Welcome to the AU Coaches Corner, a weekly feature giving you an inside look into the staff and administration of the Aurora University Athletic Department. This week we feature Brian Kipley, Director of Athletic Communications for the Spartan athletic programs.

Name: Brian Kipley
Position: Director of Athletic Communications
Years of Service at AU: Start year 19 in January
Alma Mater (Year): AU 2002
When did you first know that you wanted to be a coach/administrator? Senior year at AU, I struggled a little on the field and enjoyed the ability to take younger players under my wing some while I wasn't performing on the field.
What coach/administrator has had the biggest impact on your life? Most importantly, as people, my dad and grandfather had the greatest impact on my life. I try my best every day to be the best person, father, husband because of them. As a coach/administrator, former AU Athletic Director Mark Walsh who was also the Head Baseball Coach at AU when I was a student-athlete and Barb Wilcox who was my direct report for my first several years as an employee at AU had an impact on my career.
What do you consider to be your most memorable moment as a coach/administrator? In my time at AU, I have been blessed to experienced many memorable moments around successes the Spartan student-athletes and teams have had on the playing surfaces and in the classroom.  I coached baseball here for five seasons and going to the Division III World Series twice in 2004 and 2006 are memories I will never forget.  As an administrator in my current role, the moments that stand out are the ones that student-athletes were recognized for their hard work.  Tyler Simmons and Billy Baker being named to the AFCA Good Works Teams and being able to share that news with them or the numerous CoSIDA Academic All-American award winners like Nicci Bermudes and her being named the Division III Academic All-American of the Year in women's soccer. 
What do you consider to be your most memorable moment as an athlete? As an athlete playing baseball at AU, going to the NCAA Division III World Series as a freshman (1999) stands out the most.
If you could have any coach, past or present, as an assistant on your staff for one game, who would it be and why? Though he isn't a coach, I would enjoy having Vin Scully sit next to me during a game and do play by play. I'd like to have an Athletic Communications staff comprised of fantastic colleagues Adam Heinzen, Dave Petroff, Ken Trendel and Steve Schauer.
How would you describe your game day demeanor? Once set up happens pregame I will relax some but I want everything to run perfect which is nearly impossible so I am a little anxious.
What advice would you give your athletes today if they want to become a coach/administrator someday? Find your true passion and go for it. 
Who is the most famous athlete you've ever met? I was very fortunate to grow up playing baseball with some pretty special athletes, Curtis Granderson (MLB - Yankees, Tigers and others) and Antwaan Randle El (NFL - Pittsburgh Steelers). As great of athletes they were in the respective fields, they are even better people.
If you could coach/manage one professional team for one season, who would it be and why? Chicago Cubs, my favorite team and baseball is the sport I have a special love for.
What are some of your hobbies away from coaching/athletics? Spending time with my sons Max and Chad and doing whatever it is that they want to do with Dad. I also enjoy World War II history so watching a documentary or movie is something I enjoy.
If there was a movie about your life and you could pick any actor to play you who would it be and why? Brian Baumgartner (Kevin from the Office). Might be a little resemblance and enjoy his humor.
If you weren't coaching/in athletics, what profession would you like to be part of? I likely would be working in the fire service. When I was hired in January of 2003, I was a few weeks into the fire academy and was testing to be a full-time firefighter. My family has a long history in the fire service, originating in my hometown of Dolton, Illinois.
 
Sprint to the Finish - 
• Favorite food: Steak
• Favorite TV show or movie: The Office never lets me down and Shark Tank.
• Favorite hobby: Spending time with my kids.
• Favorite sports team: Cubs, Blackhawks, Bears and of course the Spartans.
• Pet peeve: Laziness (not putting forth your best effort)
• Person I most admire: My wife Samantha, for so many reasons. Amazing mother to two (soon to be three) boys, wife and nurse.
• Person I'd most like to meet: Mark Cuban, I'd like to pick his brain about many things.
• Rather ride or drive? Drive all day
• Salad or dessert: If I said Salad, I would not be telling the truth. 
• Dream vacation spot: Touring Europe and seeing the many historic places. 
• Early morning or late-night?  Late-night