http://www.thegazette.com/subject/sport ... ts+News%29
Will post an updated link with a story when it's posted....
He nailed his introductory conference. Absolutely has the fan base rallied 100% behind him after that.
Some quotes/tidbits
-"I want us to be excellent...all the time. We want to win championships. Make no doubt,"
-"We are going to do things the right way, in everything that we do. They value the way that you win,"
-The facilities plan for the dome upgrades, basketball practice facility, etc... are going to move forward pretty much immediately.
-Harris on state funding (re: from ISU/Iowa): we want to receive the appropriations we deserve. Joked about his perspective changing on it.
-He said he asked Troy Dannen about the job - Troy told him it was a "fantastic job"
-Mention that Iowa State AD Pollard was the single most influential person.
-The importance of family to him. Spent a lot of time talking about how important his wife and kids were to him, and he wouldn't have taken the job if it took him away from them too much. Mentioned his mom passing 10 years ago, and how important she was and how the family got together over Christmas and had a celebration of her life. His dad lives in Baton Rouge and how big of an influence he's had on his path to where he is.
- Mentioned he applied because of UNI's academic reputation (he started his career in academic affairs and was key in Iowa State's graduation rate), the foundation in place around athletics at UNI, and he felt home in Cedar Falls.
- His vision is to be great, not just on the field, but off and especially in the community. This is something UNI has lacked. On-field/court has been good but the community engagement from UNI has always been poor. His personality, from what I've read and saw, will be GREAT getting the entire Cedar Valley engaged.
-Wants student athletes to be able to say, "I graduated with a major of my choosing. I competed for championships. I felt cared for as a person. I want to be someone who donates when they have an opportunity. I would recommend UNI to others."
-He was asked what it meant to him to be one of the few African-American athletic directors. You could tell he had prepared for that kind of question, but was genuinely appreciative it was asked and had a fantastic answer about how it's an honor to be able to say he is and how he wants to represent as best as he can for others to get a chance.
I mean....that was a 10 of 10 presser
