Feb 14, 2008

ASK THE AD: February 2008 Edition

Feb. 14, 2008

American University Director of Athletics and Recreation Keith Gill answers fans' questions approximately once per month on AUEagles.com. Below are questions from July and August, 2007.

Question: AD Gill-- What does the Men's Basketball team's victory of Maryland mean for the future of the program? What opportunities might it provide for the year's to come? How can I as an alumni, now living far away from DC, show my support of this great feat? - Joe C. (Ft. Hancock, TX)

Keith Gill: The win over Maryland was historic and I believe that means there is a tremendous upside for our men's basketball program. I think that the victory has created a lot of positive energy for the program and great exposure for the institution. Alumni and donor involvement is critical as we continue to grow our program and position ourselves for an NCAA Tournament birth. Joining the Eagle Club and following the team live on Eagle All Access (our broadband channel) are two visible and tangible ways that individuals can support our programs regardless of where they live.

Question: What role do you see the Blue Crew playing in the success of AU athletic teams? Do you have any plans to help increase school spirit and fan support at American University? - Joshua Kaplan (Washington)

KG: The Blue Crew is absolutely critical to any success that we will have as an athletics department. Student support has been paramount for all of the athletics departments I have been associated with. At those institutions, athletics was the most important component of school spirit and continued school relevance after graduation. Our department works closely with the Blue Crew to generate ideas that will assist in increasing student attendance at games which in turn will generate school spirit and school pride. I believe the Blue Crew has shown tremendous support at our events this school year, in particular being the driving force behind the successes of AU Volleyball's Bender Blue Out (August 25th) where we set the all-time DC collegiate volleyball attendance record and just recently packing Bender at Men's Basketball's annual "Phil Bender" game (Jan 26) sellout. Their presence and enthusiasm extends to the cafeterias, residence halls and classrooms as well, as the Blue Crew has shown to be a wonderful partner with the athletics department. They are a cornerstone in our planning and goal setting. Our continued challenge and goal will be to find out how to create a season of consistently well-attended events. We will continue to partner with alumni, Blue Crew, Campus Life and other groups to make this goal a reality.

Question: How do interested recruits and their parents go about finding contact information for your coaches? - Elizabeth Kerney (Waco, Texas)

KG: Navigate to AUEagles.com the home of American University Athletics on the internet and select the drop down box titled "Inside AU Athletics" and select "staff directory." A list of each employee, including our coaches, and the information to contact them are included in that section of our home page.