[Video] With the purpose of building something special: the vision of the new sports director for wildcat athletics

When Eric Coleman filt the future of the Chico State Athletics, he did this through the lens of his past what from his mother Cherry Gilcrete and his experience as a student athlete of Division II.

Another teenager in Apopka, Florida, when Coleman and his sister Ericka were born, Gilcraease worked several jobs, but still used time to convey values ​​such as friendliness, humility and hard work.

“I am a pedagogue today because of her,” said Coleman. “My core value is to promote a space in which young women and men grow to people who make our community and world a better place.”

Apopka was a difficult place for Coleman and his friends, many of whom were killed in prison and six. His football talents offered a way out. The highlights and lowlights of his college experience lived him to coaching, and now Coleman says after more than two decades in College Athletics in a place where he can build something really special.

“I want to maintain a balanced budget. I would like to build on this culture that great coaches want to be part of. And above all, I want our students to achieve at a high level where they not only graduate, but also the school, a medical faculty and a successful career, stay in touch with Chico and give something back, ”he said.

Luke Reid (history, '04; Kinesiology, '09) is a content producer of university communication.