Colorado Mesa University is in the search process for a new assistant athletic director. This decision has been in the works for CMU, as the university wants to combat multiple areas of need with the position and look to improve aspects of fan engagement, promotions and game day operations.
“We cruised through this year and are getting through the year, but I think we can do a little bit better job as we move forward and get some full-time and creative juices going in this role,” Co-Athletic Director Kris Mort said.
The position has been vacant and hasn’t had a full-time body since the departure of Josh Monk in November of last year.
Some daily tasks that would be handled by the new assistant athletic director would be concessions, hospitality and other aspects that help CMU get ready for games. Improving the behind the scenes work is a focus and need that CMU hopes to address.
CMU decided it would be best to tackle the position as a collaborative effort instead of training someone during the middle of the year.
“We took [Monk’s] position and divided it into two positions because of our growth and the number of sports events going on at one given time. We felt like we needed more hands and feet on the ground working,” Mort said.
CMU will have an assistant athletic director for events and facilities, as well as an events coordinator in tandem with the former.
Austin Kaiser, who is currently one of the other assistant athletic directors, will not be affected directly by the new position. Although the positions will be on the same level in terms of hierarchy in the athletic offices, their day-to-day operations will differ but may collide at times as they work together to improve CMU’s varsity programs.
Kaiser’s focus is towards student success and academic eligibility, roster management and reporting that information to the NCAA.
Improving the fan experience is something Kris Mort hopes to accomplish as more creativity and new ideas could help students make plans to head to athletic events.
“We can do a lot more with our in-game promotions, contests and giveaways. Fan engagement type stuff is an area where hopefully this position has some ambition and creative juices to get fans there,” Mort said.
Although CMU gives students many opportunities to engage in activities with other students on campus, a lack of student presence at events such as baseball and softball, two programs who are ranked highly in Division II, is concerning.
Mort cites the heavy fan presence during the JUCO World Series, a time of year where the weather is marginally warmer and only a few weeks after the conclusion of the Mavericks baseball season. The difference in attendance is vast, even though CMU has won six straight RMAC Championships and fields a competitive baseball team year-in and year-out.
“I think there are just a few dots to connect and we’re probably there,” Mort said. “Student engagement is a part of the assistant AD aspect of it. Besides the tickets and the food, it’s the people.”
Graduate assistants have helped tirelessly, working concessions and selling memberships on sidewalks. The assistants have done their part in the quest to improve events at CMU, but Mort and Co-Athletic Director Bryan Rooks hope this new position is the final key in unlocking great things for the university.
