 Rob Winger reporting live from the Stevens University Mustang Athletic Gala here joined with Gala founder I guess is a fair enough title for the day Sam Murray welcome to the show. Oh, thank you I want to qualify me as the founder, but Didn't a big part of I guess helping plan the event so yeah Well, you may not see yourself as the founder But an event like this does not look and go as well as this one will without a lot of time and effort put into it So just talking about your experiences getting ready to host such a wonderful monumentous occasion for our student athletes here Yeah, it's been a long few months for sure, but The help of Melissa Button first of all is kind of spearheaded this and sack sack has been Huge in planning this. I mean all this is because of them It's the student athletes who who wanted the difference who wanted the change and a little more exciting event So a lot of time and a lot of effort has been put into it It's a lot of changes, but I hope it's good changes and and ones that people are excited for Obviously the student athlete advisory committee is something that is near and dear to my heart And it's great to see that the student athletes are recognizing the voice they have and the ability to make change and Institute experiences on these campus, but speaking of experiences of student athletes We're presenting moment of the year tonight. Yeah Talk a little about some of the nominees of that award and what way you think it may be headed right now Yes, a moment of the year is one of our new awards Along with play of the year alumni award and Fran Fiddler spirit award. So we're really excited. That's the one I'm excited for yeah We're really excited about about all four new awards. Um moment of the year We just thought is we have so many great student athletes so many great teams so many great players but so many great moments have happened and We have men's ice hockey taking the ice for the first time winning their inaugural game football winning the Mac championship and just their sixth season We have man. What else we have Devontae Williams track and field going to the NCAA tournament and finishing fourth Sarah Tarber at women's basketball that double-double streak is insane You know, we have six different moments. I can't think of the other two off the top of my head right now So apologize, but you mentioned all these great moments How difficult was it to whittle it down to just six with the amazing prowess and ability of all the student athletes? And the programs here on campus was it difficult to get it down to just six? Yeah, it was difficult. We had a long sheet of moments and plays and and one of the moments that Unfortunately didn't make it that should have and it was kind of almost after the fact that happened was Dan Williams No hitter So that's not even included in the moment of the year and that was one of the top moments Yeah, we just had the chance to talk to Dan about his no hitter and to do it on his mom's birthday as a gift to her What a special moment. I didn't know that that's awesome. And then he wants to football practice exactly right after yeah But kids like Dan some of the other ones you've mentioned these programs It comes all circle back to the sense of community and family that exists in Stevenson athletics What does it mean to you to be a part of the Stevenson athletic community for what is it eight years now? Yeah over seven so I mean I wouldn't I wouldn't be here if I didn't believe in it and didn't feel that sense of community and sense of family I I love Stevenson and I don't see myself leaving anytime soon as long as I'll have me and From the the staff that works here that I work with every day to the student athletes I work with every day. I mean I do my job for them. I want their experience to be the best experience that they have and That's why I do what I do I Couldn't have said it better myself Sam We really appreciate you taking the time and come on the show and as an alumni and former student athlete We appreciate all the hard work you put in not just for the gala But with all your work here for the student athletes, you certainly make a special place to compete and Be a part of that family. So thank you Well, thank you for coming back and helping us with the our inaugural Mustang hour excited that you're here and doing this for us As am I thanks, Sam Rob Winger reporting live from the Stevens University Mustang athletic gala