the conference tournament as the No. 4 seed while also witnessing the growth in track and field, women's soccer, softball and women's volleyball.
There is an enormous amount of excitement in the air surrounding men's basketball's new hire, Shawn Walker. Walker has been an established head coach across multiple NCAA division member institutions, most recently assisting Shaw University earn a bid to the CIAA Tournament's championship game.
The university's commitment to holistic student development was reflected in the spring when we decided to upgrade the practice space in front of Higgins Hall. If you drive down Taylor Street, you will be able to see the all-new 29,000 square foot turf system. The multipurpose area is the home for football practices, soccer practices, marching band practices and other auxiliary units. More highly anticipated upgrades will be announced in the days ahead. These developments will not only enhance the overall student experience but also attract talented athletes, bolster school spirit, and foster a sense of pride in the university's athletic achievements.
The future holds the promise of increased revenue generation and financial stability. In recent years, our department has explored innovative sponsorship deals, partnerships, and licensing agreements to secure additional funding. By capitalizing on the growing popularity of sports, we have been able to leverage multimedia platforms, streaming services, and social media to expand our reach and attract larger audiences, thereby boosting revenue streams.
Lastly, it is important for me to point out that any foundation of a thriving athletics department lies within institutional leadership. Allen University is very fortunate to be led by our esteemed president, Ernest McNealey, who has been responsible for restarting football and softball at AU along with introducing women's soccer. Additionally, women's wrestling will get underway as an all-new sport this coming fall and doing so during a time that the university is growing and transitioning. None of this would have been possible without his relentless support and enthusiasm for this entire campus community.
To all of our incredible fans, whether you were cheering from the stands, watching from home, or connecting with us through social media, your unwavering dedication has fueled our players and coaches. Your continued support, rain or shine, win or lose, has shown us the true meaning of fandom. You have stood by us through every triumph and every challenge, and your belief in us has never wavered. Your passion reverberates through the stands, motivating our athletes to leave their hearts on the playing surface and represent this fine university with pride. We are humbled by the way you have embraced us as part of your community, creating a bond that extends beyond the game. You are not just fans; you are our family.
We remain committed to our pursuit of excellence. We will continue to work tirelessly to hone our skills, improve our programs, and provide an unforgettable experience for our student-athletes and fans alike. We look forward to your continued support as we embark on new challenges and create more memories together for the 2023-24 academic season.
With deepest appreciation,
Jasher Cox, Director of Athletics
