Hatfield Brings Energy to Varsity "I" Appointment
June 2, 2009
June 2, 2009
Champaign, Ill. - Mike Hatfield brings energy, passion, and long-time Fighting Illini experience to his new position as Executive Director of the Varsity "I" Association. Hatfield looks forward to bringing his personality and insight to his new job that keeps former student-athletes in touch with the University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics.
Hatfield is a down-to-earth man whose friendly demeanor is infectious with the people he meets. Above all else, he is a straight shooter with a strong passion for the Fighting Illini. What you see is what you get, and what you get is consistently fair, thought out, and well executed. Hatfield looks forward to a leadership position with the Varsity "I" Association and the inherent opportunity to focus on his two true vocational passions: interacting with former Fighting Illini and securing championship-level resources in the classroom and on the field of play for future Fighting Illini.
"At Illinois, our goal is simple and straightforward. We want to be the best at everything we do," said Associate Athletics Director Shawn Wax. "I am pleased to add Mike Hatfield's experience, leadership and creative energy to our alumni relations team in the Varsity "I" Association. In addition to a proven track record of strong organizational skills, Mike excels at relationship building and networking. He is a natural fit and I'm confident he will help us build the best letterwinners association in the nation."
The common thread throughout Hatfield's career in intercollegiate athletics is his strong bond with student-athletes. He has maintained those connections over 28 years while wearing many "hats". He's carried his coffee mug from academic services, where he tutored student-athletes and helped them achieve their goals in the classroom, to the ticket office, where he insured student-athletes were able to properly comply with NCAA rules regarding complimentary tickets for friends and family members, to the I FUND, where he has helped a number of student-athletes begin and maintain a lifetime of giving back to their University.
An All-American in track at Eastern Illinois University and a member of EIU's national championship cross country team, Hatfield brings his personal understanding of the value student-athletes receive from staying close with their institution along with the sense of pride one feels when giving back to the alma mater, to his new position as head of the Varsity "I." He plans to take that coffee mug on the road, making personal connections with Illinois letterwinners.
"The Varsity "I" Association is about Fighting Illini family staying connected and ensuring the future of those that follow," Hatfield said. "There is no group that has as much passion and investment in our program than our former athletes, trainers, managers, and cheerleaders."
Hatfield noted that Illinois has tremendous room for growth in Varsity "I" membership and support for the I FUND. Given his strong competitive nature, Hatfield said he'd like to make Illinois the standard within the Big Ten and a leader on a national level both in terms of the percentage of former athletes, trainers, managers, and cheerleaders participating in Varsity "I" as well as the amount of funds they contribute to the I FUND to support Illinois champions in the classroom and on the field of play.
"It's not that anyone owes it to us," Hatfield said. "They don't. But imagine what we could accomplish if everyone who was eligible participated in the Varsity "I." I think of the opportunities that would mean for Illinois athletics, and I am inspired to hit the ground running."
Hatfield will do just that, visiting Chicago this week to build on connections he's made over his Fighting Illini career as well as make new ones. He will sit down with any former Illinois athlete, trainer, manager, or cheerleader that will take the time to see him.
"I'm excited to get in front of our former Fighting Illini, to chat with those that haven't been active in support of the Varsity "I" and the I FUND in the past and seek their support," Hatfield said. "I will also join those who have been contributing to our success on an ongoing basis to be a friendly face to them on campus and to express my appreciation for their support. Referrals are a critical part of our success. I've found it's easy for our most loyal supporters to identify other Fighting Illini family members that have the potential to make a difference when we sit down and recount the great moments of Illinois history over a cup of coffee."
Among the friends Hatfield has maintained throughout the years is former Illinois football great Fred Wakefield. An eight-year NFL veteran with the Arizona Cardinals and Oakland Raiders, Wakefield values Hatfield's personal investment in former student-athletes and Illinois Athletics.
"Mike's ability to build relationships on behalf of the U of I with former Illini like myself helped make it an easy decision for Casey and I when we chose to give back by endowing a scholarship," Wakefield said.
Hatfield said the I FUND supports student-athlete scholarships, academic support for the student-athletes, and recently has increased its support for the sports medicine program that aids the Fighting Illini. Hatfield not only enjoys sharing stories about the good times at Illinois, but he also thrives on the opportunity to explain how support of the Varsity "I" and the I FUND impacts Illinois student-athletes.
"I'm convinced when our Fighting Illini family hears what the Varsity `I' and I FUND do to support our student-athletes they will be inspired to give," Hatfield said. "If you're among those that qualify for membership in the Varsity "I" Association, then I want to have that coffee with you. Even if you think you have no interest in participating, give me a call and let's talk. You're part of the Fighting Illini family and that's what matters most."
Anyone that would like to meet Hatfield can reach him at mhatfiel@illinois.edu or by calling (217) 333-6595.
