Just when IU fans where getting comfortable with the names of possible replacements for Athletic Director Rick Greenspan, the university pulled a quick one. While the names Bob De Carolis and Scott Dolson were the most popular in the rumor mill, in the end, it was IU alumnus Fred Glass who got the job. For now, Hoosier fans can only read about what Glass has done since graduating with a law degree in 1984. Unless Glass pulled a
George O’Leary, all signs seem to be pointing to the consensus that this decision was a great one.
Just over a week ago,
on Oct. 20, IU spokesperson Larry MacIntyre announced that the search committee had narrowed the field down to about five candidates. From there, rumors starting swirling that De Carolis, the current athletic director at Oregon State, and Dolson, IU's Associate Athletic Director were the front runners. It wasn't until yesterday morning, when the Indianapolis Business Journal's
Anthony Schoettle wrote that IU's AD search was "down to three," that Glass' name was even mentioned as being in the mix.
Though he may have been the least expected hire, his abilities and the potential he brings to our athletic department should not be discounted. While he has no experience working within a college athletic department as the other two candidates did, Glass' legal background, executive and administrative experience, and passion for Indiana sports are all enormous pluses. The move isn't unprecedented either, as Notre Dame hired Jack Swarbrick, a lawyer working with Glass at the Indianapolis law firm Baker & Daniels, in July.
While Glass has made a career as a law professional, his background shows a strong love for sports. He was the president of the committee that attempted to bring the Super Bowl to Indianapolis in 2011, and though that effort failed, he played a big role in bringing the game to Indiana's capital in 2012. He helped make Indianapolis a permanent fixture in the rotation of cities the host the Final Four and the Big Ten Tournaments. He also served as the president of the Monroe County Capital Improvement Board of Managers, which owns and is in charge of all the major sports venues in Indianapolis, including the newest, Lucas Oil Stadium.
The most impressive of Glass' credentials, though? He served as the chief of staff for Gov. Evan Bayh for nearly two and a half years. Obviously Glass is a capable individual. But what I like about him most has nothing to do with those things. It's simply the fact that Glass is a Hoosier.
He's from an Indiana family, has two degrees from IU, met his wife (who is also an IU graduate) at IU, has a child who graduated from IU, and currently serves on the Dean’s Advisory Board for IU’s College of Arts and Sciences. This is a man that knows the tradition of excellence at Indiana University and a man who will make decisions to get IU back to that proud tradition.
IU President Michael McRobbie announced the decision this morning at a press conference. When he took the mic, Glass displayed a great sense of humor. He talked about how bringing the Super Bowl to Indy is now “the second coolest thing I’ve done in my life.” He reminisced about cutting class to greet the 1976 U.S. National Team at the Indy airport. He even talked about having former IU-standout Randy Wittman over for parties when the two were in college.
But most importantly, Glass addressed the issues he would tackle.
"I really think we need to have a vision," Glass said. "It starts with comprehensive compliance. We’ve got to follow the rules, and we have to become known again for following the rules.
"Secondly, it's about academic achievement. Kids need to go to class, they need to progress toward their degree and they need to graduate.
"Finally, it’s about athletic excellence. We've got to give our coaches the tools and the resources they need to be successful."
Sounds like a heck of a good start. And I'm not the only one endorsing him. New basketball coach Tom Crean seemed to have similar feelings.
"You’ve got to have a real passion for what’s going on here, and he really seems to have that," Crean said at the press conference.
IU's new basketball motto has to do with a passion for the past and excitement for the future. The addition of Glass to the athletic department certainly helps to further this mentality.
What do you think? Was Fred Glass the right choice?
Linear Mode
