Dear Tiger Fans,
Thank you to those of you who were able to join us virtually last Tuesday as my team and I shared our vision for the future of Sewanee athletics. If you were unable to attend (or want to watch the conversation again), we recorded the event and it is embedded above.
Over my 36-year involvement with Sewanee athletics, I have been constantly reminded how important intercollegiate sports are to the formation of our student-athletes. The dedication, teamwork, and resilience they display has an immediate and lasting impact on their work in the classroom, in the community, and in their lives. Likewise, I have also come to recognize how important our student-athletes are to the long term success of the University. Over 30% of Sewanee students are varsity athletes, and there is not a more successful group on campus. I am very proud of what our Tigers accomplish as scholars, as citizens, and, eventually, as engaged (and generous) alumni.
One of the questions that was asked during the webinar was, “How can we help you as the new A.D.?” You can help me by continuing to be a fan of the Sewanee Tigers. You can help me by continuing to ask good questions, offering constructive suggestions, and holding me accountable. You can help me by supporting Sewanee athletics with a recurring gift to the YSR Booster Club, by working with Robert Black to explore a more substantial investment, or simply by coming to a Sewanee game and watching our student-athletes compete.
Here's what I will do for you and our teams:
I will be a relentless advocate for Sewanee’s student-athletes. Together, my staff and I will work tirelessly to help ensure our teams and coaches have the equipment, facilities, and financial support they need to compete for conference championships and national titles. We will ask ourselves the same thing we are asking of our players: What are we doing today to make ourselves and our team better?
Please join us on this journey.
YSR!
John Shackelford
Director of Athletics
