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 Jeff Fellers, Head Coach for the Spartan track and field programs.

Name: Jeff Fellers
Position: Head Men's & Women Track & Field Coach
Years of Service at AU: 8
Alma Mater (Year): Aurora University
When did you first know that you wanted to be a coach/administrator? When I was in college, on the weekends I would go home and help coach my little brothers in the Pole Vault. I realized that there were not to many people who did it, and I really enjoyed it. Plus coaching my younger brother Clay to a 5th place finish at the state track meet, and then two years later my youngest brother Nick to become a State Champion really opened my eyes to how rewarding the job could be!
What coach/administrator has had the biggest impact on your life? WOW impossible question lol, early in my life it was Dan Burkitt he really knew how to motivate me while also teaching me a true love for the sport.. then in high school it's a toss-up between Corey Christenson & Dave Young, they really pushed me to levels I never knew I could reach and taught me what it meant to be a part of team. Ryan Chapman has then had the biggest impact on my adult life, after graduation he gave me my first chance as a coach, he took me under his wing and really spent a lot of time developing me into the coach that I am today.  I still have a great relationship with all of them to this day and that is the best part.
What do you consider to be your most memorable moment as a coach/administrator? Watching my first recruiting class graduate.
What do you consider to be your most memorable moment as an athlete? Stepping on the field for our first playoff game while I was at AU, hearing the opponents student section hate on me while I waited for the opening kickoff was something I'll never forget.
If you could have any coach, past or present, as an assistant on your staff for one game, who would it be and why? Gregg Popovich, he seems like a blast to be around and is always getting the most out of his players. A little old school philosophy with some new school methods.  I would love to hear one of his halftime speeches in person as well.
How would you describe your game day demeanor? calm and serious before it starts, then excited and positive during.
What advice would you give your athletes today if they want to become a coach/administrator someday? Fall in love with the sport and be ready to continue learning! Things are always evolving in sports and you need to stay up to date, but you also need to know who you are and coach to your strengths.
Who is the most famous athlete you've ever met? Alex Rose, he's a good friend and always has some great stories about the different countries he's competed in, including the 2016 Olympics.
If you could coach/manage one professional team for one season, who would it be and why? The Chicago White Sox, I have always been a huge fan and I love the small intricacies the sport of baseball brings on a daily basis like managing the bullpen, stealing bases, shifts, hit & run, etc. Plus, the 2021 team is going to be super fun to watch!
What are some of your hobbies away from coaching/athletics? Boating & grilling food.
If there was a movie about your life and you could pick any actor to play you who would it be? Woody Harrelson, his roles in True Detective & Kingpin are my personal favorites.
If you weren't coaching/in athletics, what profession would you like to be part of? I've always wanted to own a restaurant.

Sprint to the Finish - 
• Favorite food: Smoked brisket
• Favorite TV show or movie: Ozark
• Favorite hobby: Golfing
• Favorite sports team: Washington Football Team
• Pet peeve: Getting a voicemail that says call me back... obviously I'm going to call you back if I have a missed call from you!
• Person I most admire: The Kool-Aid Man.. and Alex Smith
• Person I'd most like to meet:  Frank Thomas
• Rather ride or drive?  Drive
• Salad or dessert:  salad - Spring mix, not iceberg!
• Ideal vacation spot: Anywhere I can be on a ski boat!
• Early morning or late-night?  Late-night