New student-athletes advised ‘to whom much is given, much is required’

NORMAL –Alabama A&M Director of Athletics Bryan Hicks welcomed the newest group of Bulldog student-athletes at the annual Student-Athlete Orientation, hosted by the Department of Athletics Academic Enhancement Center/Student-Athlete Affairs.

After the orientation meeting, the department hosted a Welcome Back Picnic at Louis Crews Stadium for all of Alabama A&M's student-athletes.

"I know you had a lot of options," Hicks said at orientation while thanking the student-athletes for choosing to "don the maroon and white."
Hicks stressed the department and its staff are here to support them and listed five things "we do as an athletic department."

Put the student-athlete in mind by "putting you first in every decision we make."
We want to be fiscally responsible; "it gives us an opportunity to do more"
Be compliant. "We are the front porch of the university."
Exude class in everything you do
We've got to win. "I expect you to win on the playing field or court and in the classroom."

He offered these words of advice: "To whom much is given, much is required."

Hicks also drove home the point that the student-athletes are "(NCAA) Division I athletes and there's no other level higher …"

The student-athletes also heard from school officials on registration, class schedules, tutoring assistance, information technology, advancement, compliance and sports medicine.

"Going to class is not an option," Hicks said. "You can't be the best and the brightest if you're not in it to win it.

"Let's enjoy this long ride we have ahead of us."

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