July 2023
Niner Nation --
Welcome to Open Mike! We’re really excited to debut this forum to communicate with Niner Nation on a consistent basis about any and all developments taking place within our athletic department.
Thank you for your tremendous support during the 2022-23 season. We enjoyed an historic year with a record eight Conference USA titles and had the top overall athletics program in CUSA for the third straight year. In the classroom, we led the league with 117 Commissioner’s Academic Medals (representing a 3.75 or higher GPA). In addition, our 49er Club saw record numbers again in annual giving and membership growth. Please check out our 2023-24 membership guide to learn more about joining the 49er Club.
THE AMERICAN
We’re headed into the new academic year with incredible momentum and could not be more excited about our move to The American Athletic Conference. Hopefully you’ve seen the great content we’ve been pushing out about our new league.
Our conference opponents include incumbent AAC members East Carolina, Memphis, Navy, SMU, USF, Temple, Tulane, Tulsa and Wichita State. In addition, Florida Atlantic, North Texas, Rice, UAB and UTSA are making the move from CUSA to The American. Navy competes in the AAC in football only while Wichita State competes in 15 sponsored sports, not including football.
We’re thrilled to have an in-state rival in our league – and are sure Niner Nation looks forward to making the trip to ECU for those road contests. Our fan base will be familiar with Memphis, USF, Temple and Tulane, with whom we spent several years in previous conferences. And hosting Navy football this year in our first-ever AAC home game promises to be special. We've seen plenty of interest in our various ticket packages – click here to choose the one that's right for you.
As you know, there has been a concerted focus on increasing resources to meet the demands of competing in The American and to advance the EverGreen Athletics Facilities Master Vision. We also need a strong NIL program and an improved infrastructure for the development of our student-athletes. For us to achieve our championship goals – and meet your expectations – increased resources are a necessity which require the support of Niner Nation and the greater Charlotte community.
THANK YOU CUSA
As we take this next big step in our program’s transformation, we offer our sincerest appreciation to Conference USA. We were a charter member of the league back in 1995, and CUSA offered us tremendous opportunities to grow our department. By inviting us back into the league in 2015, they gave our infant football program an FBS home in just our second season. We would not be where we are today without them, and we are forever grateful for that.
In the last five years, 13 of our programs have reached post-season play, including football, which earned its first bowl bid, women’s tennis and softball, who earned their first-ever NCAA bids, and men’s soccer, which has gone to four NCAA Tournaments in that span.
FOOTBALL'S 10TH ANNIVERSARY
As we approach the fall, we continue to keep tabs on NFL stars Larry Ogunjobi, Alex Highsmith and Nate Davis. And last year, Timmy Horne became the sixth former 49ers player to see action in an NFL game. Not bad for a program that’s only 10 years old.
That’s right, we will celebrate the 10th Anniversary of our football program. Ten years ago at this time we were anticipating our first football season – getting ready to cheer on the likes of Ogunjobi, Austin Duke, Matt Johnson, Brandon Banks, and our very own Mark Hogan, who continues to build his coaching career as a member of our staff.
CHANGES IN STORE
This year, we will see some important upgrades to Jerry Richardson Stadium, including a new video display board, LED Ribbon Boards, and sound system. In addition to the new video board, 110 feet of LED ribbon boards will be installed in the stadium endzones. Completing the project will be the installation of a brand new stadium sound system with increased clarity and definition. We will also be adding new premium seating options and some creative menu items at the concession stands. Adjacent to the stadium will be The 49th Acre dedicated to student tailgating, something that is already the envy of schools across the country. And in Halton Arena, fans will enjoy larger LED boards which will dramatically enhance the fans’ experience. Stay tuned to our social platforms for more information about these new features.
We have two new head coaches to get behind in 2023-24: Biff Poggi in football and Aaron Fearne in men’s basketball. Both fully intend to alter what you see between the lines. Biff has revamped the roster with a new level of bigger, stronger and faster athletes with a commitment to running the ball and stopping the run. Aaron’s team features some outstanding returners off last year’s 22-win team and the addition of some excellent newcomers who bring significant size, with a promise to play more up-tempo style and have a renewed energy on the glass.
As you can see, there are some exciting developments with our program, and we will be regularly communicating updates during the year through this and other platforms.
In the meantime, let’s get ready for one of the most anticipated seasons in our program’s history. Please check out the available ticket packages and Athletic Foundation membership guide so that you can join in on all of the action. And get ready for an exciting season with all eyes on The American.
Mike Hill
Director of Athletics
