AD Doug Gillin Intro Presser at 3 pm

[Saint3333]

"You work at a medium sized company and your boss/friend is a guy that is very likeable, whom you are personally comfortable where you stand in the picture going forward, and he is the top assistant for the opening He puts in for the job and goes up against a guy with a similar job at a much bigger company but with a broader range of experience. Your guy doesn't get the job and you are faced with uncertainty of what will change for you personally."

I understand their disappointment, Saint. But their disappointment is not nearly as important as doing the right thing for our athletic program. It's a business decision, not a popularity contest.

I am confident that we made the right decision.

Just to be clear, I'm not stating any one is disappointed, I'm saying if they were I could understand as they are much closer to the decision than we fans are. For those that are communicating to others their preference for Rick, it is a natural reaction to these decisions. But I think once it settles in that this is direction of the department we'll see a renewed focus to make Appalachian Athletics better. I don't think anyone up there is looking to jump ship and believe they will be the best they can to make App better. Many of them are alumni and care a great deal about the future of the university. I'm certain they will support Gillin. I'm excited to hear Gillin's vision and I look forward to that team to carry out his plans that he develops with their help and the help of alumni and fans. It's going to take everyone.

One of the best things I heard from Gillin's interviews is that he plans to listen first.

[hapapp]

"You work at a medium sized company and your boss/friend is a guy that is very likeable, whom you are personally comfortable where you stand in the picture going forward, and he is the top assistant for the opening He puts in for the job and goes up against a guy with a similar job at a much bigger company but with a broader range of experience. Your guy doesn't get the job and you are faced with uncertainty of what will change for you personally."

I understand their disappointment, Saint. But their disappointment is not nearly as important as doing the right thing for our athletic program. It's a business decision, not a popularity contest.

I am confident that we made the right decision.

Just to be clear, I'm not stating any one is disappointed, I'm saying if they were I could understand as they are much closer to the decision than we fans are. For those that are communicating to others their preference for Rick, it is a natural reaction to these decisions. But I think once it settles in that this is direction of the department we'll see a renewed focus to make Appalachian Athletics better. I don't think anyone up there is looking to jump ship and believe they will be the best they can to make App better. Many of them are alumni and care a great deal about the future of the university. I'm certain they will support Gillin. I'm excited to hear Gillin's vision and I look forward to that team to carry out his plans that he develops with their help and the help of alumni and fans. It's going to take everyone.

One of the best things I heard from Gillin's interviews is that he plans to listen first.

Exactly. It is understandable for those who work in the department that they may initially be disappointed. In time if Gillin is as good as his resume, then that will pass.

[bcoach]

"You work at a medium sized company and your boss/friend is a guy that is very likeable, whom you are personally comfortable where you stand in the picture going forward, and he is the top assistant for the opening He puts in for the job and goes up against a guy with a similar job at a much bigger company but with a broader range of experience. Your guy doesn't get the job and you are faced with uncertainty of what will change for you personally."

I understand their disappointment, Saint. But their disappointment is not nearly as important as doing the right thing for our athletic program. It's a business decision, not a popularity contest.

I am confident that we made the right decision.

Just to be clear, I'm not stating any one is disappointed, I'm saying if they were I could understand as they are much closer to the decision than we fans are. For those that are communicating to others their preference for Rick, it is a natural reaction to these decisions. But I think once it settles in that this is direction of the department we'll see a renewed focus to make Appalachian Athletics better. I don't think anyone up there is looking to jump ship and believe they will be the best they can to make App better. Many of them are alumni and care a great deal about the future of the university. I'm certain they will support Gillin. I'm excited to hear Gillin's vision and I look forward to that team to carry out his plans that he develops with their help and the help of alumni and fans. It's going to take everyone.

One of the best things I heard from Gillin's interviews is that he plans to listen first.

Exactly. It is understandable for those who work in the department that they may initially be disappointed. In time if Gillin is as good as his resume, then that will pass.

That is exactly right. Disappointment does not equal rebellion. I really hope Rick is able and willing to stay as I would love to see him function with a new leader. They may just make a great team.

[asu66]

"You work at a medium sized company and your boss/friend is a guy that is very likeable, whom you are personally comfortable where you stand in the picture going forward, and he is the top assistant for the opening He puts in for the job and goes up against a guy with a similar job at a much bigger company but with a broader range of experience. Your guy doesn't get the job and you are faced with uncertainty of what will change for you personally."

I understand their disappointment, Saint. But their disappointment is not nearly as important as doing the right thing for our athletic program. It's a business decision, not a popularity contest.

I am confident that we made the right decision.

Chris, the reaction of some is a very human reaction; and it's to be expected. A very likeable folk hero and Mountaineer Hall of Fame honoree finished second in the hiring process for one of the most recognizable position's on campus. How could our new chancellor possibly not see the wisdom of placing the local hero at the peak of the mountain? It came down to 1) a broader range of successful experiences; 2) highly successful experience at reigning in alumni and corporate dollars; 3) the vision he's said to have painted for the future; and 4) a vast storehouse of professional contacts and relationships he can call on when desirable.

Rick will be fine. He's making the highest salary he's ever made. His wife is a valued member of the ASU faculty. They both are fixtures at all major campus functions. I foresee them both continuing to grow in stature in their service to Appalachian.

I concur with you that the right choice was made for Appalachian. It's great to be a Mountaineer!

[AtlAppMan]

Our number one goal is to increase our budget while producing world-class student athletes. Assuming we run a clean program, which is non-negotiable, eveything else can be managed appropriately. Here is an article that references what Mike Alden did at Missouri during his 17 year tenure. If Doug can duplicate this success at App then I think we would be in great shape for the future.

http://espn.go.com/college-sports/story ... ck-rhoades

"Under the 56-year-old Alden, Missouri's annual athletics budget has grown from $13.7 million to $85 million and has benefited from $265 million in private donations that have helped fund $233.2 million in facilities upgrades, according to the school."

Keep in mind that seventeen years ago, Missouri was far from what they are today. In fact, they were a lot closer financially to where we are now than the SEC member they are today. It didn't happen by accident. This is a path App could follow with Doug Gillin leading. You have to have leaders that have vision and believe that high goals are possible and have a plan to get there.

[moehler]

Private donations is the key here, for all the good things Charlie and Peacock did for athletics, they still fell well short in the fundraising dept, especially corporate donations. I know its easier said than done, the economy isn't great, people are hurting, and its tough to give to App when you have bills to pay, but, Gillin's strength is fundraising, so its reasonable to expect donations to increase every year. If in 3 years we don't see significant increase in both corporate and alumi donations that would not speak well of Gillin.

[Rekdiver]

My strategy is simple: Why not Appalachian? The big boys have enough money and your donation will get naming rights of a major facility, while at Sic Duke UNC Usc Clemson et al you might get a bathroom named after you. And if you don't want to give to athletics how about support for a fine academic regional university? I wonder how many well heeled people like the McColls or the Goodnights have been asked or all the snowbirds from Fla?