NORFOLK, Va. – Earlier this month, Norfolk State University faculty and staff participated in the NSU athletics guest coaches program in conjunction with the Spartans' spring football practice. 

During the program, faculty and staff had the opportunity to try on an NSU jersey and helmet while mingling and playing corn hole. Later in the day, they were able to meet and greet the NSU football coaches. Head coach Dawson Odums discussed the busy lives of his student-athletes, who must balance their sport, academic and social life at NSU, while thanking the faculty and staff for the important role they play in the development of his players.
 
"The guest coach experience was designed to better illustrate for our on-campus faculty how invested our athletics department staff and coaches are in the success of our student-athletes on the field, in the classroom and in life," said Ryan Raymond, director of academics for NSU athletics. "This program is a great opportunity for our NSU faculty to support our student-athletes, watch them in their element on the field and remind faculty everything student-athletes do outside the classroom. 

"Norfolk State University student-athletes play for the love of their sport. Having faculty and staff take time out of their busy schedules to share that experience with the student-athletes strengthens their connections to each other as Spartans."