When I parked in the Leavey lot September 17th, on my way to interview SCU's new athletic's director, Renee Baumgartner, there was total chaos in the lot and in the building.
Stuff was everywhere. Trucks, rolling carts, giant trash bins. People were in purge mode. That, in conjunction with the Men's BB locker room reconstruction, made me feel like I was witnessing an episode of HGTV's "Fixer Upper."
After my interview, I realized that this was actually a "planned" purge versus chaos.
The metaphors for change were in your face.
Metaphor # 1
Good riddance to the "old" everything: out goes the musty carpets, furniture, ancient uniforms, attitudes, and other "gear" that was hoarded by everyone "just in case." Message: this is a clean start folks. A reboot that says show pride, take pride, step up. Just check out our teams in their new Nike wear...
Metaphor # 2
We are SCU Athletics, not just individual teams, but part of something to build together. SO, as "suggested", be there to support your other teams. The Water Polo team must have loved the extra "kick" from having the other SCU teams on campus that day showing support in the stands.
Metaphor # 3
The initial phase of the The Blue Ribbon and Trustees Plan goes to 2020. I know this is a stretch, but in Ophthalmology terms that's considered perfect vision. The plan states national relevance by 2020. To me, this means Men's Basketball and Baseball need to make a pretty big move: NCAA or College World Series qualifications. M/W Soccer are already there as is Women's Volleyball.
I can tell you there are many "eyes" on this target; not just a new athletic director wanting to make a mark.
Metaphors are nice, but there are many skeptics after 20 years of a woefully underfunded athletic department operating budget. Other than a few breakout teams, SCU has been mostly irrelevant in the WCC and NCAA. We've heard a wealth of ambitions, but have been chasing them with an empty wallet.
BTW, the Men's Basketball budget in the WCC, last, by more than $200K.*
Whether Dr. Renee Baumgartner was an "are you kidding me" choice or the perfect choice, I can tell to this for sure.
She really doesn't care...You heard me...
To her, the decision is "old" news and her sole focus is to exceed the 2020 objectives. "Just judge me on what we accomplish, that's all I ask." Fair enough. The "Supreme Court" made up of of SCU major sports fans will be weighing the evidence in excruciating detail.
I found her engaging, energetic, open, and wait a minute, candid. Communication is actually part of the plan - not a void or a "distasteful" task like it seemed in the past.
There is an all coaches meeting every Tuesday. While many coaches probably hate more meetings, guess what, it allows airing of needs, priorities, and assignments to address/fix issues. No hiding in the corner office.
Renee is also a member of Fr. Engh's council. She sits at the table and comes ready to get things done. According to other sources, Fr. Engh is not just listening and learning, but ponying up money to plug holes. You may be surprised to learn that before the Blue Ribbon Commission, our prior A.D., during his 10 years, never presented to the Trustees.
Metaphors, harbingers, there are methods and things moving...
Old is out and change is in, be it carpets, habits, ideas. Given resources, losing is "out" and competitive is in...
One last HGTV Metaphor: It sorta feels like we're trying to move out of "This Old House" towards our "Dream Home" - relevance.
It will need 2020 Vision and execution to have a chance...
Next up: Part 2. I get answers to your tough questions...Stay tuned...
Follow the Bucking Bronco on Twitter @Fcrary
* 2013-14 reporting year
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