New Athletic Director: What do you look for?

[BestDaneSinceHamlet]

Is this legit???? Out of nowhere.

[Dane96]

Legit

[BestDaneSinceHamlet]

I can't wait the 24 hours. Any hints?

[madDOG]

NDSU released a list of candidates for their AD opening, and two stood out to me: Stony Brook senior associate athletic director Matthew Larsen and St. Bonaventure athletic director Stephen Watson. I wonder if one of them decided to stay closer to home...

[UAalum72]

This morning Wyland guessed it's somebody from Minnesota, but he didn't give a name

[uofalbany]

From the university of Minnesota.... or just Minnesota?

[MRSGDG]

Mark Benson, previously the Sr Assoc. AD Athletic Foundation at Old Dominion.

 

He went to NC State for college.

 

He is/was also apart of the National Association of Athletic Development Directors 2014-15 Executive Committee.

 

 

Search of his name in the news:

ODU ties ticket sales record, but tickets still available http://hamptonroads....still-available

Edited August 20, 2014 by MsGDG

[UAFAN]

Mark Benson, ODU

 

https://www.odu.edu/directory/people/m/mbenson

[Dane96]

WOW...I like. This is a big move...big move.

[UAFAN]

Did he just confirm commitment to AE?

[MRSGDG]

I think someone who knows about $ is good for our athletics department. He already mentioned branding, fan engagement, season ticket holders, etc. Hopefully he will have the skills to engage the community and fans to bring in the $ that they need to support a growing program.

[danefan]

Gut reaction is great hire. But I haven't listened to the guy speak yet.

Edited August 20, 2014 by danefan

[MRSGDG]

Our damn press.. no questions.. well new AD.. you see what we're dealing with here...

[Dane96]

I like the hire because of the following:

 

1. $$$$$$$ That was his mission at ODU. It's exactly what we need for the growth of our program from a facility and conference perspective

2. ODU is one of the model growth programs.

3. Familiarity with the CAA.

4. Comes from a school with very good football and insanely good hoops.

 

And frankly, he should say we are committed to the AE. Until we get our finances to a point to be somewhat self-sustaining, the travel costs of moving elsewhere would reduce our ability to spend on facilities, scholarships, recruiting budgets, coaching salaries, and other amenities. In addition, the O'Bannon lawsuit is a game-changer. We would need money to support paying full cost and the image escrow that we would likely need in a bigger conference.

 

I think this is a smash hire.

[MRSGDG]

Those not able to view/listen..

 

Q: About ODU fast progress..

A: Paraphrase: Five years for football program at ODU how to operate, finances, campus, atmosphere, etc. He said it was actually a slow long process. Have to market, who, what,when, grassroots efforts. Very inclusive process. He hopes to do that here, and collaborate here.

Edited August 20, 2014 by MsGDG