One Step Away Tom Moreland on the Future of University of Toledo Athletics

Success in college athletics is often measured by wins and championships, but for Tom Moreland, lasting success begins with something much simpler: people. In this episode of Taylor Community Connection, Tom Cole sits down with the new Vice President and Director of Athletics at the University of Toledo to discuss his vision for Rocket Athletics, building relationships throughout the community, and why he believes Toledo is "one step away" from becoming truly great.

Before arriving at the University of Toledo, Moreland built a reputation for increasing attendance, growing season ticket sales, and generating revenue during leadership roles at both the University of Illinois and Purdue University. When asked about the secret behind that success, his answer is straightforward.

"It always starts with people."

Moreland believes strong organizations are built by hiring great people, investing in relationships, and creating meaningful one on one connections with fans, donors, season ticket holders, and the broader community. Rather than waiting for supporters to come to the university, he wants Rocket Athletics to be visible throughout Northwest Ohio, strengthening relationships that extend far beyond game day.

Having grown up in Wisconsin and spent much of his career throughout the Midwest, Moreland says Toledo immediately felt like home. Shortly after arriving, he, his wife Jen, and their two children purchased a home just minutes from campus. He describes Toledo as a welcoming community filled with pride, strong values, and people who genuinely care about one another, qualities he believes make it an ideal place to build both a career and a family.

Throughout the conversation, Moreland emphasizes that athletic success begins with student athletes.

While facilities and fan experiences remain important, his first priority is investing in the people who wear the Rocket uniform. He points to the upcoming Champions Complex as the next major step for the department. The new facility will centralize nutrition, athletic training, academics, and student athlete support services, helping Toledo recruit, develop, and retain top talent while giving athletes the resources they need to succeed both on and off the field.

Academic achievement remains another cornerstone of Moreland's philosophy.

He praises Toledo's coaches for creating cultures of discipline that extend beyond competition. From the classroom to community service to athletic performance, he believes success comes from focusing on the process every single day. As he explains, "What you do some of the time, you do all of the time," a mindset he hopes will continue producing graduates who are prepared for life long after their playing careers end.

The discussion also explores one of the biggest changes facing college athletics today: Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL).

Moreland acknowledges that the NIL landscape has evolved rapidly, but believes Toledo has an opportunity to stand out by approaching it with integrity. His vision is to build a sophisticated NIL strategy while honoring every commitment made to student athletes and their families. That trust, he believes, will become a competitive advantage when recruiting future Rockets.

Tom and Moreland also discuss an issue many Rocket fans have raised over the years: weekday football games.

Moreland says improving the fan experience is a priority, and he has already begun conversations with the Mid American Conference about scheduling more marquee games on Friday nights or weekends whenever possible. One significant step has already been made, with this season's rivalry game against Bowling Green moving to a Friday night, allowing more fans the opportunity to attend.

Despite all of the changes happening in college athletics, Moreland remains optimistic about the future.

He believes Toledo already has outstanding coaches, talented student athletes, passionate fans, and a supportive community. With stronger relationships, continued investment, and a commitment to excellence, he sees a program that is poised to take the next step.

"We've been successful. We've been really good," Moreland says. "I think we're one step away from truly being great."

This conversation offers an exciting look at the future of Rocket Athletics and the vision of a leader committed to building success through people, relationships, and community.

👉 Watch now to hear Tom Moreland share his vision for University of Toledo Athletics and why he believes the Rockets' best days are still ahead.