Ball State University Athletics
A Letter from Director of Athletics Jeff Mitchell: "Why Not Us?"
September 09, 2026 | General
Cardinals Fans:
Admittedly, this is not an original statement, but "Why not us?" This phrase is the title of a new book written by alumnus Tom Schuman about our men's volleyball program, and, of course, our men's volleyball team used the expression this past spring while reaching the NCAA Final Four.
It was also used by our band director, Jeremy Harmon, who addressed our football team after practice one day during football camp. Harmon and head football coach Mike Uremovich have struck a harmonious chord between their programs, and Harmon reiterated that his band corps would support and stick with our football program all season long - through heat, rain, snow, the MAC conference season, and an upcoming bowl game. "Why not us?" was his final statement.
With that inspiration, I can confidently state I have never been more enthusiastic about our collective trajectory across all of our 19 athletic programs. We witnessed a record attendance during a freshman pep rally at Worthen Arena for a women's volleyball exhibition match three weeks ago, we had a wonderful turnout at our annual Fan Jam, and excitement is high for the football season with our Cardinals looking deeper, faster, and more dynamic than they were a year ago. When we host our home opening football game against Stony Brook this Saturday, I am eager to see the excitement and momentum that greets Coach Uremovich and our team at Scheumann Stadium. Yes, I believe! Why not us?
Fans and students can expect more game day giveaways, contests, prizes, and interactive promotions throughout the season. In addition to offseason improvements to the stadium sound system, a DJ and emcee will spark engagement and a more festive environment throughout the stadium. Miss Ball State, Katey Cooper, will help drive the engagement by enticing fans with promotions and special in-venue moments while a live DJ will spin music, helping elevate the gameday vibes.
A Cardinal Family Tent, presented by Mutton Tents, is a new, dedicated gathering space for families in the northeast corner of the stadium and anchors an expanded Family Fun Zone that includes a bounce house, face painting, balloon artists, and a mini football field behind the east stands. Stroller parking will also be available in the Family Fun Zone to make game day easier for families with young children.
My enthusiasm goes well beyond expectations on the gridiron. Reigning MAC Coach of the Year Kelli Miller Phillips and our volleyball squad aim for a third MAC title in five seasons and a fourth in six years. The Cardinals opened the season with five impressive victories against NCAA tournament caliber teams in Notre Dame, Xavier, Western Kentucky, Dayton, and Wright State – what better way to start? Let's support this team as the season continues, and remember that Ball State hosts the 2026 MAC women's volleyball tournament at Worthen Arena, November 20-22. Why not us?
Andy Stoots and his soccer program are tracking for another improved season in the MAC and just beat Cincinnati in a home opener. Caitlin Johnson's field hockey Cardinals should be improved after being led last year by freshmen. The cross-country team, also led by a core of freshman in 2025, is aiming for dramatic improvement after record-setting distance performances last spring. Men's and women's golf seasons both are underway, too, with the women hosting the Brittany Kelly Classic, September 14-15, at The Players Club at Woodland Trails. The men host their annual Earl Yestingsmeier Invitational at the end of this month, September 26-27, at Delaware Country Club.
I am never shy on optimism, but as our sport seasons begin, victories mount, and the Indiana air cools, my personal expectations for Ball State athletics continue to rise. Before long, Worthen Arena will host men's and women's basketball games in November, and I cannot wait to watch both teams compete this year.
Can Brady Sallee and our exceptional women's program capture a third straight MAC title? How many wins can first year head coach Chris Capko and our rejuvenated men's program register? And how deep a run might they make in a return to the MAC Tournament? Those are the questions dancing in my head right now.
"Why not us?" Even Coach Capko used that line to close his introductory press conference last March.
What's more, visible signs of our many improvements are becoming more tangible. Of course, I look forward to all our victories, but I relish the opportunity to strengthen the process of winning. That, in large part, will be evident this fall with the opening of our Eric Foss Championship Performance Center. As we prepare to open those doors, it is hard to contain my excitement for our student-athletes. I look forward to seeing their reaction to a wide-open, beautiful, and spacious floor plan that allows teams to work out with state-of-the-art equipment in a modern facility that exudes power and confidence.
As we begin the fall seasons, I encourage our alumni, friends, and fans to pack Scheumann Stadium this Saturday, September 12, for our football opener against Stony Brook at 2 p.m. and again on Community Day on October 3 vs. Toledo. Our annual Hall of Fame induction takes place on Friday, October 2, prior to that Toledo game, and another big fall event is our annual homecoming game, scheduled for October 24 against new MAC rival Sacramento State. You will not want to miss Ball State's festivities to celebrate 100 years of homecoming.
In addition to more sound and spirit at Scheumann Stadium, we have made parking and buying tickets simpler than ever, with parking passes now being sold through our ticket office rather than a required membership to the Cardinal Varsity Club. It is made easier for fans, and it provides more revenue for our athletics department. Visit our Ticketing Home to buy tickets or parking for the upcoming season.
Perhaps no better feeling as an athletics administrator occurs than when we see our teams excel in front of large, boisterous crowds. I encourage our fans to buy a ticket and come enjoy cheering on the Cardinals. Our teams play hard and will make you proud. Your presence makes a difference!
You're invited to join in on the excitement! Why not us?
GO CARDINALS!
JEFF MITCHELL
Director of Athletics
Ball State University
Admittedly, this is not an original statement, but "Why not us?" This phrase is the title of a new book written by alumnus Tom Schuman about our men's volleyball program, and, of course, our men's volleyball team used the expression this past spring while reaching the NCAA Final Four.
It was also used by our band director, Jeremy Harmon, who addressed our football team after practice one day during football camp. Harmon and head football coach Mike Uremovich have struck a harmonious chord between their programs, and Harmon reiterated that his band corps would support and stick with our football program all season long - through heat, rain, snow, the MAC conference season, and an upcoming bowl game. "Why not us?" was his final statement.
With that inspiration, I can confidently state I have never been more enthusiastic about our collective trajectory across all of our 19 athletic programs. We witnessed a record attendance during a freshman pep rally at Worthen Arena for a women's volleyball exhibition match three weeks ago, we had a wonderful turnout at our annual Fan Jam, and excitement is high for the football season with our Cardinals looking deeper, faster, and more dynamic than they were a year ago. When we host our home opening football game against Stony Brook this Saturday, I am eager to see the excitement and momentum that greets Coach Uremovich and our team at Scheumann Stadium. Yes, I believe! Why not us?
Fans and students can expect more game day giveaways, contests, prizes, and interactive promotions throughout the season. In addition to offseason improvements to the stadium sound system, a DJ and emcee will spark engagement and a more festive environment throughout the stadium. Miss Ball State, Katey Cooper, will help drive the engagement by enticing fans with promotions and special in-venue moments while a live DJ will spin music, helping elevate the gameday vibes.
A Cardinal Family Tent, presented by Mutton Tents, is a new, dedicated gathering space for families in the northeast corner of the stadium and anchors an expanded Family Fun Zone that includes a bounce house, face painting, balloon artists, and a mini football field behind the east stands. Stroller parking will also be available in the Family Fun Zone to make game day easier for families with young children.
My enthusiasm goes well beyond expectations on the gridiron. Reigning MAC Coach of the Year Kelli Miller Phillips and our volleyball squad aim for a third MAC title in five seasons and a fourth in six years. The Cardinals opened the season with five impressive victories against NCAA tournament caliber teams in Notre Dame, Xavier, Western Kentucky, Dayton, and Wright State – what better way to start? Let's support this team as the season continues, and remember that Ball State hosts the 2026 MAC women's volleyball tournament at Worthen Arena, November 20-22. Why not us?
Andy Stoots and his soccer program are tracking for another improved season in the MAC and just beat Cincinnati in a home opener. Caitlin Johnson's field hockey Cardinals should be improved after being led last year by freshmen. The cross-country team, also led by a core of freshman in 2025, is aiming for dramatic improvement after record-setting distance performances last spring. Men's and women's golf seasons both are underway, too, with the women hosting the Brittany Kelly Classic, September 14-15, at The Players Club at Woodland Trails. The men host their annual Earl Yestingsmeier Invitational at the end of this month, September 26-27, at Delaware Country Club.
I am never shy on optimism, but as our sport seasons begin, victories mount, and the Indiana air cools, my personal expectations for Ball State athletics continue to rise. Before long, Worthen Arena will host men's and women's basketball games in November, and I cannot wait to watch both teams compete this year.
Can Brady Sallee and our exceptional women's program capture a third straight MAC title? How many wins can first year head coach Chris Capko and our rejuvenated men's program register? And how deep a run might they make in a return to the MAC Tournament? Those are the questions dancing in my head right now.
"Why not us?" Even Coach Capko used that line to close his introductory press conference last March.
What's more, visible signs of our many improvements are becoming more tangible. Of course, I look forward to all our victories, but I relish the opportunity to strengthen the process of winning. That, in large part, will be evident this fall with the opening of our Eric Foss Championship Performance Center. As we prepare to open those doors, it is hard to contain my excitement for our student-athletes. I look forward to seeing their reaction to a wide-open, beautiful, and spacious floor plan that allows teams to work out with state-of-the-art equipment in a modern facility that exudes power and confidence.
As we begin the fall seasons, I encourage our alumni, friends, and fans to pack Scheumann Stadium this Saturday, September 12, for our football opener against Stony Brook at 2 p.m. and again on Community Day on October 3 vs. Toledo. Our annual Hall of Fame induction takes place on Friday, October 2, prior to that Toledo game, and another big fall event is our annual homecoming game, scheduled for October 24 against new MAC rival Sacramento State. You will not want to miss Ball State's festivities to celebrate 100 years of homecoming.
In addition to more sound and spirit at Scheumann Stadium, we have made parking and buying tickets simpler than ever, with parking passes now being sold through our ticket office rather than a required membership to the Cardinal Varsity Club. It is made easier for fans, and it provides more revenue for our athletics department. Visit our Ticketing Home to buy tickets or parking for the upcoming season.
Perhaps no better feeling as an athletics administrator occurs than when we see our teams excel in front of large, boisterous crowds. I encourage our fans to buy a ticket and come enjoy cheering on the Cardinals. Our teams play hard and will make you proud. Your presence makes a difference!
You're invited to join in on the excitement! Why not us?
GO CARDINALS!
JEFF MITCHELL
Director of Athletics
Ball State University
Tuesday, September 08
Monday, September 07
Friday, September 04
Friday, September 04