Army West Point Athletics
From the Desk of AD #31
June 19, 2025 | General
Welcome to another edition of From the Desk of AD #31, a communication platform designed to keep you informed and engaged with Army West Point Athletics and the Army West Point Athletic Association. As your Director of Athletics, I am excited to use today's newsletter to report on recent coaching hires, share key updates on our department, highlight the achievements of our cadet-athletes, engage with topics relating to the fan experience, and provide insight into the ever-evolving landscape of college athletics. These efforts align with the four strategic priorities outlined in our Fruits of Victory athletics strategic plan which includes Competitive Success, Providing an Extraordinary Division I Experience, Public Engagement and Revenue Generation, and Sustainability.
This past week, I had the opportunity to attend the annual National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) convention. It was a valuable time to connect with peers, including several former FBS athletic directors and NCAA President Charlie Baker. As you might expect, much of the conversation centered on the recent House v. NCAA settlement and how athletic departments nationwide are preparing to adapt and compete in this new era.
New Head Coaches Welcome!
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We are thrilled to announce Troy Nickerson as our new Class of 1972 Head Wrestling Coach and Jenn Salomon-Clayton in her full-time role as Penny Anderson Women's Rugby Head Coach. Both coaches bring a tremendous depth of experience, a relentless drive for excellence, and an unwavering commitment to building disciplined, character-driven teams grounded in the Army values.
We're excited for the impact they will have on our cadet-athletes - on the pitch, on the mat, and beyond. And yes, especially when it comes to beating Navy.
Welcome to West Point, Coach Nickerson and Coach Salomon-Clayton!
We have our guy!
— Army Wrestling (@ArmyWP_Wres) June 9, 2025
We're excited to announce Troy Nickerson as the Class of 1972 Head Men's Wrestling Coach!
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Congratulations to Jenn Salomon-Clayton on her promotion as The Penny Anderson Women's Rugby Head Coach! ??????
— Army Women's Rugby (@ArmyWP_WRugby) June 16, 2025
Read more ???? https://t.co/55xXSs7Po9#GoArmy pic.twitter.com/yyHcNd85Iq
CivMX - Cadet Field Training
I recently had the unique opportunity to participate in The Civilian Military Experience (CivMX) - a program designed to immerse civilian faculty in a training environment that mirrors cadet field training at West Point. It was an eye-opening experience that deepened my appreciation for the rigor of cadet life and the leadership demands within the Army profession.
I survived. Barely. The water confidence course was especially humbling. It's one thing to know it exists - another to experience the physical and mental toughness it requires. Thanks to the staff at the Simon Center and at Camp Buckner.
Watch on IG hereÂ
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Michie Stadium Preservation Project Progressing
Progress continues on the Michie Stadium Preservation Project as we move closer to delivering a world-class experience for cadet-athletes, fans, and the West Point community. Construction crews have made significant strides this summer, with the foundation work significantly completed and the steel work almost complete.The upgraded facility will feature enhanced seating, premium fan amenities, and modernized team spaces—all while preserving the iconic views and historic character of Michie Stadium. The project remains on schedule for completion ahead of the 2026 Army Football season, marking an exciting new chapter for one of college football's most storied venues. Recently, I took a tour of the construction and saw firsthand the breathtaking progress that has been made since last fall! Visit MichieStadium.com for more details.
Davis and Fink Conclude Their Prestigious Collegiate Careers"It's one thing to see the renderings... but to see the actual size of this project, it's breathtaking." @TT_Army_AD recently toured the Michie Stadium Preservation Project to get a closer look at the progress.
— ArmyWestPoint Sports (@GoArmyWestPoint) June 11, 2025
For info on seating go to https://t.co/usNehnrBnz pic.twitter.com/vyxXfs5b7N
Army Track and Field's Emily Fink concluded her collegiate career on the nation's biggest stage, competing in the women's hammer throw at the NCAA Outdoor Championships.
The Three Lakes, Wisc. native finished with a final mark of 62.20m in the event after three attempts, which was good enough to finish 22nd in the field, falling just short of earning Second Team All-American honors.Â
Emily concludes her season as well as her collegiate career as one of the most decorated field athletes in Army Track and Field's program history. I am extremely proud of her success.
Nathan Davis finished his junior season on a strong note, finishing with a personal best and in the Top 14 in the 3000m Steeplechase at the NCAA Outdoor Championships.
The East Greenbush, N.Y. native finished with a final time of 8:37.62 in the event. The mark not only set a new personal best for Davis but also set a new Army Men's Track and Field program record in the event.Â
Davis went on to finish sixth in his heat and 14th overall with his time in the 3000m steeplechase, falling just short in qualifying for the finals in the event.Â
Congratulations to Vincent Viola '77 and West Point Alumni with the Florida PanthersArmy Athletics extends its heartfelt congratulations to Vincent Viola '77, Florida Panthers team owner, and the dedicated West Point alumni staffers on capturing back-to-back Stanley Cup titles! This extraordinary achievement is a testament to their leadership, perseverance, and commitment to excellence - qualities forged here at the United States Military Academy. Their success on hockey's biggest stage brings tremendous pride to the Long Gray Line and exemplifies the powerful impact of West Point graduates in the public and private sectors.
I had the privilege of attending Game 3 with my wife, Robyn!
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Riley Family CelebrationÂ
We invite all friends of Army Hockey to West Point from July 25–27, 2025, to celebrate an extraordinary milestone: 75 consecutive years of coaching by the Riley family. Beginning with Coach Jack Riley in 1950, followed by his son Rob in 1986, and then his brother Brian in 2004, the Riley legacy has shaped Army Hockey across three generations, totaling over 1,050 wins. This gathering honors a remarkable era in college hockey history - one unlikely to be seen again - and celebrates the profound impact the Rileys have had on the sport and the Army Hockey community.
Event Details
I'd ask you to continue to do what you can to support Army West Point Athletics and our cadet-athletes by:
• Planning to attend athletics events and competitions this fall – home and on the road!
• Purchasing season tickets, joining the Army A Club, and becoming a corporate partner
• Get others to do the same
Tom Theodorakis
Director of Athletics
Army West Point
Email:Â AthleticDirector@WestPoint.edu
X: @TT_Army_AD
Players Mentioned
