University of Connecticut Athletics
Barbeque Unites UConn Football Alumni, New Staff
7/28/2022 9:10:00 AM | Football
July 28, 2022
STORRS -- The University of Connecticut football program organized an alumni barbeque on July 27 to focus on showcasing the team's new staff members, while bringing its former athletes back to campus.
"I think there's a genuine excitement about what we're trying to do," Â UConn head coach Jim Mora said. "It's so important to us that we recognize these guys that played here."
Headlined by Mora, staff members like new offensive coordinator Nick Charlton to special teams coordinator Doug Shearer spoke about the team's new focus to the over 80 attendees of the event.
The main theme for each coach who spoke, however, was the same: winning is a top priority for the Huskies heading into next season.
Director of Player Programs Kevin Poles spoke about how its many alumni events have brought former players back to Storrs to not only reunite with old teammates, but to also showcase the team's current direction in a new era.
"You get to see your friends, your brothers, people that you've played, sweated, and worked hard with," Poles said. "It's an opportunity to catch up and build those bonds. It leads to bringing the whole program together, where everybody is on the same page of where we're going."
Along with Poles, Executive Director of Football Administration Rebecca Dunstan and Director of UConn Football Alumni Andy Baylock worked to arrange the event. Of the alumni who attended Wednesday's barbeque, 25 were coached by Baylock.
"The number one thing that hit me tonight was how much appreciation they had for Coach Baylock," Mora said. "That was really amazing."
Alumni like former UConn football running back Andre Dixon had high praise for the event, Mora's work with the program and what the team is trying to accomplish heading into next season.
"The energy feels so different," Dixon said. "With them just having something like this is so important."
Dixon commented with excitement on Mora's current work with the Huskies.
"This guy is fully invested in the program," Dixon said. "I think he's going to be able to take us to places we've been before and past that."
Along with Dixon, former UConn quarterback Bryant Shirreffs talked about his own impressions of what the team has accomplished.
"It's been awesome to see a lot of the changes that have transpired for the better of late," Shirreffs said. "I'm so excited to see Coach Mora and his staff from the perspective of an alumni and someone who cares about the UConn family."
UConn's fall football camp begins on July 29, with all practices open to any alumni who wish to attend.
