Cincinnati Bearcats tap ex-QB Tony Pike to engage UC football alumni

Q: What is Tony Pike's new role at the University of Cincinnati?

Tony Pike has been appointed as the Football Alumni Engagement Coordinator, focusing on enhancing connections with former football players.

Q: Why was Tony Pike chosen for the Football Alumni Engagement Coordinator position?

Tony Pike was selected for his loyalty and passion for the Bearcats football program, which aligns with the university's mission to support former student-athletes.

Q: What initiatives will Tony Pike lead as the Football Alumni Engagement Coordinator?

Pike will work on engaging former football players and leading a Football Alumni Council to foster connections across different decades of alumni.

Q: How does the University of Cincinnati support its football alumni?

The university supports its football alumni through initiatives like the AD Advisory Council, which includes monthly meetings with alumni to strengthen their ties to the program.

Tony Pike, a former Cincinnati Bearcats football standout and 2025 James P. Kelly Hall of Fame inductee, will be the new UC Athletics’ Football Alumni Engagement Coordinator.

The role is part of Director of Athletics John Cunningham’s commitment to support former student-athletes and their connections to the university. The AD Advisory Council, a faction of the C-Club, was established in Fall 2024 and has included monthly meetings with 30 alumni representing all sports. Football boasts the highest number of alumni of all Bearcats sports.

“We have been very pleased with the turnout and impact of our Advisory Council,” Cunningham said. “As we continue to develop the program, there was no better person for this role in the football program than Tony Pike. His loyalty and passion for those that came before him, as well as the ones he's seen grow through here in succeeding years, are invaluable to our mission."

New role for former Bearcats QB Tony Pike

Pike’s role includes working with Cunningham and Dr. Joe Luckey, UC’s Executive Senior Associate Athletics Director for Student-Athlete Support Services, on all matters related to the engagement of former football players. This includes helping identify connections within each decade, particularly by leading a small Football Alumni Council, to replicate the same relationships as those of the current locker room.

“We have worked hard with our C-Club AD Advisory Council over the last two years to set a path for former athlete/support staff engagement,” Luckey said. “We want to continue building connectors within each sport program. Tony’s passion for UC and his connections with the city/athletics department were perfect combinations to help us build deeper connections within the football alumni community.”

Pike, who has been a member of the UC gameday radio crew while hosting his radio show, Cincy 360, daily on ESPN 1530, quarterbacked the Bearcats through one of the most successful eras in program history, leading them to consecutive BCS bowl appearances in 2008 and 2009.

University of Cincinnati quarterback Tony Pike celebrates his game-winning touchdown to Armon Binns against Pittsburgh on Dec. 5, 2009.

The First Team All-BIG EAST selection threw for 2,520 yards and 29 touchdowns in nine games during his senior season, finishing his career with 5,018 passing yards and 49 touchdowns. A team captain and NFL Draft pick, Pike helped establish the foundation for UC football’s national rise.

Bearcats mobile

Bearcats Mobile, a wireless plan for fans, was introduced April 14 by Collegiate Mobile, University of Cincinnati Athletics and T-Mobile.

Bearcats Mobile allows fans to take advantage of exclusive game day perks. Every monthly customer payment provides an automatic contribution to Cincinnati Athletics. There’s no extra cost, just extra money for the teams and programs. Bearcats Mobile includes specific plans and benefits for students, alumni, faculty, staff and fans that provide a 7% contribution with each customer payment.

International students can secure a plan before they land, complete with international calling and eSIM capabilities. Bearcats Mobile makes switching from current wireless carriers easy by allowing customers to keep their current phones and phone numbers, all with no contracts.

Cincinnati Bearcats fans cheer last Oct. 4 during the UC win over Iowa State at Nippert Stadium.

Bearcats mobile VIP perks

• At every home game, Bearcats Mobile customers can score VIP experiences, like access to pregame tailgates, field-level access and merchandise.• Bearcats Mobile will be the sponsor of all student sections and provide special perks and experiences.• Bearcats Mobile will be present at both athletics and non-athletics events throughout the calendar year.Customers can choose where they want Bearcats Mobile to make contributions at the University of Cincinnati• ATHLETICS IMPACT FUND – This fund provides crucial funding to the athletics department to help with recruiting and retaining top-tier athletes, providing elite resources and competing for Big 12 championships.• UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI ADMISSIONS FUND – The University of Cincinnati Admissions Fund will be used to support scholarships while driving student recruitment and enrollment growth initiatives.• UC ALUMNI ASSOCIATION FUND – Supports the UC Alumni Association by helping to expand programs, reach more Bearcats and build a stronger UC Community.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Ex-UC Bearcats QB Tony Pike to help engage former UC football players