Inside the Rise of West Alabama Football: AD Brett Gilliland on Goals, Motivation, and Standout Players
Shawn Gates | NILvana Sports
I had the opportunity to speak with West Alabama Athletic Director Brett Gilliland. The Tigers are off to a 3-0 start and ranked 13th. I’m talking about the coaches, players, and mentality this team has this season. I believe this West Alabama team has great things coming.
I first asked Coach Gilliland about the team’s goals and objectives for the season. He said they wanted to win and put a good product on the field. He also said he’s had the same goal every season: to prepare and teach these kids about life.
Secondly, I asked how they kept the players motivated throughout the season. He said, “If you recruit highly motivated people who have put time and effort into the game, you don’t really have to motivate them.”
I also asked about the new coaching and the attention they bring to the university, how they drown out the noise and keep focus on their goals. He said the coaches help, and you won’t hear about outside media in film rooms or around coaches. He also stated that the players don’t let it affect their day-to-day lives, and if anything, all the noise just adds fuel to the fire.
Lastly, I wanted to spotlight two young men who I believe have high talent levels. First off, Spencer Arceneaux, who has been electric all season. When asked about Spencer, he said, “You can’t coach the speed or talent that he has.” Spencer, in just the latest game, threw for 213 yards, ran for 90 yards, and had 3 touchdowns. The other guy I wanted to talk about is JT Hooten, a linebacker for the Tigers who had 17 total tackles, 1 tackle for loss, and eight solo tackles in the latest game. When asked about both of these guys, Coach Gilliland said they are both young and that he was happy to see the growth they have had since getting to the university.
