You read the title correctly...Brilliant!
It has to be...
A brief summary of what some Broncos are saying:
When the initial reaction to the selection has former athletes, alums, fans, season ticket holders and potential donors scratching their heads - it must be "over their heads" as to what we didn't know. Brilliant!
When the new AD has no apparent connections to the University, Silicon Valley, the WCC or a rolodex of "go to" supporters and donors. Brilliant!
When the "vetting" process seemed to include mostly the cheerleaders for Dr. Baumgartner and not looking deeper into other sources at Oregon, the NCAA committees she worked on and private sources of people we know. Brilliant!
When we pass on an opportunity with another candidate who had the potential to reunite decades of disconnected former Bronco star athletes who could work together to elevate the program and energize fans and donors. Brilliant!
That being said, I DO THINK THE CHOICE IS BRILLIANT...
Here's why...
For the first time in 3 decades, the new AD - Dr. Renee Baumgartner, is set up for success. It's a "can't fail" opportunity. The University leadership, Fr. Engh, his Cabinet, The President's Commission's on Athletics, The Trustees, and The Regents, will not allow that to happen. There's just too much at stake.....
It's Brilliant!
All the success "pressure points" are aligned and as Fr. Engh now knows, the visibility to the University is enormous...And so is the potential.
Consider:
$The Funding will be there$
Fr. Engh laid out the short term budget infusions that have happened and are committed. That's never been made public before.
The AD reports directly to Fr. Engh and is part of his Cabinet
As I've mentioned before, one of the most important things to a University President is his Legacy - what big things were accomplished. The success of Athletics will be a centerpiece of that Legacy. Therefore, he will be involved in whatever is required to ensure Athletics rises to national prominence.
Major sports will have to become Major
National relevance in athletics is all about VISIBILITY. Major sports success is the "igniter" for national PR. Scheduling, recruiting, and beating better opponents. We are already there in Women's Soccer and Volleyball. Their consecutive NCAA appearances and wins are impressive. This MUST happen in Men's Basketball and Baseball. Men's Soccer has had NCAA success and the new facilities will help build consistency.
Donors know their contributions will have major impact
While it's great to have your name on an Engineering building, the visibility of having your name associated with building a nationally relevant Men's Basketball program, for example, is enticing.
The new Stevens Soccer training facility and stadium expansion is a game changer...And now it's a surer bet that donors loyalty will be rewarded on a national scope.
Everyone will be Watching and Measuring
SCU's new direction in Athletics is a total "wake up" call. The Athletic staff, alums, season ticket holders, the Press - everyone's antennas are up. I like it.
So, it is brilliant!
Finally, at the announcement event on Wednesday, I have to say, both Fr. Engh and Dr. Baumgartner did well. Fr. Engh, shared new details about the selection process and the unique qualities Dr. Baumgartner possesses that probably should have been done upfront in the original announcement. It would have dampened the sharp response from Alums and the media. It exposed SCU's naivete' when it comes to Athletics and communications.
The energy and enthusiasm in Dr. Baumgartner's remarks was palpable. She showed a command of the stage and shared a preview of what to expect from her leadership. I sensed a little bit of "prove the naysayers wrong" in her delivery; maybe a bit of the competitive former athlete's "tude" surfacing. It was a good opener. See the link below if you wish to see the video.
Occasionally, either intended or unintended, there's a little brilliance in craziness. Whether you feel the new AD selection is crazy or brilliant - it's doesn't change the reality of what SCU has committed to achieving through athletics. It won't happen fast, but finally, after decades of just having our athletics program as this "thing" across the campus - it is now "the thing" on campus.
The stage is set. Can't wait to see the opening act!!
This is quite possibly the worst piece of writing I've ever encountered.
ReplyDeleteFred, stop with the dumb blog. You don't speak for the Santa Clara fans. Like the other poster said, a third grader could write better.
ReplyDeleteNo worse writing than any other blog. I don't agree with his conclusions--the announcement and introduction process were in no way "brilliant" and are nothing less than incompetent --but I will defend his right to write this blog. He does not purport to represent everyone and its clearly his opinion. He is too much of a cheerleader but hey its his blog and he wants to try and create some positive spin. But I for one am tired of people trying to "spin me" with the "trust us we know whats best so just blindly send in your contributions" attitude the University continually exhibits.
ReplyDeleteAMEN to the previous post, especially the "trust us we know..." part. The administration picked someone they could control.
ReplyDeleteSCU has sports? Really? Who knew? It's like my gambling friend who was surprised to find out Tahoe had a lake.
ReplyDeleteCheck out the urbandictionary definition of "smoke blower," "drink the kool-aid," and "smh."
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand (non-athletic), check out these figures from PayScale.com. and roi (return on invstment) for SCU and its WCC partners, as well as Notre Dame, Boston College, and Creighton. The lower the score the better or more highly rated roi.
Payscale.com
Pep 344
BYU 42
SCU 51
UOP 237
LMU 376
USF 212
USD 445
Port 442
Gonz 149
StMar 64
Ndame 75
BosCol 130
Creigh 351
Father Locatelli had it right: competence, conscience, compassion. What place do sports or athletics have to do with this?
ReplyDeleteAthletic competitiveness would be nice, but it's just icing on the cake, really, something to do on the weekends between study sessions or labs.
Thanks for the blog, Fred. Unfortunately, your comments prior to the July 8 introduction were judiciously skeptical, afterwards purely
ReplyDeletesychophantic. Before, you were a journalist. Now, you're a "sunshine pumper." GO BRONCOS!
Poor Dan Coonan. His legacy is "Who Cares About Bronco Athletics?" He was the victim of poor hires and lack of administration support (read $$$). Consider Kerry Keating. KK's conference record over eight seasons is 46-77 (.374). He was a great assistant coach, but he doesn't fit the bill as a head coach. His seat must be very HOT!
ReplyDeleteFred. Fred. Fred. You definitely have schizoid tendencies! From "Brilliant" to " "low C," and "barely passing." What's up???
ReplyDelete