I was born and raised in Clarksville, so as far back as I can remember, Austin Peay has always been part of my life. I grew up going to basketball and baseball games, and since my dad attended Austin Peay, I was really born into it. I always looked forward to game days as a kid. One of my earliest and most vivid memories is going to the Dunn Center during the 1996 season to watch Coach Loos’s team play and see Bubba Wells on the court. The atmosphere was incredible, and it’s a memory that has stayed with me ever since.
Austin Peay has played such a major role in my life. It’s where I built lifelong relationships, earned my degree, and had the opportunity to play baseball from 2008–2011. The university has always taken care of me, and it has continued to feel like home long after my playing days ended. I stay connected because I truly love the school, the campus, and the people, and I’ll always be a fan of Austin Peay athletics. Now, I enjoy bringing my wife and kids to games and sharing those same experiences with them. Every time we’re on campus, we’re reminded of how special APSU is.
In the next 100 years, I hope Austin Peay is known as a university that truly takes care of its student-athletes and gives them an experience they’ll always be proud of. I want athletes to leave APSU with lifelong memories and the same love for the school that I have. I also hope that nationally, the name Austin Peay continues to grow—so that people everywhere recognize the university, know where it is, and respect the high standard it represents. Most importantly, I want Austin Peay to be known for winning championships across all sports and continuing to build a tradition of excellence.
