SCU Athletics - Will The Re-Org "Reinvigorate" The Broncos?

In the annals of our history, May 6th isn't a memorable day. 

However, this date may become a day to remember for SCU as the University decided to "Re-Org" Athletics reporting structure.

Intercollegiate Athletics now reports directly to University President Fr. Engh.  

Club and Recreational Sports report to the Provost's Office.  

Within NCAA Division 1 programs, this is not a novel move.  In fact, much like our program itself, it's late to the game.

BUT, the move puts us an important step closer to being "in the game".

I even like the way it was done.  

First, an email was sent to The Bronco Bench contributors who have been loyal to Athletics, followed by an email to the University Alums.  I have to admit this was a deft touch - given the past communications strategy of  "silence is golden".  

More evidence of the "silence" in Athletics.  Did we, as Men's Basketball Season Ticket Holders know that Assistant Coach Sam Scholl left SCU last month?  Eight years on our bench and not a peep.  We wish him well back at his Alma Mater - USD.

Underneath it all, it means that the new AD and the President will be aligned both strategically AND monetarily.  One cannot succeed without the other...

And IMHO, since legacy is vitally important to a University President and championships to an AD, there should be no distractions to the goal of national competitiveness.  

Step 1 - Check...

Step 2 - Hire an AD who has proven they can execute given proper resources.  

Many have asked:  "What names would you suggest?"  or "Where will we find great candidates that would consider Santa Clara?"

I believe SCU will have choices from many outstanding candidates who believe in our Catholic and Academic ideals and know how to win.

Consider our connections:

Our University Executives have come from a number of bigger programs, like Notre Dame.  Fr. Engh sits on the Board of Trustees at Boston College and is the President of the WCC President's Council.   

A number of our current and former coaches know prime time AD's from coaching SCU teams in NCAA Tournaments, NCAA conferences meetings, NCAA Basketball & NIT tournament committees, and personal relationships with big time program coaches.  

Former SCU star athletes who are, or have been in the professional sports ranks, must know hot AD prospects from their college draft and recruitment processes.  We have NBA MVP's (yes, more than Nash) we know well.  We have NBA world champions to get input from; even beyond Kurt Rambis.  

We have retained a National NCAA Sports recruiting search firm who have placed AD's in big time programs.

We have plenty of sources...

Our search committee, in SCU tradition, is diverse. The trust in them and the magnitude of the task is BIG.  I just hope we have the courage to "think" BIG and not compromise on the moment at hand.

The job description is now posted on SCU's site and the NCAA sports recruiters' site.  

I'll save some of you reading time.  In a nutshell, it says "Guide SCU Athletics to national prominence through improving competitive performance and hold inviolate SCU's traditions."  

The link is provided below.

SCU - AD Job Desciption

Change is afoot.  We need fresh air and some fresh ideas.

Step 1 - so far so good. 

Step 2  - however, is a giant one.  Hopefully a giant step forward!!!

For more Bucking Bronco, follow me on Twitter @fcrary.