By Bryan B. Blair, Vice President and Director of Athletics
June 4, 2025

Team Toledo, 

The Glass Bowl has long been a place where unforgettable moments are made, and the recent Glass City Live concert was no exception. On May 24, we witnessed something truly special—a celebration of music that proved once again what our community can achieve when we come together under the #TeamToledo banner. 

Highlighted by the world-renowned Zac Brown Band, Glass City Live was more than just a concert; it was a testament to collaboration, vision, and the power of bringing people together. From the planning stages to the final encore, countless individuals — staff, sponsors, fans, and artists — worked tirelessly to create an unforgettable experience. The energy in the stadium was electric, reinforcing our belief that Toledo is a city that thrives when we embrace bold ideas and work as one team. 
 
As we reflect on this milestone, I'm reminded of what makes Toledo Athletics so much more than just sports. It's about building a community—one that supports, inspires, and elevates each other. The Glass City Live concert was a shining example of what's possible when we dream big and execute together. Let's carry this momentum forward as we continue to push boundaries and create more unforgettable moments for#TeamToledo. 

Read the articles from the Toledo Blade (below) for more information on the impact Glass City Live had on our city!

TOLEDO BLADE: Zac Brown Band brings something for everyone to inaugural UT concert
TOLEDO BLADE: Glass Bowl concert proves a big hit. Look for a 'massive' encore

 

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WELCOME TO OUR NEW PRESIDENT! It is with great excitement that we welcome Dr. James Holloway as the newest President of The University of Toledo! Dr. Holloway brings a wealth of experience, visionary leadership, and a deep commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and student success. His dedication to fostering inclusive growth and strengthening community partnerships aligns perfectly with UToledo's mission and values.    As we embark on this new chapter, we look forward to the energy, ideas, and collaborative spirit Dr. Holloway will bring to our campus. Join us in extending a warm Rocket welcome and supporting him as we work together to elevate UToledo's impact in education, research, and service in our community.  READ: UNIVERSITY OF TOLEDO BOARD OF TRUSTEES SELECTS DR. JAMES HOLLOWAY AS 19TH PRESIDENT

 

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ROCKET AWARDS: CELEBRATING OUR STUDENT-ATHLETES

Every spring we host the Rocket Awards, a celebration of the outstanding achievements of our student-athletes from the past year. From record-breaking performances to inspirational leadership, the 2025 Rocket Awards highlighted the excellence that defines #TeamToledo. Special recognition went to our Rocket of the Year winners, Maxen Hook and Lucie Morris, whose dedication on and off the field embodies the spirit of Toledo Athletics. Congratulations to all our award winners!

READ MORE: ANNUAL ROCKET AWARDS
   

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ROCKETS SHINE IN THE CLASSROOM Our student-athletes continue to prove that success isn't just measured in wins—it's also earned in the classroom. In May, we announced that our Rockets compiled a 3.370 grade point average in the 2025 spring semester, the third-highest GPA ever for a spring semester. Also last month, another 72 student-athletes walked across the stage in the spring commencement ceremony at Savage Arena and received their diplomas.     We couldn't be prouder of the academic achievements of our Rockets. They are the embodiment of true student-athletes, and shine a light on this great University as they graduate and set out on their path in the next chapter in their lives.    READ: ROCKETS EARN 3.370 GPA THIS SPRING SEMESTER

   

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BEYOND THE JERSEY: JOSHUAH TAYLOR The latest installment of "Beyond the Jersey" introduced Rocket Nation to the inspiring story of Joshuah Taylor, a leader on our men's cross country team as well as on our campus. Joshuah has not only turned his passion in woodworking into a successful business, he has been a key player in turning the new Paul Hotmer Makerspace in the North Engineering Building into a thriving learning space. From his relentless work ethic to his commitment to leading the way for others, Joshuah exemplifies what it means to wear the Midnight Blue & Gold. His journey — filled with perseverance and passion — is a testament to the values that drive #TeamToledo forward.

Read Joshuah's Inspiring Story

 

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MANUFACTURED IN THE GLASS CITY: AUSTIN DANTIN, EMMA SAMPSON, QUINYON MITCHELL
Our Manufactured in the Glass City series continues to showcase the incredible talent that is cultivated at our great University. April's interview featured College of Engineering graduates Austin Dantin (football) and Emma Sampson (swimming), both of whom have established their careers right here in Toledo. May's feature on Philadelphia Eagles star cornerback, 2024 first-round draft pick and Super Bowl champion Quinyon Mitchell reminded us that the "impossible" is possible if you work hard and believe in yourself. These remarkable alumni represent the standard of excellence at the University of Toledo, making an impact that extends far beyond graduation as they continue to elevate our brand on the national stage!

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DARIUS ALEXANDER: ANOTHER ROCKET SELECTED IN THE NFL DRAFT! Another Rocket who is joining the ranks of successful alumni is defensive tackle Darius Alexander. Darius was chosen by the New York Giants in this year's NFL Draft, becoming the 11th Rocket to be drafted under Head Coach Jason Candle since 2017. Darius was chosen as the first pick of the third round, making Toledo one of only 15 schools in the country that have had a top-65 pick in each of the last two drafts. Darius is yet another example of a student-athlete in our football program who believed his best chance to attain his long-term goals was by finishing his college career in Toledo. Darius will always be a Rocket and we wish him years of success in football and beyond! WATCH: DARIUS' DRAFT-NIGHT REACTION READ: DARIUS ALEXANDER DRAFTED BY THE NEW YORK GIANTS

 

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FOOTBALL SEASON IS ALMOST HERE! Speaking of football, it may only be early June but the countdown is on — Rocket Football kicks off in less than 90 days with a showdown at Kentucky, followed by the "Biggest Party in Toledo" on Sept. 6 vs. Western Kentucky in the Glass Bowl! With a veteran core and exciting newcomers, this year's squad is poised to make another run at a MAC Championship. Season tickets are selling fast—don't miss your chance to be part of the action!    PURCHASE YOUR SEASON TICKETS HERE

 

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TEAM TOLEDO IN ACTION: ROCKETS HABITAT FOR HUMANITY DAY

On May 12, Toledo Athletics rolled up its sleeves for a day of service with Habitat for Humanity, reinforcing our commitment to giving back to the community. Student-athletes, coaches and staff teamed up to lend a hand, proving that #TeamToledo is about more than sports — it's about making a lasting impact. These efforts reflect the heart of our department and the values we instill in every Rocket.

   

WELCOME TO TOLEDO, ALI GREEN! We're very excited to welcome our new Women's Golf Coach Ali Green to #TeamToledo!  A Cincinnati native, Coach Green has an impressive resume, leading Dayton's program from 2021-23 and most recently serving as assistant coach at Abilene Christian University. As a former student-athlete, she understands what it takes to develop champions both on the golf course and in the classroom. Her proven track record of success, combined with her passion for player development, makes her the perfect leader to take our women's golf program to new heights. Please join me in giving Coach Green a warm Rocket welcome as we tee up an exciting new era for Toledo Women's Golf!   LEARN MORE ABOUT HEAD COACH ALI GREEN

 

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BEST WISHES TO AL TOMLINSON AND HEATHER LUTZ

I would like to extend my deepest gratitude and best wishes to two outstanding members of our Athletics team who are stepping into exciting new roles.          Deputy Athletic Director Al Tomlinson will be joining the University of Tennessee as Senior Associate Athletics Director for Capital Projects and Facility Revenue. Al's leadership, vision, and dedication have been instrumental in shaping our marketing and revenue strategies, and we know he'll bring that same passion to Rocky Top.           Additionally, we're thrilled to share that Heather Lutz, our Associate Athletic Director of Marketing, Sales and Fan Experience, will be transitioning to UToledo'sOffice of Enrollment Management, where she'll lead marketing efforts to support student recruitment and engagement. Heather's creativity and strategic mindset have elevated our brand, and we're excited to see her bring that same energy to our University's enrollment efforts.     Please join us in congratulating Al and Heather on their well-deserved opportunities. While they'll be missed in Athletics, we're proud to see them take on these new challenges and know they'll continue to achieve great things.     Go Rockets!

 

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BRAGGING RIGHTS…

I'd like to recognize these fantastic accomplishments from the past month: 

Baseball: Congratulations to Coach Rob Reinstetle's squad for its electrifying run at the MAC Championship Tournament last month. The Rockets won three straight elimination games before falling in the championship game. Overall, the Rockets won nine of their last 11 games and finished with 32 wins, surpassing the 30-win mark for just the second time since 2012!
Women's Track & Field: Graduate student Laura Nicholson cemented her place among the nation's best when she qualified for the 1500m and 5000m at the NCAA East Regionals in Jacksonville, Fla. on May 29-31.

One of the privileges of serving in my position is being able to share all the exciting accomplishments of our Athletics program. Whether it's an exciting concert at the Glass Bowl or the remarkable achievements of our student-athletes in athletics, academics and our community, our #TeamToledo spirit has never been stronger. The momentum we're building together is undeniable, and we will continue to raise the bar as we pursue our destiny as the Gold Standard of collegiate athletics. Thank you, as always, for being an indispensable part of this journey. We are only getting started; the best is yet to come! 

This Community. This University. This Athletics Department. 
Together, we will accomplish the "impossible." 

Go Rockets!