In an effort to strengthen ties between academics and athletics, ASU professors are taking the field at football games.
As part of the Guest Coaching program, four different members of ASU faculty or staff are given the opportunity to act as a "guest coach" and watch each home game from the sidelines.
Football academic coach Corinne Corte said the program has been in place for several years and provides a way for the intercollegiate athletic department to build a relationship with teachers and colleges on campus.
"We want to learn more about faculty, staff and their college," Corte said. "We hope to get faculty from diverse areas on campus."
Business professor Kathy Wigal will be present at Saturday's game against UCLA and said she is excited about the opportunity to watch the game from the field.
"I think it's really exciting and sounds like a wonderful opportunity," Wigal said.
Faculty are chosen by academic coaches or student athletes, and while there is no "ideal guest coach," the department prefers to invite staff members who have not already been involved with the program and who, according to the ICA, "connect with student-athletes in the classroom or the campus community."
"We want to introduce them to the academic support that we provide for student-athletes on campus," Corte said.
Wigal, who has taught student-athletes from various sports, said she is looking forward to learning how she can better serve her students.
"It's a joint education opportunity and really nice to see what they have to offer and how I can help them as a teacher," Wigal said.
She also said that she couldn't wait to cheer on her students who will be on the field.
"I really hope we do well," she said. "I want to see some smiles."
Reach the reporter at jenna.eckenrode@asu.edu.
