TROY GAMEDAY PROGRAM - WESTERN KENTUCKY

GAMEDAY

DID YOU KNOW?

This is Troy’s first 11 a.m. home game since 2002 (Utah State); Troy’s most recent 11 a.m. games came at Kansas State (2023), at Nebraska (2018)

Troy officially rushed the ball 19 times in the loss to James Madison; however, six of those attempts were sacks, leaving the Trojans with 13 actual rushing attempts ... it is tied for the second-fewest rush attempts in a game (removing sacks) since at least 1996 - Southern Miss, 2019 (12)

Troy is 7-1 when Kimani Vidal rushes for 100plus yards and 17-3 when he rushes for 50-plus yards. The Trojans are 6-11 when Vidal rushes for fewer than 50 yards

Troy has held an opponent to less than 250 yards in 37 games since moving to the FBS level; the season opener marked the first time in those games the Trojans allowed more than 27 points and just the second time allowing 21plus points

Troy forced James Madison to punt on its final five possessions of the game in week three; the Dukes ran just 18 plays on those five drives and totaled 61 yards.

GAME INFORMATION TROY

Date ................................................ Sept. 23, 2023

Time ............................................................. 11 A.M. Location ................................................... Troy, Ala. Stadium ............... Veterans Memorial (30,000) Television .................................................... ESPNU

Talent .................................. John Schriffen (PxP)

........................ Rocky Boiman (Analyst)

................. Dawn Davenport (Sideline)

Radio ..................... Troy Sports Radio Network

Talent ............................. Barry McKnight (PxP)

.............................. Jerry Miller (Analyst)

.................. Chris Blackshear (Sideline)

................. Junior Louissaint (Sideline)

SERIES HISTORY

THE VET SEATING

MAP

TICKETS

Tickets are sold on gameday at the following locations: Main Ticket Office (Tine Davis Fieldhouse) 8 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. Gate 1 - 1 P.M. until halftime.

PASS OUTS

Pass outs are not permitted at Veterans Memorial Stadium.

RESTROOMS

Restrooms are located on the East and West Concourse and the South end zone.

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS

Special announcements on the public address system are limited to medical and police emergencies. In addition, Veterans Memorial Stadium does not display birthday, anniversary or other personal messages on the scoreboard.

TOBACCO

Troy University is a tobacco free campus. This includes vaping.

GAME PROGRAM

Troy’s GAMEDAY Program will be produced in a digital format only for the 2023 season; fans will be able to visit TroyTrojans.com/Program to view each week’s edition.

EMERGENCY INFORMATION

If a situation arises which requires evacuation of Veterans Memorial Stadium, we request your cooperation and assistance to exit the facility in an orderly manner. Once an evacuation announcement has been given please proceed to the nearest stairway or exit. Outside the stadium follow the directions of the event staff and do not attempt to re-enter the stadium. In the case of an adverse weather situation please seek immediate shelter.

PROHIBITED ITEMS

Food, drink containers, bottles, artificial noise makers, cans, thermo-bottles, ice bags, ice chests, umbrellas, strollers, video cameras, large flags, weapons or any object deemed HAZARDOUS by stadium management. Game management personnel reserve the right to inspect patrons entering the stadium for the purpose of fan safety. All purses, backpacks or other bags must fit within the assigned seating area for each patron. Game management personnel reserve the right to inspect all bags and to prohibit oversize bags from admission to the stadium.

PROHIBITED BEHAVIOR

Examples of prohibited behavior include, but are not limited to, throwing of objects of any kind; demonstrating unruly behavior; attempting to enter the field of play; engaging in behavior that endangers the safety of student-athletes, coaches, officials or other guests; removing stadium turf; and/or taunting public service officials. Consequences for guests exhibiting prohibited behavior include, but are not limited to, loss of ticket buying privileges, ejection from the stadium, and/or arrest.

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES

Alcohol is sold within the venue. Only those who are of age and have proper identification are permitted to purchase alcohol. No outside alcohol is permitted. Beer will be available to purchase at five locations throughout Veterans Memorial Stadium (2 West Concourse, 2 North Plaza, 1 East Concourse).

Upon providing proper identification at the point of sale, a band will be placed on the customer’s wrist, identifying that individual is of legal drinking age.

Customers are permitted to purchase no more than two beers at a time.

Beer sales will be halted at the end of the third quarter.

Sodexo Food Services, law enforcement personnel, and game management officials reserve to the right to refuse the sale of alcohol to anyone.

PLAYING FIELD

Guests may not enter the playing field at any time; before, during or after the game. VIOLATORS WILL BE PROSECUTED.

EXECUTIVE EDITORS: Adam Prendergast, Robert Stevens

COVER DESIGN: Chloe Schobert

INTERIOR GRAPHIC DESIGN: Hannah Keiser, Adam Prendergast, Chloe Schobert, Robert Stevens

CONTRIBUTORS: Adam Prendergast, Robert Stevens, Catthew Catt, Troy University football staff

PHOTOGRAPHY: Chip Dillard, Chris Davis, Lamar Higgins, Aliza Chambers, Joey Meredith, Mandy Atkins, Josh Thurston, NFL

Troy Gameday is a production of Troy Sports Properties and Troy Athletics

Gulf of Guinea – to come to America. Now playing football at Troy, Jibunor is living out his dream while keeping in mind the people and culture that have made him who he is today.

Nigeria has been ravished by terrorism, displacement, violent conflicts and much more that have forced millions out of their homes, making life for Jibunor growing up very difficult.

When he was 15, his family decided it would be best for him to go to America. The hope was that he could get a higher education, a better life and get to play the sport he loved – soccer.

Jibunor moved to Athens, Ga., where he attended Athens Christian and soon became a four-sport athlete – continuing to play soccer while adding track, basketball and football.

“Growing up, all I played was soccer,” Jibunor said. “It was my favorite sport. Once I got over to America, I started to do track and tried to play basketball.”

Fast forward a few years, and he’s thriving on the football field in Troy. His 21 sacks as a Trojan rank him tenth all-time in Sun Belt history, and he enters this weekend’s game as the nation’s active FBS career sacks leader with 22.5.

While football has absorbed much of Jibunor’s life as he works to take his game to the next level, there’s one thing he can always find time to do: cook.

Nigerian food is filled with unique spices, and the country’s rich cultural diversity is apparent in its food. Two dishes are always at the top of Jibunor’s list.

“I love egusi soup and fufu and jollof rice,” Jubinor said.

Egusi soup is a rich soup made with melons and many kinds of meats. Fufu is boiled cassava, plantains and yams. Jibunor compared it to mashed potatoes, and he dips the fufu into the egusi soup.

Jollof rice is also a West African dish that has a rice base and includes tomatoes,

he eats it before every single game he plays.

“I think they call it a jambalaya rice here,” Jibunor said. “We spread it in different ways. I love mixing meats in it, like chicken, beef and steak. It’s very rich in protein and carbohydrates.”

While Jibunor is well-known on the team for his incredible talent on the football field, many of his teammates have come to appreciate his cooking – sometimes, they’ll eat a whole week’s worth of food in one sitting.

“I love meal prepping, so I’ll cook once a week and make sure I have my jollof rice in the fridge and salmon and other things I need to eat,” Jibunor said. “But they’ll come to my house and eat the whole jollof rice. They’ll finish it.”

He said it’s a blessing that his teammates love his cooking but jokingly wishes they took to the meal-prep concept.

“It’s the big boys,” Jibunor said. “They don’t know how to eat just one plate.”

Cooking is also more than just a hobby for him. It’s the way he stays connected to home, his culture, and, most importantly, his family. He hasn’t been able to visit home since he moved to the United States almost a decade ago.

He didn’t do much cooking growing up, but his mom did. He took notes, and when he started to really cook when he got to America, he knew where to start. Now, he’s mastered the craft of his favorite dishes.

His family still resides in Nigeria but recently discovered how to watch Troy football games. His mother, Victoria, was concerned the first time she saw him play because of all the hitting. He explained the game to her in more detail, and now, every Saturday he’s on the field in America, there’s a watch party for him back home.

Jibunor takes pride in representing his home country and culture.

While he talks to his parents, especially his mom, on the phone a lot, he says it’s not the same as being with them in person. A self-proclaimed ‘mama’s boy,’ Jibunor has found a way to sneak in a sign during games. After a big play, like a sack, he points to the sky for God and then points forward – a point directed to his mom.

“Now, she’s in love with the game.”

“I’ve gotten better every time, and now I am a good chef,” Jibunor said.

“They show me a lot of support and love,” Jibunor said. “So, when I go out and play, I understand that I am playing for something bigger than me.”

QUENTIN SKINNER

TAKE IT ONE DAY AT A TIME

By: Jane Vickers

Quentin Skinner, a 6-0 long snapper from Buford, Georgia, knows what it takes to be the best. As a transfer from LSU in 2022, he has been on two championship-winning teams.

The Georgia boy grew up in a supportive, sports-driven family. On the weekends, his parents would balance between going to golf tournaments for his older sister and his football games.

“My family completely bought in and would do anything necessary to be there for us and our love for the sports we played,” Skinner said.

At age five, his father signed him up for youth football. In the role of Quentin’s first coach and a former player, Quentin’s dad was instrumental in instilling a love for the sport. In Skinner’s third year of playing the game, his father had read a newspaper article about a local long snapper who received a scholarship to Ohio State.

“He [Skinner’s dad] contacted the coach who taught the kid and told him his son, who is only eight years old, needed to be taught by him,” Skinner said. “The coach only taught high schoolers, so I was a little 8-year-old on the field with guys twice my age.”

The little 8-year-old boy would work vigorously to become the player we see today. One who has made all 117 perfect snaps during his time at Troy. Skinner, a

master of his work, is an ideal model of Coach Jon Sumrall’s saying, ‘It is just as easy to do something as it is not to do.’

If you explored Skinner’s college room, you would see a multitude of whiteboards, each with ‘be the best version of you’ written on the top. With some footballs lying around, you would also find many encouraging books, such as ‘Legacy’ – a book about an all-African American rugby team that Quentin says embodies the Troy football values of attitude, discipline, toughness and love.

“Every day, I wake up and say a short prayer and thank you for living another day,” Skinner said. “Once I get to campus, I get into the mindset of doing the best job I can do. I ask myself if I am living up to my expectations and doing what a professional does. If I ask myself to do something, it will always be beneficial. Many times, it will be a decision between if I want to get treatment for another 30 minutes or if I want to go home. Life is made up of little battles like that, and those choices are what foster growth.”

Growth has been seen in Skinner’s abilities and personal life over the past years. Because of many yeses to little battles during his days, he has been able to lose fifty pounds for the 2023 season.

Off the field, Skinner rallied through the hardest point of his life. At the end of the 2021 LSU season, he struggled with mental health. Football was no longer a happy part

of his life, and being away from home was emotionally tolling.

“I called my parents because I was thinking about transferring,” Skinner said. “It was the first time I had shown signs of bad mental health. I felt like my back was against a wall because I could either stay at the school and be miserable or transfer. It spiraled out of control, but my family and I made it through. It made me realize that mental health is an important side of the game. People think student-athletes are invincible, but if you really get to know them, you see they are trying to balance school, life, and football. Most of the time, football ends up taking up their entire life.”

Quentin’s fight has propelled him to want to be a platform for mental health. Living by the golden rule of treating others how you would want to be treated, he is a light in others’ lives. Skinner is a teammate and friend who is always there for those around him, showing them nothing but selfless love and listening because he understands how important it is to be there for someone.

“Don’t be afraid to ask, and if you start seeing signs, do not be afraid to address that person because most of the time, they just need someone to care,” Skinner said.

After Skinner makes his last college snap, his lifelong dream is to play in the Super Bowl. However, his experience with mental health will always be a big part of his life. One day, he hopes to start a foundation for studentathletes struggling with mental health. Until then, he delivers this message:

“Take it one day at a time,” Skinner said. “There is so much to look forward to in life. I have a saying that I live by now, and it is ‘life is too short to be sad.’ Enjoy every single moment and do not be afraid to call your parents and tell them how you are really doing. If you cannot go to your parents, a coach would listen. I know the coaches here would listen.”

the Troy Trojans of Choice for The Credit Union

JAYDEN MCDONALD

COMEBACK KID

By: Hanna Cooper

another impressive season in 2021 as he was one of Troy’s leading tacklers before suffering a season-ending ankle injury during the Coastal Carolina game.

“It was tough,” McDonald said. “It was the same injury as my freshman season. I have had the same ankle surgery on both of my ankles. For that to happen two years later was tough, and it knocked me out the back half of the season.”

The 6-0, 227-pound defensive man spent the offseason grinding to get back on the gridiron after seeing a flash of another great season. McDonald averaged 4.6 tackles in seven games before the injury. In his limited action, he was still Troy’s second-rated defensive player and rush defender per Pro Football Focus, ranked ninth in the Sun Belt overall and ninth against the run.

“Last year, I come back, and three games in, I tore my ACL,” McDonald said. “It was tough, but I learned patience through that. At the time, it was depressing at first, but I talked to people who have been through it. It was tough since I had just gotten back on the field, and then, I was out again.”

As McDonald was heading home for yet another offseason of rehab and physical therapy, his younger brother Kayden was graduating high school and preparing to head to Ohio State to play football.

McDonald has always strived to be a role model for his younger brother, especially in sports. So, as he went home to spend another summer with Kayden, he had extra motivation to make sure he got back on the field.

“When I went home after we won the bowl game, I wanted to make sure I stayed consistent with my rehab,” McDonald said. “I would bring him with me to physical therapy so that he could see what it takes. He was definitely a big motivation.”

Now, McDonald has again made his way back to the field, starting at middle linebacker, while his brother cheers him on from 710 miles away. And while Kayden was McDonald’s motivation through the ACL tear, it was their mom who genuinely got the boys to where they are today.

“My mom is the reason I am here today,” McDonald said. “I remember when I first started playing, I loved it, but I didn’t want to go to practice. She was my motivation. She’s always been there through all of my injuries. She’s always tried to keep me motivated when things were hard, and I really want to thank her for that.”

Their mom, Kristi, now has two boys to split time between. Last week, she was in Columbus, Ohio, cheering on Kayden as the Buckeyes played … coincidentally enough … Western Kentucky.

“My brother played Western Kentucky last week,” McDonald said. “My mom was there for him last week, and she will be here for me this week. I talked to him a little bit, and he told me some tips on their offensive line. It was pretty cool. I was watching film on Western Kentucky and saw him on there. I was like, ‘that’s my little brother.’”

And, just as his brother unknowingly pushed him to get back on the field again, McDonald hopes that his brother knows that he is pushing Kayden to be even better than him.

“I think my brother would say that I am someone he can look up to,” McDonald said. “I am always pushing him, and before he went to college, I told him what to expect and how to carry himself. I always try to be a good big brother to him, show him the right way so he can be better than me.”

Jon Sumrall during the 2022 season. However, breaking loss to Appalachian State, McDonald

NORTH END ZONE FACILITY

Since 2009 TryGoldfingers.com

5 Locations: Troy, Dothan, Wicksburg

Founded in 1887 as a teachers’ college, Troy University continues to live up to its founding motto: “Educate the mind to think, the heart to feel and the body to act.”

This student-centered philosophy has enabled Troy University to grow from a small teachers’ college to Alabama’s International University.

TROY’s educational value has been recognized by national publications such as Forbes magazine, U.S. News and World Report and the Princeton Review. In 2023, TROY was named among the best colleges and universities in the Southern United States by the Princeton Review for the 19th straight year.

Troy University’s recognition as a “best value” university has been enhanced in recent years with major capital improvements and new academic programs, including:

• The launching in 2015 of the Ph.D. program in Sport Management.

• The state’s first bachelor’s degree program aimed at increasing the number of interpreters for the deaf and hearing impaired.

• A renovated Barnes & Noble bookstore, including a Trojan Cafe, on the Montgomery campus

• New construction for a center for research building in the area of polymers and polymer recycling

•New construction for a health and science buidling

• A newly updated admissions office to greet prospective students and their families in the Adams Administration building, complete with an entrance way along University Avenue and interactive video displays and entry screens.

• A renovated food court area in the Trojan Student Center, including new dining options such as Einstein Bros. Bagels, Boar’s Head, Mein Bowl, Steak and Shake, Chickfil-a, Marble Slab Creamery, Great American Cookie and Marketplace.

• Finished construction of new 78,000-square foot Trojan Fitness Center.

But TROY hasn’t just made its mark in the U.S. With more than 20,000 students enrolled from across the globe, the University has become a truly international institution. TROY serves four campuses in Alabama—in Troy,

Dothan, Montgomery, and Phenix City.

Outside Alabama, the University maintains a presence globally and has eliminated the barriers of time and place through Troy Online. At the heart of that philosophy is an international focus that provides exposure to other cultures both here and abroad. TROY enrolls more than 1,000 international students from more than 76 countries, while at the same time providing opportunities for students to study abroad in Africa, Asia, Cuba, Europe and Central, South America and the Middle East.

“What we’ve attempted to do at Troy University is to create an environment, a culture of caring, where our students can actually experience, get to know and live, work and learn with students from around the world,” Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Chancellor, said. “That’s essential as they prepare to make a living and a life in today’s global marketplace.”

Troy University is also home to the Center for International Business and Economic Development and the Manuel H. Johnson Center for Political Economy.

TROY also led the way in the United States with its dual degree 1-2-1 program, a partnership with certain Chinese universities that allows Chinese students to start their degree program at home, transfer to TROY for two years and return to their home institutions to finish their degree. Students receive diplomas from both TROY and their home institutions at the completion of the program.

TROY offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs across five colleges: Arts and Sciences, Business, Communication and Fine Arts, Health and Human Services and Education. In addition, Troy University offers a Doctorate of Nursing Practice degree, which prepares its graduates for the most advanced level of nursing care, and the Ph.D. in Sport Management.

Troy University offers a vast exposure to the historical and cultural arts. On the Montgomery Campus, students, faculty and the general public can visit the Rosa Parks Museum, which celebrates the legacy of the late Civil Rights leader whose refusal to give up her seat on a city bus to a white male led

to the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

The Davis Theater for Performing Arts, also on the Montgomery Campus, provides a venue for a variety of local and regional musical and cultural entertainment.

On the Troy Campus, the Janice Hawkins Cultural Arts Park, named for the University’s First Lady, is home to an amphitheater, walking trails and a collection of outdoor sculpture, including 200 terracotta warriors by renowned sculptor Huo Bao Zhu. The park is also home to the International Arts Center, which includes the Huo Bao Zhu Gallery, the Fred Nall Museum, and Warriors Unearthed designed by Frank Marquette, an interpretive center explaining the significance and design of the terracotta warrior exhibit. The center is also home to studio and classroom space for the University’s Graphic Design program.

TROY’s College of Communication and Fine Arts provides more than 200 public performances and artistic presentations each year, to an audience of more than 250,000 people. More than 20 percent of the students on the Troy Campus are involved in music study through the Sound of the South Marching Band, choral ensembles and private lessons. The Concert Chorale ensemble has performed at the historic Carnegie Hall and a group of music. This year, the theatre and dance students performed at the Danza in Arte a Pietrasanta Festival in Italy.

Students on the Troy Campus looking to get involved in University life can choose from nearly 200 different campus service, religious and social organizations. Cocurricular organizations include the “South of the South” marching and concert bands, Collegiate Singers and Trojan Dance Repertory Ensemble. In addition, TROY offers a variety of activities to enhance the quality of student life on campus.

Troy University has an active Greek Life, with 13 fraternities, 10 sororities and five music fraternities on its Troy Campus. A fraternity village consisting of seven two-story houses was opened in 2010.

The Troy Campus has two active studentled publications, The Tropolitan and the Palladium. Also, the award-winning TROY TrojanVision broadcasts three live student produced newscasts daily.

AROUND CAMPUS

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

TROY UNIVERSITY

Forrest Latta Area 1

Cam Ward Area 4

Allen E. Owen III Area 3

C. Gibson Vance President pro tempore Area 4

Roy H. Drinkard Area 7

Edward F. Crowell At Large

Karen Carter Area 6

Earl Johnson Area 2

Kay Ivey Governor of Alabama President, ex-officio

Gerald O. Dial Area 5

John D. Harrison Area 2

C. Charles Nailen At Large

DR. JACK HAWKINS, JR.

Administration, including new academic buildings on all four of TROY’s Alabama campuses. Chancellor Hawkins served as the catalyst for the University’s evolution to an international institution, as TROY has attracted record numbers of students from other nations and established teaching sites around the world. During his tenure, academic standards for admission have been increased, new degree programs were established in all academic colleges, and intercollegiate athletics joined the highest level of NCAA competition.

Hawkins’ professional background includes his service as an assistant dean at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (1971-1979) and as president of the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind in Talladega (1979-1989).

Award. In October 2016 Dr. Hawkins was inducted into the Alabama Academy of Honor.

Three buildings are named in his honor: the “Jack and Janice Hawkins Chapel” at the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind, the “Hawkins-Adams-Long Hall of Honor” and “Jack Hawkins, Jr. Hall” which serves the College of Education of Troy University. Hawkins was profiled as part of two books published in 2004: “Above and Beyond: Former Marines Conquer the Civilian World” by Rudy Socha and Carolyn Darrow and “The Entrepreneurial College President” by James L. Fisher and James V. Koch.

Hawkins serves on the board of directors of the Daniel Foundation, the Bennie Adkins Foundation, Business Council

of Alabama, the American Village Trust, College Football Playoff Board of Managers, and Troy Bank and Trust Company. He has served as chairman of the Governor’s Committee on Employment of the Disabled, Board of Visitors of Marine Corps University, Better Business Bureau of Central Alabama, and past President of the Sun Belt Conference. He has also served on the Board of Directors of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU), as Chairman of the Council of University Presidents in Alabama, as President of the Southland Football League, as chairman of the Air University Board of Visitors, as a trustee of Talladega College, the Helen Keller Eye Research Foundation, and the American Foundation for the Blind. He is a member of the Troy Rotary Club. Dr. Hawkins is married to Janice Hawkins and they have two daughters, Katie, a former officer in the USAF who is married to Air Force Col. Dan Beall; and Kelly Godwin, an attorney and member of the Troy University faculty who is married to Adam Godwin, a former professional baseball player and a member of the Troy University baseball staff. Dr. and Mrs. Hawkins are the proud grandparents of Noah and Ellyotte, who live in Maryland, and Micah Mae and Griffey Jack, who live in Montgomery.

BRENT JONES Athletic Director

due to COVID-19 with Troy operating a full capacity from a staff, student-athlete and sport participation standpoint, and Troy’s football team playing an 11-game schedule.

Off the field of play, Jones has led Troy Athletics to extraordinary levels as academic performance continues to establish new benchmarks.

Another one of Jones’ coaching hires, Skylar Meade has led Troy Baseball back to NCAA postseason play in just two seasons.

In his first season, Troy swept Louisiana (first time in program history) and Indiana and improved its RPI 35 spots from the previous season, while in his second season two Trojans were selected in the MLB Draft, two others signed free agent deals and Troy defeated Boston College in the opening game of the Tuscaloosa Regional.

On the links, under the direction of another Jones hire, the Trojans competed in the inaugural National Golf Invitational in 2023 after posting the most head-to-head wins in almost 30 years as a program.

Troy’s facilities have also been upgraded with more than $40 million dedicated to capital projects including the North End Zone facility for football, a massive renovation of RiddlePace Field scheduled to be completed in time for the 2023 season.

guarantee games against Clemson, Tennessee, South Carolina, Iowa, Missouri and Kansas State.

The restructuring of the overall athletics department led to increased production across the board including an establishing of best practices by the internal operations department to best maximize staff and transitioning development to the external operations team, which led to a significant increase in giving and major gifts. Troy’s philanthropic giving increased nearly 70 percent year-overyear from 2020 to 2021, while 2020’s giving was up 17 percent from 2019, and giving hit record- setting numbers in 2022. Jones launched the Drive to 1887 and Football Excellence Fund over the past 12 months and both fundraising projects exceeded their stated goals ahead of schedule.

In the spring of 2021, Troy Athletics announced a dynamic partnership with DeMarcus Ware which provides Troy University students, fans, employees and alumni with free access to Ware’s D2W fitness app and put officially licensed Troy jerseys with Ware’s name and iconic No. 94 in the Troy Bookstore and online store.

Now in his fifth year, Troy Director of Athletics Brent Jones has overseen a restructuring of the department’s external and internal teams that has led the department to set records in academics, fundraising, licensing, revenue generation, attendance and season ticket sales and in addition during Jones’ tenure over $40 million has been dedicated to capital projects. Jones leads the department under his W-4 mantra- Winning in the Classroom, Winning on the Field, Winning in the Community and Winning in the Stands.

Jones is set to take over as the chair of the Sun Belt Conference Athletics Director in Aug. 2023 after serving as the vice chair in 2022-23. Additionally, he is the chair of the Sun Belt Conference’s Baseball and Softball Committee, the co-chair of the Sun Belt Conference’s Marketing, Communications and Branding Committee, was appointed to the Sun Belt’s Name, Image and Likeness Committee and began a four-year term on the NCAA Committee on Sportsmanship and Ethical Conduct in the spring of 2021.

On the court, the Troy women’s basketball team has won three Sun Belt Conference championships and appeared in the NCAA postseason twice (missed one year due to COVID-19), the volleyball team has posted four straight winning seasons for the first time in program history, the women’s track & field turned in its two best finishes at the Sun Belt Championship in program history, soccer finished second in the Sun Belt in 2019 and the softball team earned an at-large selection into the 2021 NCAA TournamentTroy’s first postseason appearance in 25 years. The women’s cross country also posted its best-ever finish at a Sun Belt Championship meet and the men’s basketball team returned to the postseason following a six-year hiatus and won 20 games in 2022; Troy is the lone SBC school to win 20-plus games in consecutive seasons and the only league school with 10-plus SBC wins in each of the last two years.

Troy Football returned to dominance in 2022 under Jon Sumrall, who Jones tabbed to lead the program that offseason. The Trojans posted a 12-2 record, won the Sun Belt title, defeated a ranked-UTSA in the Cure Bowl and finished the season ranked No. 19 in the AP Top 25.

The 2022-23 athletic season saw 10 of Troy’s 11 sports who compete in head-to-head competition post winning records and five programs compete in the postseason -football, baseball, men’s golf, track & field and volleyball. Troy and TCU were the only two schools during the athletic year to win at least 12 football games, 20 men’s basketball games and 40 baseball games.

Additionally, Jones guided the Troy Athletic Department through the most-unprecedented years in collegiate athletics

Additionally, Jones has overseen new turf in The Vet, a new sod turf for soccer, a new court design in Trojan Arena and a state-of-the-art volleyball playing surface.

Additionally, the volleyball and track & field offices in Trojan Arena have gone through a rebranding process. Troy’s tennis courts underwent a rebranding effort with a new scoreboard and the playing surfaces receiving upgrades, while the Troy Soccer Complex received new turf prior to the 2021 season. Prior to the 2021 football season, Troy released a new premium seating area in the South End Zone of The Vet -- the Ultra Lounge -- which sold out a month prior to the season. It was expanded in 2022 and subsequently sold out again.

Work continues on Riddle-Pace Field as Troy’s baseball home receives a major renovation to seating, premium club levels, locker room, player lounge and coach offices.

During the summer of 2020, Jones worked with Troy’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee in the creation of Troy CARES, which operates under the core values: Communicate, Action, Respect, Educate, Social Responsibility. Troy CARES is a program to promote a culture of collaboration, empathy, inclusivity, and respect. The program is designed to unite all members of the Troy Family from diverse backgrounds.

Jones led a renegotiation on Troy’s multimedia rights deal with Playfly Sports, which has increased revenue for Troy Athletics for years to come.

Additionally, Troy secured a new partnership with Affinity Licensing, which significantly amplified Troy merchandise volume in the marketplace in addition to increasing revenue and better serving Troy’s fans and merchants.

Thanks in part to a new partnership with IMG-L Ticket Solutions, the Trojans set numerous benchmarks during his time at Troy, including record-breaking attendance numbers for Troy football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, volleyball, softball and baseball. Men’s basketball season ticket sales increased by 400 percent during his first season in the AD chair, while a record number of season tickets were sold for football, baseball and women’s basketball. Troy led the Sun Belt in both men’s and women’s basketball attendance for the 2021-22 season, the first time in program history, and sold the most baseball tickets in more than a decade.

Troy has seen crowds of 20,000-plus at Veterans Memorial Stadium in 29 of the last 31 games (not counting reduced capacity season of 2020). Eight of the top 10 single-game crowds have occurred since the start of the 2017 season, and Troy led the Sun Belt Conference in total attendance for the first time in school history in 2018 and ranked second in 2019, 2021 and 2022.

Jones has secured home-and-home football games with Mississippi State, Memphis, Southern Miss, UAB, Army, UMass, BYU and Western Kentucky while also scheduling

Jones, who was introduced as Troy’s Director of Athletics on June 12, 2019, took over the role following a two-year stint as Troy’s Deputy Director of Athletics for External Operations. In his role as Deputy Director of Athletics, Jones had oversight of marketing, communications, advertising, ticket sales, Troy Sports Properties, broadcasting, promotions, fan engagement, fan experience, branding, licensing and trademarks. He served as the sport administrator for the baseball program and oversaw football scheduling.

Jones spearheaded a partnership with Troy University’s Hospitality, Tourism and Sports Management program to offer a revenue generation class that assists in outbound sales efforts, ticket sales, marketing, hospitality, customer service and retention efforts.

Also, several unique campaigns and events have been established including an online athletic merchandise store, the football Tailgate Terrace Concert Series, OneTROY Fridays, the Community Hero ticket plan, bowl socials around the state, a marketing, sales, and best practices partnership with the Montgomery Biscuits, performing a Trojan Takeover in New Orleans and Mobile during Troy’s two most recent bowl appearances and hosting a Troy University graduation in New Orleans for graduating football players, cheerleaders and band members during the R&L New Orleans Bowl.

Jones has also developed partnerships with Tailgate Guys, Affinity Licensing and IMG-Learfield Ticket Solutions with the overall goal of better serving the Troy fanbase and generating additional revenue.

He joined the Troy staff from Southern Miss where he most recently served as the Senior Associate AD for External Affairs. During his tenure at Southern Miss, the Golden Eagles set numerous attendance records in baseball, men’s basketball, softball, volleyball and soccer including having the highest attended football and women’s basketball game in each program’s history.

Jones had direct oversight and responsibility for the areas of sports marketing, licensing, IMG Learfield Ticket Solutions, the ticket office, communications, the M-Club, social media, digital and creative services, sports technology and video operations, multimedia, broadcasting and IMG College.

Prior to Southern Miss, Jones spent five years at Georgia Southern University, first as the Director of Eagle Sports Marketing and then as the Assistant Athletic Director of Eagle Sports Marketing. While there, he raised $8 million in external funding through sponsorships, VIP suites, ticket sales and corporate trade outs.

Jones is a 2013 graduate of the prestigious D1A Institute and a member of NACDA, ICLA, and NACMA. He is a frequent speaker and presenter for the CALS, NACAA and ICLA conventions as well as being an attendee for the inaugural Surefire Baseball Forum. Jones was a standout college baseball player at Oglethorpe University.

He is married to the former Tracey Styers and they have two children, son Jaxson and daughter Payton Grace.

TROY HEAD COACHES

TROY ATHLETICS STAFF

SKYLAR MEADE BASEBALL

STUART GORE SOCCER

ALYSON ARNDT ATHLETIC TRAINING

STEPHEN BROWN MARKETING

KYLE GEORGE MARKETING

SANDY ATKINS ADMINISTRATION

NATALIE CARACENA STUDENT-ATHLETE SERVICES

DIANA AVERY ATHLETIC TRAINING

MICHELLE CLAYTON T&F / XC

BRANDON GILBERT BASKETBALL (M)

SHERRELL BEES COMPLIANCE

LARRY CORDARO BASKETBALL (M)

ADAM GODWIN BASEBALL

JOE BIALKOSKI BASEBALL

CAMDEN DECKER SOFTBALL

JENNIFER GRAF BASKETBALL (W)

ALLIE BOWEN TROY SPORTS PROPERTIES

CHELSEA DUNGEE BASKETBALL (W)

ALYSON GRAMLEY ATHLETIC TRAINING

JACK BROWN MARKETING

MIKE FRIGGE OPERATIONS

SCOTT CROSS MEN’S BASKETBALL

ERIC NEWELL SOFTBALL

CHANDA RIGBY WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

ROLANDO VARGAS MEN’S TENNIS

NIC LARACUENTE CHEERLEADING

RAWIA ELSISI WOMEN’S TENNIS

CLAY BOUNDS MEN’S GOLF

MARC DAVIS TRACK & FIELD

RANDY KECK WOMEN’S GOLF

JOSH LAUER VOLLEYBALL

BRIAN CUNNINGHAM CROSS COUNTRY

FRED GREEN FAR

GABRIELLE GROCHOWSKI ATHLETIC TRAINING

STEPHANIE MURPHY BASKETBALL (W)

GREG KINDLE STUDENT-ATHLETE SERVICES

LeANN REGISTER BASKETBALL

KELVIN LEWIS BASKETBALL (M)

ROBERT STEVENS IV COMMUNICATIONS

AARON HITCHCOCK TROY SPORTS PROPERTIES

JONATHAN NUNEZ BUSINESS

HAILEY KUHNS BASKETBALL (W)

KAYLA SAAGER SOCCER

DANIEL LINDSEY ATHLETIC TRAINING

CHRIS WEIL TICKETING

ANDY HOPPENJAN ATHLETIC TRAINING

HILARY PARKIN STUDENT-ATHLETE SERVICES

ALISA LAMAR ADMINISTRATION

WALKER SANDLIN DEVELOPMENT

GEVEDA LOWERY BUSINESS

REBECCA WHETSTONE STUDENT-ATHLETE SERVICES

LANDON HOWELL TICKETING

MOLLY PEARCE ATHLETIC TRAINING

ETHAN LANDON BASEBALL

CHLOE SCHOBERT CREATIVE

THOMAS MALONE ATHLETIC TRAINING

GARY WILBERT II DEVELOPMENT

CHRIS JOHNSON STRENGTH & CONDITIONING

GAVIN PENCE BASEBALL

RILEY SCHWIETZ T&F / XC

ERIC MASTERS SOCCER

BEN WOLGAMOT BASEBALL

LEANNA JOHNSON SOFTBALL

SANTIAGE PINZON COMPLIANCE

SHANNON LEMONS STRENGTH & CONDITIONING

RICHARD SHAUGHNESSY STRENGTH & CONDITIONING

BARRY MCKNIGHT BROADCASTING

MIKE WORLEY BASKETBALL (M)

RYAN KAY TICKETING

TRINITY PRICE COMPLIANCE

JASON LEVERSON OPERATIONS

ANNA SHELNUTT SOFTBALL

BRIAN MUESENFECHTER VOLLEYBALL

GREG YOUNG BASKETBALL (M)

HUNTER REEVES STRENGTH & CONDITIONING

HAILEY WILKINSON CREATIVE VIDEO

JOEY MEREDITH PHOTOGRAPHY

KRISTY LAWRENCE SOFTBALL

PLAY DEFENSE ON THE ROAD.

BUCKLE UP EVERY TRIP.

JON SUMRALL

Troy Football Head Coach

After leading Troy to the best season in its FBS history, Jon Sumrall returns for his second season as head coach. He was named Troy’s football head coach on December 2, 2021. Sumrall returns to Troy after spending three seasons (201517) as the assistant head coach on Neal Brown’s staff.

His first season at Troy couldn’t have been scripted any better as the Trojans posted a 12-2 record, won the Sun Belt Conference championship, ended the season on an 11game winning streak – second only to National Champion Georgia – won the only bowl matchup pitting two conference champions by defeating UTSA in the Cure

It was a season of firsts for the Trojans under Sumrall in 2022, as Troy finished the season ranked in a major poll for the first time in program history, checking in at No. 19 in the AP Top 25 and No. 20 in the USA Today/ Coaches Poll. Additionally, Troy’s appearance in the Coaches Poll and College Football Playoff Poll after its Sun Belt Championship Game victory were also firsts for the

Troy hosted and appeared in

the Sun Belt Championship Game for the first time, reached the 12-win mark at the FBS level for the first time and hosted Army in front of a Veterans Memorial Stadium record crowd of more than 31,000 fans.

Sumrall was named the Sun Belt Conference Coach of the Year and Carlton Martial, who Sumrall recruited as a walk-on during his days as an assistant coach, was named the Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year after he broke the NCAA FBS record for career tackles, in addition to Sun Belt and Troy career tackle marks.

Troy paced the Sun Belt with six first team selections in 2022, and Martial became the first offensive or defensive player to become a fourtime All-Sun Belt First Team selection in league history.

Known as a defensive mastermind, Sumrall’s first defensive installment at Troy did not disappoint. Troy held all 14 of its opponents to under their season average in scoring, including three of the top 25 scoring teams in the country – UTSA, Western Kentucky and App State. The Trojans limited UTSA to just 10 offensive points in the Cure Bowl, with three of those 10

points coming on a 4-play, 7-yard drive following a turnover; the Roadrunners entered the game averaging 38.7 points per game.

The Trojans held eight of its 14 opponents scoreless in the fourth quarter and allowed an average of just 3.64 points in the final 15 minutes of the game. Additionally, Troy ranked eighth nationally in turnovers gained, 14th in sacks, eighth in scoring defense, 19th in total defense and 24th in rushing defense.

Offensively, Kimani Vidal became the 11th 1,000-yard rusher in program history, while center Jake Andrews was selected by the New England Patriots in the 4th Round of the NFL Draft, Troy’s first draft pick in six seasons. Andrews was invited to the NFL Combine while he and Martial played in the Senior Bowl. Additionally, left tackle Austin Stidham was a finalist for the Campbell Trophy and earned Academic All-America honors for the third time in his career.

Promoted to co-defensive coordinator on Mark Stoops’ staff at Kentucky prior to the 2021 season, Sumrall coached the Wildcats’ inside linebackers for the squad that finished the season with a 10-3 record and ranked as high as No. 22 in the country. Kentucky finished second in the SEC East, marking the first time since the league split into divisions in 1992 that UK ended the season in sole possession of second place in the East. The Wildcats allowed 17 or fewer points in seven of its 12 games in 2021 and held No. 1 Georgia to its second-lowest offensive output of the season.

Kentucky finished with the nation’s No. 25 defense in addition to ranking third in fourth-down defense, 20th in rushing defense and 13th in defensive touchdowns.

During his tenure at Troy, Sumrall helped lead the Trojans to a pair of bowl victories, the school’s first since 2010, the 2017 Sun Belt Conference title, and a stunning victory at LSU. The Trojans won a then FBS program 11 games in 2017, and the Troy defense ranked first in the nation in red zone defense (.614), second in tackles for loss per game (8.6), seventh in rushing defense (105.3), 11th in scoring defense and 24th in total defense per game (336.6).

In his first season at Troy, the Trojans finished with the second-best turnaround nationally in opponent 3rd-down percentage (14.62 percent), the fourthbest turnaround in yards per play allowed (-1.13), the fifth-best improvement in tackles for loss per game (2.59) and 16thbest improvement in total defense (-62.7).

Troy held opponents to 391.2 yards per game, an improvement of 62.8 yards from the previous season and under 400 yards for the first time since the 2008 season. The Trojans scored five defensive touchdowns, the third-most in the country and most by a Troy team since 2004.

Troy finished the 2016 season 10-3 with a victory in the Dollar General Bowl, the first top-25 ranking in school and Sun Belt Conference history and the best winimprovement in the country.

The Trojans finished the year second nationally in passes intercepted, fourth in turnovers forced, 17th in rushing defense, 21st holding opponents to 22.1 points per game and 28th in third-down defense. Sumrall departed Troy for Ole Miss before the 2018 season and returned to his alma mater in Lexington, Kentucky the following year.

Sumrall oversaw an effective four-man rotation at the middle and weakside linebacker positions in his first season at Kentucky. UK’s defense kept every opponent at or below 30 points, the first time the Wildcats have done that since 1979. UK ended the season with a thrilling win over Virginia Tech in the Belk Bowl, UK’s fourth straight bowl appearance.

Kentucky capped the most unusual of seasons with an impressive victory in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl, the program’s third consecutive bowl victory, tying the school record set from 2006-08. The 23-21 victory over No. 24 NC State also marked the second win over a ranked team in the 2020 season. UK also defeated No. 18 Tennessee.

Sumrall was a three-year letterwinner at middle linebacker at Kentucky from 2002-04.  He started every game in 2004, leading the Wildcats with 72 tackles. He also excelled off the field as he was named to the SEC Academic Honor Roll and was selected to the Frank G. Ham Society of Character. After earning his degree in finance in 2005, Sumrall served as a graduate assistant for the Wildcats during the 2005 and 2006 seasons under head coach Rich Brooks.

He left Kentucky in 2007 and spent five seasons under head coach Ron Caragher in various positions at San Diego, including defensive coordinator during his final two seasons. He served as the defensive line coach, recruiting coordinator and camp coordinator for the first three years before assuming the defensive coordinator and linebackers coaching role in 2010. During his final season with the Toreros, Sumrall was promoted to assistant head coach.

The Huntsville, Alabama native was a twotime all-state performer and a four-year letter winner at Grissom High School. He was inducted into the Huntsville-Madison County Hall of Fame in April 2023. Sumrall was a two-time all-state performer and a four-year letterman at Grissom High School in Huntsville, Alabama.

Trojan great Gary Banks begins his third season on the Troy staff and second coaching the Trojan receivers after coaching the outside receivers in 2021. Banks won a pair of Sun Belt titles and played in two bowl games during his playing career for the Trojans before going on to a career in the NFL.

In 2022, Banks and the Trojans finished the season ranked in a major poll for the first time in program history, checking in at No. 19 in the AP Top 25 and No. 20 in the USA Today/Coaches Poll. Additionally, Troy’s appearance in the Coaches Poll and College Football Playoff Poll after its Sun Belt Championship Game victory were also firsts for the program.

Banks was a member of Troy’s first Division I bowl team (2004 Silicon Valley Classic) and led the Trojans in receiving in both 2006 and 2007; the first two of Troy’s five straight Sun Belt Conference titles. Banks caught the game-winning touchdown pass with 14 seconds remaining in the “Miracle at Murfreesboro” in 2006 as Troy rallied from a 13-point deficit late in the fourth quarter against Middle Tennessee.

PLAYING EXPERIENCE / EDUCATION

Won a pair of Sun Belt titles and played in two bowl games during his time at Troy... Signed a free agent deal with the San Diego Chargers, where he made his active roster debut in 2010... Recieved his bachelor’s degree in physical education from Troy (’08)...

COACHING EXPERIENCE

Troy (‘21-Pres.) …Choctaw HS (’19-20)... Foley HS (’18)... Florence HS (’14-17)... Miles College (’13)... Spain Park HS (’11-12)

PERSONAL

Born on Nov. 4, 1981 … Married to Shaundra … Has four children, Kimora, Braylon, Carter and Austin

JOE BERNARDI

OFFENSIVE LINE

First Season at Troy 13th Season Overall Fresno State, ‘07

Joe Bernardi begins his first season as Troy’s new offensive line coach in 2023. A second-generation college football coach, Bernardi joins the Troy staff following one season at Auburn.

Bernardi was an offensive analyst for the Tigers for most of the 2022 season before taking over as the program’s tight ends coach for the season’s final four games.

His father, Gary Bernardi, is a veteran among the coaching ranks with over 40 seasons as an assistant football coach and currently serves as an offensive analyst at San Diego State.

Prior to this time in Auburn, Bernardi served as the athletics director as well as the offensive line coach for Immanuel Schools in Reedley, California.

Bernardi spent three seasons at San José State (2017-19) as the offensive line coach and run game coordinator. In his first season with the Spartans, tackle Nate Velichko was a National Football Foundation (NFF) Campbell Trophy semifinalist and was inducted into the NFF’s Hampshire Honor Society.

PLAYING EXPERIENCE / EDUCATION

Earned his bachelor’s degree in communications at Fresno State... Started 32 games for the Bulldogs’ offensive line and competed in four bowl games... Received Paul Schecter Award for Courage in 2010... Named to the Rimington Award Watch List for the best center twice

COACHING EXPERIENCE

Troy (’23-Pres.)... Auburn (‘22), Immanuel Schools (‘21)... San Jose State (‘17-19)... Fresno State (‘16)... Oregon (‘13-15)... Tennessee (‘11-12)

PERSONAL

Born on March 6, 1987 … Married to Lindsey... Has one daughter, Quinn, and son, John

Middle Tennessee, ‘08

Joe Craddock returns for his second season as the Trojans’ offensive coordinator. Craddock, who will also coach Troy’s quarterbacks, joined the Troy staff prior to the 2022 season with five years of experience as an FBS offensive coordinator.

The Trojan offense was one of the most explosive in the country in Craddock’s first season, ranking fourth with nine passes of 50-plus yards and five passes of 60-plus yards. Additionally, Troy was 24th in passes of 20-plus yards (54) and 16th in passes of 30-plus yards (24).

Offensive linemen Austin Stidham and Jake Andrews earned All-Sun Belt First Team honors, while running back Kimani Vidal took home All-Sun Belt Second Team distinction. Vidal became the 11th 1,000-yard rusher in program history, while the New England Patriots selected Andrews in the 4th Round of the NFL Draft, Troy’s first draft pick in six seasons.

Once the youngest offensive coordinator in the country, Craddock has spent two seasons (2020-21) helping lead the UAB offense following stints as the offensive coordinator at SMU (2015-17) and Arkansas (2018-19).

PLAYING EXPERIENCE / EDUCATION

Played quarterback at Middle Tennessee from 2004-08... Spent two years playing professionally in Italy... Guided his professional team to the Superbowl Italiano... Earned his bachelor’s degree in liberal arts from Middle Tennessee (’09)

COACHING EXPERIENCE

Troy (‘22-Pres.) … UAB (‘20-21) … Arkansas (’18-19)... SMU (’1517)... Clemson (’12-14)... Briarwood Christian (’10-11)

PERSONAL

Born on Sept. 7, 1985 … Married to Abby … Has a daughter, Charlie, and a son, Cain

GREG GASPARATO

DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR / SAFETIES

First Season at Troy 14th Season Overall Wofford, ‘09

One of the top assistant coaches in the country, Greg Gasparato, begins his first season as Troy’s defensive coordinator following two seasons on the defensive staff at Louisville.

Gasparato briefly served on Scott Satterfield’s staff at Cincinnati during the transition from the 2022 to 2023 seasons. With Satterfield at Louisville, Gasparato coached the outside linebackers in 2022 and the safeties in 2021 and was set to coach the Bearcats’ outside linebackers in 2023.

The Cardinals led the country with 50 sacks and 3.85 sacks per game in 2022, in addition to boasting the nation’s No. 11 scoring defense and No. 23 defense in yards allowed. Louisville defeated Cincinnati in the Fenway Bowl and won a pair of games against ranked teams, including a 48-21 victory over No. 10 Wake Forest.

Under his guidance, Yasir Abdullah led the ACC and ranked 15th nationally with 9.5 sacks, and finished second in ACC Defensive Player of the Year voting.

PLAYING EXPERIENCE / EDUCATION

Played safety at Wofford... Earned his bachelor’s degree in finance from Wofford and Master’s at App State

COACHING EXPERIENCE

Troy (‘23-Pres.) … Louisville (’21-22)... Army (’20)... App State (’1819)... Wofford (’15-17)... App State (’13-14)... Brevard (‘12)... Junita (‘11)... Richland Northeast (S.C.) HS (‘10)

PERSONAL

Born Nov. 13, 1986... Married to Bria... Has two sons, Dominick and Christian, and one daughter, Mila

Ninth Season at Troy

14th Season Overall Florida, ‘03

Byron ‘Bam’ Hardmon, an All-SEC linebacker and three-year NFL veteran, enters his ninth season at Troy.

A 2018 Broyles Award nominee and 2020 finalist for Football Scoop Linebackers Coach of the Year, Hardmon begins his fifth-year coaching Troy’s outside linebackers and serving as the defensive run game coordinator following four years coaching the inside linebackers and bandits.

In what has turned into an impressive streak, Troy’s bandit has been named to the All-Sun Belt First Team in five of his eight seasons and earned all-conference honors eight times, including both bandits earning honors in 2020, 2021 and 2022. Additionally, Rashad Dillard was named the Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year in 2016.

The Trojans held eight of its 14 opponents scoreless in the fourth quarter and allowed an average of just 3.64 points in the final 15 minutes of the game.

PLAYING EXPERIENCE / EDUCATION

Four-year All-SEC linebacker for the University of Florida … Earned his bachelor’s degree in sociology from UF (’03) … Earned his master’s degree from Illinois (‘11) in organizational leadership … Three years in the NFL with the Miami Dolphins (’03), Seattle Seahawks (’04) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (’05) … Spent three seasons (’04, ‘06-07) in NFL Europe playing for the Hamburg Sea Devils and Cologne Centurions.

COACHING EXPERIENCE

Troy (‘15-Pres.) … Idaho (‘13-14) . Charleston Southern (‘12)… Illinois (’09-11)

PERSONAL

Born on Jan. 7, 1981 … Married to Danerica … He has one son, Bryson, and a daughter, Brynlee

Grambling State, ‘08

Selected to the AFCA 35 Under 35, Brock Hays begins his second season as Troy’s running backs coach following a three-year stint at Louisiana Tech.

In 2022, Hays and the Trojans finished the season ranked in a major poll for the first time in program history, checking in at No. 19 in the AP Top 25 and No. 20 in the USA Today/Coaches Poll. Additionally, Troy’s appearance in the Coaches Poll and College Football Playoff Poll after its Sun Belt Championship Game victory were also firsts for the program.

Kimani Vidal took home All-Sun Belt Second Team distinction under Hays’ watch and became the 11th 1,000-yard rusher in program history. Additionally, Vidal tied the Troy single-game record with four rushing touchdowns against Arkansas State; it was tied for the fourth most in a game this season and the most by a player in the Group of Five. His four rushing touchdowns tied for the 10th most in a game in Sun Belt history and just one off the record.

PLAYING EXPERIENCE / EDUCATION

Earned his bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from Grambling State (‘09)

COACHING EXPERIENCE

Troy (’22-Pres)... Louisiana Tech (’19-21)... Southern Miss (’18)... Nicholls State (’16-17)... Louisiana College (’15)... Edna Karr (’14)... Miller McCoy (’13)... Edna Karr (’10-12)... Grambling HS (’08-09)... New Iberia (’07)... Helen Cox (’04)

PERSONAL

Born on Jan. 31, 1986 ... Married to Lekeshia… Has two daughters, Lilah and Laken, and one son, Braylonn

Eric McDaniel begins his second season as Troy’s defensive line coach following one season in a similar role at Army.

In addition to record-breaking team performances by the Trojan defense and team, a pair of McDaniel’s defensive linemen shined as T.J. Jackson and Will Choloh earned All-Sun Belt First Team honors.

As a defensive unit, Troy held all 14 of its opponents to under their season average in scoring, including three of the top 25 scoring teams in the country – UTSA, Western Kentucky and App State. The Trojans limited UTSA to just 10 offensive points in the Cure Bowl, with three of those 10 points coming on a 4-play, 7-yard drive following a turnover; the Roadrunners entered the game averaging 38.7 points per game.

The Trojans held eight of its 14 opponents scoreless in the fourth quarter and allowed an average of just 3.64 points in the final 15 minutes of the game. Additionally, Troy ranked eighth nationally in turnovers gained, 14th in sacks, eighth in scoring defense, 19th in total defense and 24th in rushing defense.

Second Season at Troy

10th Season Overall

Troy, ‘14

Evan McKissack, a former All-Sun Belt offensive lineman for the Trojans, begins his second season on Troy’s staff coaching the tight ends following two years at Murray State.

In 2022, McKissack and the Trojans finished the season ranked in a major poll for the first time in program history, checking in at No. 19 in the AP Top 25 and No. 20 in the USA Today/Coaches Poll. Additionally, Troy’s appearance in the Coaches Poll and College Football Playoff Poll after its Sun Belt Championship Game victory were also firsts for the program.

Troy’s tight ends combined to catch 23 passes for 274 yards and three touchdowns, including a pair of touchdown receptions on the final play of the third quarter and three minutes later in the fourth quarter as Troy rallied from a 17-0 deficit at Louisiana. The receptions and yardage totals were the most by a tight end unit in Troy’s SBC history, while the touchdown tally tied for the most.

PLAYING EXPERIENCE / EDUCATION

Saw action in 15 games at Purdue (’09-13)... Earned his bachelor’s degree in health and kinesiology from Purdue... Received his master’s degree in education from Muskingum

Troy (’22-Pres.)... Army (’21)... Louisville (’19-20)... App State (’1618)... Muskingum (’14-15)

PLAYING EXPERIENCE / EDUCATION COACHING EXPERIENCE PERSONAL

Born on Sept. 8, 1990... Married to Rachel

Graded out as the highest-rated offensive linemen for the Trojans and was charged with just 0.2 sacks allowed senior year... Graduated with a bachelor’s degree in math education from Troy (’14)... Earned master’s degree in sport leadership from Kentucky (’19)

COACHING EXPERIENCE

Troy (’22-Pres.)... Murray State (’20-21)... Kentucky (’17-19)... Colquitt HS (’15-16)... Enterprise HS (’14)

PERSONAL

Born Feb. 1, 1991... Married to Erica... Has one daughter, Arya, and a son, Riley

Veteran Alabama collegiate and high school coach Travis Pearson begins his second season at Troy coaching the cornerbacks following a three-year stint as defensive coordinator at Alabama State.

In his first season, Troy held all 14 of its opponents to under their season average in scoring, including three of the top 25 scoring teams in the country – UTSA, Western Kentucky and App State. The Trojans limited UTSA to just 10 offensive points in the Cure Bowl, with three of those 10 points coming on a 4-play, 7-yard drive following a turnover; the Roadrunners entered the game averaging 38.7 points per game.

The Trojans held eight of its 14 opponents scoreless in the fourth quarter and allowed an average of just 3.64 points in the final 15 minutes of the game. Additionally, Troy ranked eighth nationally in turnovers gained, 14th in sacks, eighth in scoring defense, 19th in total defense and 24th in rushing. defense.

PLAYING EXPERIENCE / EDUCATION

Three-year letterwinner at Alabama State... Played eight season in the Arena Football League... Selected to the league’s 15th Anniversary Team... Earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education from Alabama State (’97)

COACHING EXPERIENCE

Troy (‘22-Pres.) … Alabama State (’18-21)... Alabama A&M (’1617)... South Alabama (’13-15)... Colquitt County HS (’11-12)... Jeff Davis HS (’09-10)... Iowa State (’07-08)... Oxford HS (’05-06)... Elmore County HS (’00-04)... Central HS (’98-99)... Alabama State (’93)

PERSONAL

Born on July. 25, 1971 … Married to Maria... Has two sons, Travis II and Trevor, and a daughter, Marissa

Tayler Polk begins his second season as an assistant coach at Troy and first as co-defensive coordinator after receiving a promotion following Troy’s record-breaking 2022 season. Polk joined the Troy staff following season seasons at Central Arkansas.

In his first season, Polk guided Troy’s inside linebackers and helped propel Carlton Martial to become the all-time leading tackler at the NCAA FBS level in addition to the Sun Belt and at Troy. Martial earned four Sun Belt Player of the Week honors, was named the Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year and a finalist for the Burlsworth Trophy.

As a defensive unit, Troy held all 14 of its opponents to under their season average in scoring, including three of the top 25 scoring teams in the country – UTSA, Western Kentucky and App State. The Trojans limited UTSA to just 10 offensive points in the Cure Bowl, with three of those 10 points coming on a 4-play, 7-yard drive following a turnover; the Roadrunners entered the game averaging 38.7 points per game.

PLAYING EXPERIENCE / EDUCATION COACHING EXPERIENCE

Four-year letterwinner at Ole Miss... Played in every game for the Rebels between 2014-17 with five career starts... Earned his bachelor’s degree in general studies (’17) and master’s in teaching (’19) both from Ole Miss

Troy (‘22-Pres.) … Central Arkansas (’20-21)... Ole Miss (’18-19)

PERSONAL

Born on Jan. 6, 1995 … Married to Eliza

TROY FOOTBALL STAFF

JOHN BECKLEY DEFENSE

IAN GRIER DIR. OF EQUIPMENT

THOMAS MORTON OFFENSE

CORTLYNN SMITH DIR. OF ON-CAMPUS RECRUITING / OPERATIONS ASSISTANT

BRAYDEN BEREZOWITZ DEFENSIVE ANALYST / DIR. OF DEFENSIVE RECRUITING

STEVE HARVEY STRENGTH & CONDITIONING

TREY PAGE OFFENSE

JAMAAL SMITH CHIEF OF STAFF

NICK BELL STRENGTH & CONDITIONING

COLE HEARD GENERAL MANAGER

ADAM PRENDERGAST ASSOCIATE AD / COMMUNICATIONS

JAMES VOLLONO SPECIAL TEAMS ANALYST

JEREMIAH CARTWRIGHT DIR. OF OPERATIONS

COLIN KENYON ASSISTANT STRENGTH & CONDITIONING COACH

HUNTER REESE DEFENSE

SAGE WALLACE VIDEO

WILL COALE SPECIAL TEAMS

DAVID MACKIE DEFENSIVE ANALYST

CALEB ROSS OFFENSIVE ANALYST / HIGH SCHOOL RELATIONS

ALEX WARD OFFENSE

WILL COUEY EQUIPMENT

JUDY MORGAN SECRETARY

AARON SISK VIDEO COORDINATOR

RUSTY WHITT HEAD STRENGTH & CONDITIONING COACH

OCT. 10, 2023, MARKS TROY’S SIXTH ANNUAL GIVING DAY.

You are the best alumni and donors. When our students need you, you are always there for them. Designate your gift to what you are most passionate about at TROY — scholarships, athletics, academic programs or student activities. Our students need your help now more than ever! Mark your calendar for Oct. 10 and help us make a difference for our students with your gift to Troy University.

#TROYGivingDay | TROY.EDU/ONEDAY

MEET THE TROJANS

MEET THE TROJANS

MEET THE TROJANS

MEET THE TROJANS

TROJAN DAY SEPTEMBER 23

Trojan Day welcomes junior and senior high school students and their families to visit the Troy Campus and learn more about the opportunities at TROY! Get information about admissions, scholarships, and housing while touring campus facilities and student life areas and attending a browse session featuring academic departments and student organizations. End the day at the Vet to cheer on our TROY Trojans.

Register now at troy.edu/trojanday

Save the date - September 23, 2023

Improving lives in southeast Alabama

Southeast Alabama Rural Health Associates (SARHA) has had the privilege of serving Pike County for 40 years. SARHA provides care to over 64,000 patients. Since SARHA's birth in 1983 we have experienced tremendous growth and the trust placed in us by our patients has been remarkable.

SARHA exists to offer patients a convenient, cost-effective way to ensure their primary and preventive health care needs are met. SARHA is committed to serving all patients, including those with private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, as well as those under-insured and uninsured.

SARHA offers services in family medicine, pediatrics and urgent care.

SARHA's Urgent Care Center located in Troy is a unique convenience to care offering extended hours of operation Monday - Thursday 7am-6pm, Friday 7am -12pm, Saturday 8am-2pm and Sunday lpm-Spm. As an added convenience SARHA offers radiology, lab, behavioral health, and a full service pharmacy located at the SARHA Doctors Center.

SARHA considers it a great honor to be given the opportunity to provide quality health care and improve the lives of the residents of southeast Alabama.

Visit

• Abbeville Family Health Center

■ Clayton Family Health Center

■ Dothan Family Health Center

■ Dozier Family Health Center

■ Enterprise Children's Center & Family Medicine

■ Eufaula Family Health Center

■ Geneva Family Health Center

■ Newton Family Health Center

■ Slocomb Family Health Center

• SARHA Doctors Center in Troy

CHEERLEADERS

KYNDELL AMMONS

LANDRY BELLARD

TATE CAMPBELL

KENNEDY FREEMAN

EMMA JONES

PAIGE MCKINNEY

TREY ANTHONY

RILEY BENTON

ANNA KATHRYN CAROTHERS

PAUL GAGNON

JAMIA JONES

OLIVIA MILLER

CARSEN ARRANT

ANTHONY BODDIE

KINLEY COPEN

CARLY GLOVER

LAUREN MARTIN

SARAH NELSEN

REGAN ASHWORTH

KALYN BOLEY

SOMMER CORNELIUS

LIV HARPER

JULIE MATHEWS

ASHLYN NESMITH

MADDIE BAGDONAS JACK BOOKER

DANAE DASHER

CARLYN HAYES

MASHAWN MATHIS

ALEXANDRIA O’KELLEY

ANNA KATHRYN BAKER

ANNA CATE BRACK

MORGAN EMERSON

JAH JOHNSON

TOWNS McCLENDON

Z’NIYA MANNING

CHEERLEADERS

TROY UNIVERSITY ALMA MATER

Here’s to the school we love We are Trojans, one and all.

We will always cheer for victory and you’ll never let us fall.

Go! Go! Go!

Cheers to T-R-O-Y

We are with you all the way. So get out there team and Fight! Fight! Fight! And win today!

TROY UNIVERSITY ALMA MATER

TROY:

Upon the mighty walls of TROY, we meet our life-long friends.

To grow in knowledge, truth and strength, our journey never ends.

With the promise of the future, and the guidance of the past,

We pledge our solemn vow to thee, loyal everlast.

So raise your mighty Trojan sword, a beacon to the world!

Throughout the ages brightly shines,

CAROLINE O’KELLEY

LAINEY PATRICK

BECCA SENN

BRYSON PATTERSON

SAVANNA SHEFFIELD

KAYLA PRUITT

STELLA SHIVER

ADDISON REYNOLDS

ALEXIS SMITH

ELLIE ROCKWELL

TAYLOR SMITH

TAYLOR SANDERS

OMARION SNEED

A Beacon to the World

By Robert W. Smith (Class of ‘79) & Ralph Ford (Class of ‘86)

KAZANI SNELL LILLY SPEAKS BEN TAYLOR ANN THOMPSON SARA KATE THOMPSON

ALEAYA TRAN

EMMA WATKINS

WESTERN KENTUCKY TROY

2023 SCHEDULE

Going 25-of-46, Gunnar Watson posted his ninth 300-yard game in his Trojan career. He also tallied two touchdowns.

Richard Jibunor was a menace defensively, posting five solo tackles, two tackles for a loss and one sack.

STARTING LINEUPS TROY

DEFENSE

SPECIAL TEAMS

OFFENSE

STARTING LINEUPS

WESTERN KENTUCKY

DEFENSE

SPECIAL TEAMS

OFFENSE

Get Vaccinated • Protect Against Covid & Flu

The COVID-19 Vaccine is currently available to anyone 6 months of age and older. The vaccine is safe and effective. Don't wait, get vaccinated today to help stop the spread and keep our community safe.

WESTERN KENTUCKY

RECORD: 2-1 (0-0 C-USA)

Tyson Helton was named Western Kentucky University’s 21st head football coach on November 27, 2018. The 2023 campaign will be his fifth season at the helm of the Hilltopper program after producing a 32-21 mark (including 23-8 in C-USA play) and reaching four bowl games in his first four years.

Helton’s program faced a lot of uncertainty heading into the 2022 campaign after losing record-setting quarterback Bailey Zappe along with both coordinators, but Helton added the right pieces to put the Hilltoppers back together and produced another 9-5 season.

Transfer quarterback Austin Reed led the nation in passing yards offensively while Helton’s defense led college football in forced turnovers. The team’s success throughout the regular season culminated in an appearnace at the 2022 R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl where the Tops defeated a 10-win South Alabama.

KEY PLAYERS

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Trojan Station RV Park is an RV Park that offers clean and quite sites at an affordable rate for your camping pleasure. Our park is centrally located. We are surrounded by great restuarants, shopping, golfing, fishing and hunting. There is plenty to do with your friends and family. Whether you're planning on staying a couple of nights or longer, you won't find a better RV Park around.

SITE AMENITIES

Free Wifi Gated Souvenirs

Store

2023 SUN BELT SCHEDULES

APPALACHIAN STATE

ARKANSAS STATE

COASTAL CAROLINA

GEORGIA SOUTHERN

LOUISIANA

MARSHALL

OLD DOMINION

SOUTH ALABAMA

ASA MARTIN

RUNNING THROUGH LIFE WITH A PURPOSE

By: Alex Moore

The 2017 Mr. Football of Alabama has made his mark at a few prestigious programs before finding a home in Troy, Ala., with head coach Jon Sumrall and the Trojans.

Asa Martin is a stout 5-11, 205-pound running back from northern Alabama. Before coming to Troy, Asa made pit stops at Auburn, Miami, and Memphis before solidifying himself as a member of the Troy family. The decision to come to Troy was one created based on three things. The first is the love for the game. Second, he has the best ability to chase his dream of going into the NFL. And lastly, former and current teammate Reddy Steward.

“Troy created an opportunity for me to continue to chase my dream and keep playing the game I love,” Martin said. “Also, Reddy and I grew up playing with and against each other throughout high school

football and basketball, so having a friendship with him helped a lot.”

Martin’s journey to Troy hasn’t come without its hardships. His family moved to Decatur, Ala., when he was in the sixth grade due to their house burning down. However, the most discouraging thing that happened in his life was the passing of his little brother, Awysum Harris.

“Me and Awysum were only a year and a month apart, so his death has been the biggest obstacle I’ve faced so far,” Martin said. “It’s an ongoing battle that I’ve channeled to use as fuel to do everything I can to make my last year of ball the best I know. I know that’s what he’d want.”

With everything Asa has endured, he ensures his circle remains tight. However, the city of Troy has emerged quickly to become a member of that circle.

When playing the game of football, Martin knows the expectations at Troy are at an all-time high. He also knows the similarity in Troy’s play between this year and last. Knowing that, Martin emphasizes the importance of simple communication.

“The biggest thing is ensuring communication is good between the backs and the offensive line,” Martin said. “We’ve got to keep each other’s confidence up and boost morale each play. For me, it’s about following the schemes we’re running and making the right reads.”

OPEN YOUR HEART, OPEN YOUR HOME.

Brighten the life of a foster child forever.

Over 5,800 Alabama children are currently in foster care. For some, the duration of their stay lasts only a few days. Others need foster care until they are adopted or reunited with their biological families. All of these children share the need for a caring, committed family capable of giving them the future they deserve. Take the first steps toward becoming a foster parent at dhr.alabama.gov.

FALL SPORTS

VOLLEYBALL

(3-8, 1-0 SBC) SOCCER (5-5, 0-1 SBC)

BOLD

*

^

$

FALL SPORTS

SOUND OF THE SOUTH

The Troy University Band Program enjoys nationwide recognition as one of the finest and most comprehensive musical organizations of its kind. Troy instrumentalists not only have the opportunity to participate in the renowned “Sound of the South” Marching Band, but also have the opportunity to perform in the Symphony Band, four concert bands, jazz Ensembles, the Basketball Pep Band and various small ensembles.

The 2015 – 2016 year marked the 50th Anniversary of The “Sound of the South” Marching Band. Dr. John M. Long created the band in it’s current form in the fall of 1965. Dr. Long developed The “Sound of the South” into a collegiate ensemble that has developed a national reputation for its quality musicianship and exciting, innovative arrangements and drill design. The “Sound of the South” Marching Band entertains audiences regularly at all Troy home games and several away games. Recent away appearances include Troy University’s bowl appearances at the Silicon Valley Classic in San Jose, Calif., the GMAC Bowl in Mobile, Ala., and three appearances at the New Orleans Bowl in the Louisiana

Superdome. In fact, over the past few years, the “South of the South” Marching Band has traveled tens of thousands of miles entertaining audiences literally from coast to coast.

Additionally, the “Sound” has been featured on all major broadcast and sports networks including ESPN, Fox Sports South and USA television networks. Other honors which the “Sound of the South” has received is the representation of the State of Alabama at the Inaugural Parades of President Richard Nixon (1969 and 1973), President Ronald Reagan (1985), and President George Bush (1989). The “Sound” has also performed halftime shows with Grammy Award-winning artists Brian McKnight, Lee Greenwood, The Temptations and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member, Chubby Checker.

The “Sound of the South” Pep Band performs at all men’s and women’s basketball home games. Comprised of 30 musicians from all academic disciplines, the pep band entertains the home crowd with great music and irreverent, energetic cheering. This group travels with men’s and women’s

basketball to the Sun Belt Conference Tournament, as well as the NCAA Tournaments. Membership in the basketball pep band is by audition, and it performs from Mid-October to April each academic year.

The “Sound of the South” is the largest student organization on campus and its members have produced leaders in academics, student government, and athletics, as well as other areas of campus life. Students have the opportunity to participate in several professional organizations including Kappa Kappa Psi, Tau Beta Sigma, Phi Mu Alpha, Sigma Alpha Iota and Phi Boota Roota.

For information regarding band scholarships auditions, please contact Dr. Mark Walker, Director of Bands at Troy University, Troy, AL 36082. Dr. Walker may be reached by phone at (334) 670-3281, or by email at troyband@troy. edu. You may also log on to the internet at www.troysoundofthesouth.org for information about scholarship auditions, special events, upcoming “Sound” schedules and general information about the “Sound of the South.” WE KNOW YOU WILL ENJOY THE SHOW, GO TROJANS!

WOMEN’S GOLF

YOUTH SHINES THROUGH

By: Jacob Stein

Troy women’s golf began its season on a high note with a newly revamped roster led by head coach Randy Keck.

The Trojans started their 2023 season at the USA Intercollegiate in Mobile, Ala.

“I thought we played decent but not the best,” Keck said. “Overall, I’m pleased with our performance. The team competed hard, and I’m proud of that.”

The Trojans’ performance in Mobile was led by sophomore Laura Fangmeyer, who finished 15th out of 57 golfers. She ended 3-over par while shooting seven total birdies. Fangmeyer has emerged as a young leader for the Trojans early this season.

“Last year, she played behind many seniors, and this year, she knew she had to become a leader,” Keck said. “ This year, she’s played with more fire and has really stepped up for us.”

As a team, Troy finished seventh out of 10 teams in the USA Intercollegiate, shooting 897 over the three-day event. The Trojans showed strength in their first tournament that would be built upon for the team’s second tournament in Hoover, Ala. Some strengths included sophomore Samantha Straight leading the team in birdies (8) and Fangmeyer leading the team in pars (38).

Meanwhile, there are also some places that Keck feels the team needs to overcome and improve on as the year continues.

finishing second overall, shooting 1-under par. Mercado also led the team with 10 birdies and shot 4-under par for par-4 and par-5 holes combined.

After the Hoover Invite, Keck and the Trojans have until Oct. 9 to recoup and prepare for the Jupiter Women’s Invitational in Jupiter, Fla. Keck emphasized taking progress weekly to maximize the team’s potential to compete within the Sun Belt.

“We just

each week, and by then, we can be one of, if not the best team in the conference,” Keck said.

The Trojans followed up with an impressive performance at the Hoover Invitational by tying for second place out of nine schools. The Trojans tied with UAB by shooting 38-over par. Alyssa Mercado made the most significant impact by

“The biggest thing for us is that we’re a really young team,” Keck said. “As we go through the season, hopefully, those younger players mature a little bit to improve their abilities and minimize mistakes.”

have to play better

BOWL TRADITION

SILICON VALLEY FOOTBALL CLASSIC

San Jose, Calif. - December 30, 2004

Northern Illinois 34, Troy 21

R+L CARRIERS NEW ORLEANS BOWL

New Orleans, La. - December 22, 2006

Troy 41, Rice 17

R+L CARRIERS NEW ORLEANS BOWL

New Orleans, La. - December 21, 2008

Southern Miss 30, Troy 27 (OT)

GMAC BOWL

Mobile, Ala. - January 6, 2010

(25) Central Michigan 44, Troy 41 (2OT)

R+L CARRIERS NEW ORLEANS BOWL

New Orleans, La. - December 18, 2010

Troy 48, Ohio 21

DOLLAR GENERAL BOWL

Mobile, Ala. - December 23, 2016

Troy 28, Ohio 23

R+L CARRIERS NEW ORLEANS BOWL

New Orleans, La. - December 26, 2017

Troy 50, North Texas 30

DOLLAR GENERAL BOWL

Mobile, Ala. - December 22, 2018

Troy 42, Buffalo 32

DULUTH TRADING CO CURE BOWL

Orlando, Fla. - December 16, 2022

No. 24 Troy 18, No. 22 UTSA 12

TROJANS IN THE PROS

Chandler WORTHY, Argonauts (6)

RaJae’ Johnson, Argonauts (R)

Marcus JONES, Patriots (2)

Jake ANDREWS, Patriots (R)

Justin Whisenhunt, Wranglers (R)

Shakel BROWN, Titans (R)

Brandon SILVERS, XFL

Trevon SANDERS, XFL

Damion WILLIS, XFL

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PLAYERS DRAFTED

SINCE JOINING THE SUN BELT

*First round selections highlighted

DeMARCUS WARE (‘05)

First Round - Dallas Cowboys

Highest draft pick in Sun Belt history

BRANNON CONDREN (‘07)

Fourth Round - Indianapolis Colts

LEODIS MCKELVIN (‘08)

First Round - Buffalo Bills

Highest draft pick in Sun Belt history

SHERROD MARTIN (‘09)

Second Round - Carolina Panthers

CAMERON SHEFFIELD (‘10)

Fifth Round - Kansas City Chiefs

JORRICK CALVIN (‘10)

Sixth Round - Arizona Cardinals

LEVI BROWN (‘10)

Seventh Round - Buffalo Bills

JERREL JERNIGAN (‘11)

Third Round - New York Giants

JONATHAN MASSAQUOI (‘12)

Fifth Round - Atlanta Falcons

ANTONIO GARCIA (‘17)

Third Round - New England Patriots

JAKE ANDREWS (‘23)

Fourth Round - New England Patriots

DeMarcus WARE, Retired

Osi UMENYIORA, Retired

Lawrence TYNES, Retired

TROJANS IN THE SUPER BOWL

SUPER BOWL XVII (‘83)

Pasadena, Calif. - Redskins 27, Dolphins 17

Virgil Seay (WR) - Washington Redskins

SUPER BOWL XVIII (‘84)

Tampa, Fla. - Raiders 38, Redskins 9

Virgil Seay (WR) - Washington Redskins

SUPER BOWL XXII (‘88)

San Diego, Calif. - Redskins 42, Broncos 10

Jack Peavey (C) - Denver Broncos

SUPER BOWL XXXVII (‘03)

San Diego, Calif. - Buccaneers 48, Raiders 21

Kerry Jenkins (G) - Tampa Bay Buccaneers

SUPER BOWL XLII (‘08)

Glendale, Ariz. - Giants 17, Patriots 14

Osi Umenyiora (DE) - New York Giants

Lawrence Tynes (K) - New York Giants

SUPER BOWL XLV (‘11)

Arlington, Texas - Packers 31, Steelers 25

Steve McLendon (NT) - Pittsburgh Steelers

SUPER BOWL XLVI (‘12)

Indianapolis, Ind. - Giants 21, Patriots 17

Osi Umenyiora (DE) - New York Giants

Lawrence Tynes (K) - New York Giants

Jerrel Jernigan (WR) - New York Giants

SUPER BOWL 50 (‘16)

Santa Clara, Calif. - Broncos 24, Panthers 10

DeMarcus Ware (LB) - Denver Broncos

Mario Addison (DE) - Carolina Panthers

SUPER BOWL LV (‘21)

Tampa Bay, Fla. - Buccaneers 31, Chiefs 9

Steve McLendon (DT) - Tampa Bay Buccaneers

VIRGIL SEAY, WASHINGTON REDSKINS, #80

KERRY JENKINS, TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS, #71

DEMARCUS WARE, DENVER BRONCOS, #94

HALL OF FAME

CLASS OF 2012

RALPH ADAMS

BILLY ATKINS

LARRY BLAKENEY

SIM BYRD

DON MAESTRI

VERGIL PARKS MCKINLEY

DENISE MONROE

CHARLES OLIVER

CHASE RIDDLE

MIKE TURK

DEMARCUS WARE

CLASS OF 2013

JOHN ‘DOC’ ANDERSON

JOHN ARCHER

BOBBY ENSLEN

CHAN GAILEY

DANNY GRANT

JOYCE SORRELL

WILLIE TULLIS

LAWRENCE TYNES

CLASS OF 2014

DANNY COX

MIKE GRIFFIN

PERRY GRIGGS

TED HORSTED

ANTHONY REED

RICK RHOADES

OSI UMENYIORA

PAUL WORD

CLASS OF 2015

JAMES BATIE

RONNY MOBLEY

KATHY RUSSELL

VIRGIL SEAY

RONNIE SHELLEY

ROBERT EARL STEWART

WARD THIGPEN

FREDDIE THOMAS

CLASS OF 2016

SANDY ATKINS

RALPH BLACK

DAVID FELIX

AL LUCAS

RICK MAXEY

TERRY MCCORD

CHARLES PICKETT

JOHNNY WILLIAMS

CLASS OF 2017

BENNY BEARD

DEWHITT BETTERSON

MELANIE DAVIS

DR. DOUG HAWKINS

JERREL JERNIGAN

DR. JOHNNY LONG

BUBBA MARRIOTT

FRANK SADLER

CLASS OF 2018

MANDEE ARMSTRONG

CHUCK ASH

BEN BATES

BOB LAMBERT

LEODIS MCKELVIN

BOBBY PIERCE

WENDALL STEPHENS

STEVE VENABLE

CLASS OF 2019

JOHN FAIRCLOTH

TAMRA HOWREN

MITZI MCLENDON HASTY

BROCK NUTTER

GARRICK PIMIENTA

DARRYL THOMAS

CLASS OF 2020

BARNEY BURNETT

NANCY DANSBY SWAN-

SONDR. RACHEL HASSAN

GRAVELMAX HOWELL

MARK KINGJUDE RINALDI

CLASS OF 2021

DR. LEON DAVIS

COLLIN MCCRARY

ANDY WHITENER

CLASS OF 2023

MIKE AMOS

SHERRILL BUSBY

RHODNEY DONALDSON

CHRIS FORCE

CARL HOLLIS

BARBARA SHERWOOD

MARK SMARTT

JERRY MILLER JUNIOR LOUISSAINT

BARRY McKNIGHT

TROY SPORTS RADIO NETWORK

Barry McKnight is celebrating his 23rd season as the play-by-play “Voice of the Trojans” in 2023. A veteran of the broadcast industry, McKnight serves as the co-host of a sports talk radio show on WMSP-740 AM in Montgomery, where he has served in that capacity for the last 24 years. McKnight was selected as the 2010-11 recipient of the Sun Belt Conference Broadcaster of the Year award. He also works in television broadcasting, where he served as the primary play-by-play announcer for College Sports Southeast’s football, basketball and baseball coverage from 1997 until 2001. A nine-time winner of Associated Press Awards for broadcast excellence, he is a member of the American Sportscasters Association and National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association.

Jerry Miller is entering his 32nd year with the Troy Sports Radio Network and his 18th in the booth as the color analyst for football. For his first 11 years, Miller provided interviews, insight and analysis from a unique perspective on the sideline. A Troy alum and longtime supporter of the athletic program, Miller also serves as the color analyst for home Trojan men’s basketball and baseball games, in addition to his work covering numerous local high school events on both television and radio. Miller in a member of the Troy Baseball Hall of Fame.

Junior Louissaint begins his fifth year as the sideline reporter for the Troy Sports Radio Network. Louissaint was a two-year starter for the Trojans in 2003-04 and famously returned a fumble 63 yards for a touchdown in Troy’s victory over No. 19 Missouri. Louissaint, a native of Miami via Haiti, went on to play professionally with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and then in the AFL with the Lakeland Thunderbolts and Florence Phantoms. Following his football playing days, Louissaint was an assistant coach at Pike County High School for three years and two years as the head varsity girls basketball coach.

Chris Blackshear is in his 16th season with the Troy Sports Radio Network, working the sidelines for Trojan games and providing postgame interviews. Blackshear is a native of Phenix City, Alabama. He served as Vice President of Account Management in the North American Issuing Division at TSYS, a payments processing company in Columbus, Georgia, until his retirement in May 2021. Blackshear is also in his second term as an Alabama State Representative for District 80 which include portions of Lee and Russell Counties.

TROJAN TALK

The weekly Jon Sumrall call-in show, Trojan Talk, originates from Baumhower’s on Highway 231 in Troy weekly from 6-7 p.m. The fast-paced show hosted by Barry McKnight, the Voice of the Trojans, features Troy players, coaches and fans. It’s your chance to talk football with the head coach of the Trojans by calling toll-free at 1-844-GO-4-TROY.

AIR DATES

Monday, Aug. 28 (Momma Goldberg’s)

Monday, Sept. 4

Monday, Sep. 11

Monday, Sep. 18

Monday, Sep. 25

Monday, Oct. 2

Monday, Oct. 9

Monday, Oct. 23

Monday, Oct. 30

Monday, Nov. 6

Monday, Nov. 13

Monday, Nov. 20

Monday, Nov. 27

TROY SPORTS PROPERTIES

560

Your single-source outlet, integrating sponsorship opportunities to deliver corporate partnership programs across all platforms of Troy Athletics Whether it’s to promote a new product, increase sales, enhance brand awareness, entertain clients, reward employees or develop new relationships, sports partnerships are a vital part of your marketing plan.

Aaron Hitchcock (aaronhitchcock@troy.edu) General Manager (334) 670-5943

aaron@troysportsproperties.com

Chloe Schobert Director of Creative Services (334) 670-3386

chloe@troysportsproperties.com

Allie Bowen Account Executive (334) 670-6587 allie@troysportsproperties.com

Jack Brown Director of Revenue Marketing (334) 670-6341 jdbrown@troy.edu

CHRIS BLACKSHEAR

OPEN YOUR HEART, OPEN YOUR HOME.

Brighten the life of a foster child forever.

Over 5,800 Alabama children are currently in foster care. For some, the duration of their stay lasts only a few days. Others need foster care until they are adopted or reunited with their biological families. All of these children share the need for a caring, committed family capable of giving them the future they deserve. Take the first steps toward becoming a foster parent at dhr.alabama.gov.

TROJAN WARRIOR CLUB

Phillip Robinson

Royce Robinson

Ellie Rockwell

Jimmy Rodgers

Brent Roe

Benjamin Roedl

Keith Roling

Robert Rosenthal

Brian Ross

Joni Ross

Joann Rouse

Lewis Rushing

Todd Russell

Kelly Sanders

Rex Sanders

Jace Sanders

Melissa Sanders

Anna Marie Sanders

Walker Sandlin

Gwen Saner

Danny Sanford

Beth Sargent

Jason Sasser

Megan Sasser

Brian Saunders

Marvilla Schaumburg

Steve Schisler

Lee Schneider

David Scott

Alfredia Scott

Nancy Scott

Sandra Scott

Lora Seamon

Elmer Sellers

Jonathan Sellers

Jennifer Senn

Lori Senn

Keith Sessions

Jeff Seymour

Mary Seymour

Nicole Sharp

Dale Sharpe

Yolonda Shelnutt

Sam Shelton

Lance Shepard

Jean Shepherd

Richard Shipp

James Shirley

Gregory Shiver

Kenneth Shock ley

Jennifer Shock ley

Danny Sikes

Rae Ann Silvers

Chad Simmons

Brandy Simmons

Jason Simpler

Roger Simpler

Tim Sims

Rebecca Sk ibba

Quentin Sk inner

John Sk ipper

Marty Skurla

Cliff Sloan

Brandon Sluder

Albert Smith

Ray Smith

Jim Smith

Pat Smith

Samuel Smith

Reginald Smith

Todd Smith

James Smith

Karen Smith

Robert Smith

Kenneth Smith

Rick Smith

Shari Smith

Tammy Sneed-Ives

Paige Spivey

Charles Spor t

Jason Sprayberry

David Springer

Steve Spr y

Richard Stabler

Amy Stahr

Clara Stahr

Laura Stahr

Christopher Stanfield

Alton Starling

Brent Steadman

Karl Stegall

Shannon Stem

Wendell Stephens

Dawn Stephens

Daniel Stephens

Justin Stephens

Randall Stephens

Kaye Stinson

Kelly Stone

Sonya Stoudemire

Elizabeth Stough

Suzanne Strickland

Maria Strother

Kris Stubblefield

Madonna Suit

Phillip Sullivan

Robin Sullivan

Jon Sumrall

Ginny Sumrall

Joe Sumrall

Steve Swain

Brad Swanson

Thomas Synco

Gavi Sytner

Alda Tarvin

George Tatom

Shane Tatum

Alan Taunton

Lloyd Taylor

Mary Taylor

Rendy Taylor

Yvonne Taylor

Robbyn Taylor

Dale Taylor

Freddie Teal

Edward Telfair

LaJeana Terrell

Freddie Thomas

Ross Thomley

James Thompson

Ed Thompson

Martha Thompson

Charles Thompson

Martha Thompson

Clayton Thornton

Paige Tibbets

Mixon Till

Maurice Tillery

Steve Timberlake

Connie Tisdale

Gary Tolbert

Jonathan Tomlin

Susan Tonnell-Hornsby

Jill Touzani

Jason Towe

Catherine Tran

Trent Trawick

Beth Trawick

Greg Treloar

Wendy Troemel

Nola Troxel

Lemuel Tucker

Tim Tucker

Judy Tucker

Brad Tucker

Willie Tullis

Joey Turner

Catherine Tyson

Mary Susan Under wood

Greg Unger

Paul Van Loan

Crystal Vander Zanden

Jerry Vaughan

Jerry Vaughan

Jennifer Ventress

Perry Vickers

Milton Vought

Melissa Voynich

Cheryl Wagner

Randall Wagner

Deanna Walker

Cot Wallace

Bart Wallace

Lee Walls

Jeffery Walters

Charles Ward

James Ward

Hope Ward

Ricky Ward

Tammy Ward

Charles Ward

Carl Ware

Bill Wasden

Elizabeth Watkins

Shannon Watkins

Ron Watson

Jeff Watson

Amy Watson

Johnny Weatherford

Bridget Weatherford

Jennifer Weaver

Sharon Weaver

Jack Weaver

Tony Weaver

Angie Weddings

Dale Weiler

James Welch

Johnathan Welch

Jason Welch

W. Welden

Tharine Wells

James Wells

Jordi Wells

Will Wester

Patty Wester

Robert Wheeler

Rebecca Whetstone

Tony Whetstone

Donovan Whibbs

Greg Whibbs

Lesli White

Claudia Wigglesworth

Gary Wilbert II

Gary Wilbert Sr.

Greg Wilkes

Rick Wilkinson

John Williams

Walter Williams

Russell Williams

Hal Williams

Tina Williams

Sheila Williams

Samelia Williamson

Emily Williford

Jeremy Wilson

Tripp Wilson

Stephen Winslett

Chris Wisham

Linda Worthington

Ken Wright

Clay Wright

Betsy Wright

Lula Yarbrough

Thomas Yeend

Robert Youmans

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Andy Blair Insurance, LLC

Arrow Pest Control

Associated Mechanical

Contractors, Inc.

Barrow Guns, LLC

Bass Properties

Beachside Patio, LLC

Bernie Bellard Insurance

Agency Inc.

Bethea’s

Bigham Cable Construction, Inc.

Bliss Boutique, Inc.

BLT, Inc.

BlueKey Properties

Boosters, Inc.

Brown’s Clearing, Inc.

Byrd Drugs

C Spire Wireless

Carn Family Foundation, Inc

Carpetland USA of Dothan, Inc..

Cervera, Ralph & Reeves, LLC

CGI

Christie Hayes, Inc.

Clayton L. Wright DMD PC

Cornerstone Fitness & Wellness, LLC

Covenant Steel

Disher Marine & Auto By

Rusty Disher

Driftwood Fabrication

E.T.I.

Eagle Eye Outfitters

Eller and Company, Inc.

Fidelity Investments

First Citizens Bank

First Citizens Bank - Luverne

Flora-Bama Management, LLC

Fuse Coffee

Gilley’s Heating & Air, LLC

Guardian Credit Union

Half Shell Oyster Bar & Grill

Heritage 1843

Horn Beverage Inc.

Infirmary Health

J. Brent McFarland, D.M.D.

Jeans Flowers, LLC

Jim D. Lassiter, D.M.D.

Jimmie Crowder Excavating and Land Clearing INC

Jody M. Singleton, CPA

Keego Trucking INC

KW Container

KW Plastics

Lawrence Hardware

M&M Investments of Florida, INC

Marianna Tire Company

MAX Credit Union

Max Snell Farm Equipment

Co Inc

MB Erectors INC

McKee & Associates

Montgomery Biscuits

Morgan Stanley

Morgan Stanley

Moseley Industrial

MP Investments LLC

National Christian Foundation Alabama

National Christian Foundation Georgia

National Christian Foundation North Texas

National Security Group

NWF Contracting Services

LLC

NWF Contractors

Outdoor Aluminum

Paradise Home Sales of Alabama, LLC

Parker Foods, LLC

Pathway, Inc.

Pfizer

Pike County Commission

Pittman Building Supply

PowerSouth Energy

Premier Cheerleading of East Alabama Inc.

Premier Dodge

Rainsville Pediatric Dental

Village, LLC

Ready Mix USA

Renfroe Alexander, LLC

River Bank & Trust

TROJAN WARRIOR CLUB

Companies

ABC Supply Co.

Abell & Associates

ABHT INC.

ADTC

Alexander Sealcoating & Striping, INC.

All In Credit Union

Aloha Hospitality International, Inc.

Alstar Logistics

Andy Blair Insurance, LLC

Arrow Pest Control

Associated Mechanical Contractors, Inc.

Barrow Guns, LLC

Bass Properties

Beachside Patio, LLC

Bernie Bellard Insurance Agency Inc.

Bethea’s

Bigham Cable Construction, Inc.

Bliss Boutique, Inc.

BLT, Inc.

BlueKey Properties

Boosters, Inc.

Brown’s Clearing, Inc.

Byrd Drugs

C Spire Wireless

Carn Family Foundation, Inc

Carpetland USA of Dothan, Inc..

Cervera, Ralph & Reeves, LLC

CGI

Christie Hayes, Inc.

Clayton L. Wright DMD PC

Cornerstone Fitness & Wellness, LLC

Covenant Steel

Disher Marine & Auto By Rusty Disher

Driftwood Fabrication

E.T.I.

Eagle Eye Outfitters

Eller and Company, Inc.

Fidelity Investments

First Citizens Bank

First Citizens Bank - Luverne Flora-Bama Management, LLC

Fuse Coffee

Gilley’s Heating & Air, LLC Guardian Credit Union

Half Shell Oyster Bar & Grill Heritage 1843

Horn Beverage Inc.

Infirmary Health

J. Brent McFarland, D.M.D. Jeans Flowers, LLC

Jim D. Lassiter, D.M.D.

Jimmie Crowder Excavating and Land Clearing INC

Jody M. Singleton, CPA

Keego Trucking INC

KW Container

KW Plastics

Lawrence Hardware

M&M Investments of Florida, INC

Marianna Tire Company

MAX Credit Union

Max Snell Farm Equipment Co Inc

MB Erectors INC

McKee & Associates

Montgomery Biscuits

Morgan Stanley

Morgan Stanley

Moseley Industrial

MP Investments LLC

National Christian Foundation Alabama

National Christian Foundation Georgia

National Christian Foundation North Texas

National Security Group

NWF Contracting Services LLC

NWF Contractors

Outdoor Aluminum

Paradise Home Sales of Alabama, LLC

Parker Foods, LLC

Pathway, Inc.

Pfizer

Pike County Commission

Pittman Building Supply

PowerSouth Energy

Premier Cheerleading of East Alabama Inc.

Premier Dodge

Rainsville Pediatric Dental Village, LLC

Ready Mix USA

Renfroe Alexander, LLC

River Bank & Trust

Roni Holley State Farm Insurance

SARHA

Simera Rental Properties

Skylar Meade Baseball Camp, LLC

Small Town Nutrition Pike, LLC

Sodexo, Inc. & Affiliates

Sorrell College of Business

South Alabama Brick Company

South Alabama Electric Coop

Southeast Alabama Gas District

Southeast Gas

Southern Company

Southern Quest Construction, Inc.

State Farm Insurance

Steel Hand INC

Teel Electric

Terrell Enterprises

The City of Troy

The Cleveland Firm, LLC

The Locker Room of Montgomery

The Vance Law Firm

Town & Country Flooring Center, Llc

Townsend Building Supply

Trane Technologies

Transportation Logistics Consultants, LLC

TransRisk LLC

Troy Bank & Trust

Troy Basketball Camp

Troy University Alumni Association

Troy University Office of Development

Tutchtone Investments LLC

Tyler Transport, LLC

W Walnut Cookie Co.

Weezers

Whaley Construction

Williams Family

TROJAN WHEELS

The Troy University Department of Athletics would like to thank the following supporters and their dealerships/businesses for their generous donation to the Trojan Wheels Program.

For more information on joining the Trojan Wheels program, contact Ryan Kay - 404-661-6007

BRENT COOK

Action of Dothan

Dothan, Ala.

JASON GREGORY

Premier Dodge

Troy, Ala.

JIM JACKSON

Alan Lindsey

Bill Jackson Chevy

Troy, Ala.

Ray O’Brien

Bill Jackson Ford

Troy, Ala.

MERCHANT NISSAN

Sonia Mawani

Troy, Ala.

MCGRAW- WEBB

Frank McGraw Chevrolet

Camden, Ala.

PEACH FORD

James Peach

Brewton, Ala.

PROUD SUPPORTER OF THE TROY TROJANS!

PERSONAL AND COMMERCIAL INSURANCE

FIDELITY & SURETY BONDING

LIFE AND HEALTH INSURANCE