Nov. 15, 2004
Go behind the scenes and learn how the Athletic Department staff prepares for the 2004 football season. Each week, Cardinal Commitment will feature a different member of the staff that will discus his/her role with the Stanford Football program. Darrin Nelson (Senior Associate Athletic Director - External Relations/Development) is this week's guest.
CC: What are you doing on a daily basis to prepare for the upcoming football game? DN: I generally deal with the football program budget and expenses. I meet with operations directors to assist with issues and problems that generally arise prior to the season starting. I also assist with scheduling and recruiting when athletes come on campus. CC: What is your most important job on game day? DN: As I mentioned earlier, most of my work is done prior to the season starting. Generally, prior to games I walk around the football field and parking areas to make sure things are okay. I also stop by the ticket office and Fan Fest areas as well. Most of my time is spent with donors and potential donors to the program in the tailgate areas. CC: If you could tell the average fan one thing about Stanford Football that they may not know, what would that be? DN: That it's much more fun to watch a game on the field than sitting in the stands. You get a true picture of how big, strong and fast the players are. You also get to see how fast the game truly is as well. CC: What is your most memorable Stanford Football experience? DN: My most memorable recent memory is planning our trip to the Rose Bowl. I also had some great experiences during my playing days, beating LSU and Georgia in bowl games. Playing for Bill Walsh was not bad as well. CC: What is your Stanford Football goal? What do you want to achieve this season? DN: My goal was for the team to reach a bowl game. People don't realize how important going to a bowl game really is. If your a young team like we are, you get an extra 14 or 15 days of practice that other non-bowl teams don't have. That and the added exposure for recruiting are critical to establishing a consistent winning program. CC: What does "Cardinal Commitment" mean to you? DN: "Cardinal Commitment" means to me that we give our football program all the support and resources it needs to be successful. If we are going to be a consistent Top 25 football program, we need to be committed to supporting football and all that entails. PREVIOUSLY BEHIND THE SCENES WITH... Scott Schuhmann - Associate Athletic Director - Athletic Services (11/8/04) Charlie Miller - Head Athletic Trainer (11/1/04) Keith Buckley - Associate Director of Football Operations (10/26/04) Kyle McRae - Media Relations Assistant Director (10/19/04) Melina Boyd - Football Administrative Associate (10/12/04) Ben Ocken - Director of Fan Fest (9/28/04) Darcie Bransford - Director of Annual Giving (9/21/04) Carl Reed - Assistant Athletic Director (9/7/04) Mike Gleeson - Video Director (8/30/04)Bob Carruesco - Associate Athletic Director - Marketing (8/23/04) |
