The Department of Athletics is always looking for ways to promote the accomplishments of its former student-athletes and will be conducting a series of Alumni Spotlight's to highlight their professional accomplishments. If you have a success story you would like to share, please contact Assistant AD for External Relations Tim Lutz at tlutz1@aum.edu or at 334-244-3832. He can also be reached on Facebook or Twitter (@timlutz). We would love to hear from you and share your accomplishments.
 
Today's Alumni Spotlight features Jeff Cheek, a member of the baseball team during the 1991-92 seasons. Originally from Burlington, Ontario, Cheek graduated with a bachelor's degree in communications.
 
During his first season with the then-Senators, Cheek appeared in nine games, posting a 2-1 record and helping the team to a 29-20 record.
 
In his senior campaign, the Senators finished 50-18 and made an appearance in the NAIA World Series. Cheek was a key contributor to that team, recording a 10-4 record with a 3.36 earned run average. He was second on the team with the 10 victories and led the team with 104 1/3 innings pitched and 67 strikeouts. He was also selected to the NAIA World Series All-Tournament team.
 
Following his collegiate career, he pitched in the Toronto Blue Jays minor league system, where he posted a 7-8 record with a 3.68 earned run average over three seasons.
 
Cheek is now the Senior District Business Manager for Takeda Pharmaceuticals, a top-15 pharmaceutical company in the world.
 
For more information on what Jeff is doing and how AUM played a role in his professional success, please check out the Q&A below.
 
1. Where are you living now and what are you doing? Did you know you always wanted to do what you are doing professionally?
I am currently living in Waxhaw, N.C., which is 20 miles south of Charlotte. I am entering my 20^th year with Takeda Pharmaceuticals where I am Senior District Business Manager covering parts of North and South Carolina. I always thought I would get into sales at some point and the 20-year career and counting has been very rewarding. 
 
2. How did your time as a student and student-athlete at AUM prepare you for your career and life after college?
AUM offered me a strong academic program. I graduated with a degree in Communications focusing on Broadcasting and Journalism. I played three years of minor league baseball (Toronto Blue Jays) following my years at AUM, so from a playing standpoint Coach Lowe had a huge impact on that opportunity. I got into broadcasting baseball games for the Birmingham Barons and Charlotte Knights after my playing days. My father was the radio play by play for the Toronto Blue Jays so I grew up in that environment. This was only on a part time basis and I decided that a more stable career path was needed. I took a job in sales and was hired in December of '98 with Takeda.
 
3. What are your goals for the near future in regard to your career?  Do you have a plan for the next 2-3 years?
I am very comfortable where I am. My wife and I (Amanda Peters AUM '92) have two teenage sons. They will be completing high school in the next few years, so I would imagine I would pursue opportunities within my company. I do know that remaining in the southeast would be a must. I love Chicago (US Headquarters), but I have no desire to head north. Until then we enjoy watching our oldest under the Friday lights and watching them both grow.
 
4. When is the last time you've been to campus. How has the campus changed?
It has been a couple of years and I was blown away with the growth. A lot of new buildings but the core of the campus remains the same. It was great to be back and I would hope to do so again soon.
 
5. What originally attracted you to AUM as a student-athlete?
I had a few schools have me in for visits while I was at Pensacola Junior College. I loved my visit to AUM. The size of the campus, the guys I met on the team and the coaching staff lead be Coach Lowe. Current Coach Lovrich was a grad assistant at the time and he sold me on the program. It truly was the best decision I ever made.
 
6. What are some of your most memorable moments from your time as a student-athlete at AUM?
There are so many. From an academic standpoint, it was having my parents see me walk across the stage and receive my degree. On the field, it was being surrounded by truly great teammates and friends. We were a family. We came from all parts of the country, lived in the dorms on top of the hill where doors were always open to hang with teammates and we beat the heck out of a lot of teams in '92. We were the first AUM team to win 50 games. We came back from first game 3-2 losses (I unfortunately started both, but they were great games) in the District and Regional Tournaments to win and advance to the NAIA World Series. Being the second pitcher in AUM history to throw 100 innings and record 10 wins in a season was special from a personal perspective.
 
7. How often do you keep in touch with your former teammates?
I keep in contact with a lot of teammates. Myself and four other teammates talk daily on a chat app that we share. I see them often as we all travel for work. They truly are like brothers and to have them still part of my life after 25 years is amazing. Six of us were in each other's weddings a long time ago.
 
8. How would you summarize your time at AUM?
I have nothing but positive memories. The classes, study halls, late nights in the library, going to basketball games and playing baseball are memories I cherish.
 
9. What advice would you have for the current student-athletes at AUM?
Enjoy your time and soak it all in. Life seems to move slow through college but speeds up after. It's hard to believe that 25 years has passed since my time there. Follow your heart and make a life doing what you truly love. You only get one shot at this.
 
10. Anything else you would like to share with the AUM community?
 I am a proud AUM graduate. I owe AUM so much regarding who I am and what I have accomplished. I am thankful for my teachers, coaches and teammates that made me a better person. I truly loved my years at AUM and in Montgomery.