Mario Moccia a transformational figure for Saluki Athletics
12/30/2014 | 12:00:00 | DawgTracker
By Tom Weber
SIUSalukis.com
CARBONDALE, Ill. - Mario Moccia's tenure as Director of Athletics comes to a close tomorrow. He did more to transform Saluki Athletics during his eight-plus years as AD than any of his predecessors, with the possible exception of Hall of Famer Donald Boydston, who during the 1960s was also a transformational figure.
To begin to appreciate the impact Moccia had on Saluki Athletics, and indeed the University, look no further than McAndrew Stadium. Actually, you can't look at it, because it's gone. Described by one chancellor as the "rusting hulk" standing in the heart of our campus, the dilapidated structure gave generations of passers-by the impression that we simply didn't care. The only thing McAndrew Stadium was good for during its final years was transmitting staph infections to anyone who dared enter its locker rooms.
Built in 1964, SIU Arena was also in steep decline. Inspectors had to certify that the creaky wooden bleachers could still meet safety standards. Using one of the building's two restrooms meant missing part of the game while standing in line. The concessions -- yuck. Chris Lowery's office was the size of a walk-in closet, with a loveseat shoe-horned into the corner of the room. If a recruit brought both parents on a visit, well, somebody just had to stand. There was no room to put the school's Athletic Hall of Fame in the arena, so it resided in the basement of the Student Center, where perhaps you could see it, unless there happened to be a craft show taking place.
Before Moccia arrived, we were constantly apologizing for the run-down state of our facilities. There was a time when a child fell through the bleachers at Abe Martin Field, hitting his head on the concrete 20 feet below. He was ok, but the old ballpark was anything but family friendly.
The transformation of the athletic facilities at Southern during the last eight years reminds me of the reality TV show Flip or Flop, in which a real estate agent buys a run-down fixer-upper and by the end of the episode, turns the place into a sparkling palace. Saluki Stadium, SIU Arena, Itchy Jones Stadium, Lew Hartzog Track & Field Complex, the Boydston Center -- we now live in that palace.
Football was the first, and biggest, domino to fall. For years, people talked about building a new football stadium. There were even some artist renderings. But it was all talk, and no one seriously believed it would happen. Moccia insisted it could be done, and he eventually convinced every key decision-maker and financial-supporter that it would be done.
Moccia wasn't the original author of Saluki Way, but he took a notepad full of pie-in-the-sky and turned it into real-life brick and mortar. The first shovel never would have hit the ground without his business acumen and determination. As for the design itself, Saluki Way was all Moccia. Every nuance and detail of these new buildings were the product of his careful consideration.
Facilities will be his legacy at Southern, but his impact was felt in many areas.
Mario was a tireless promoter of the Saluki brand. He struck an apparel deal with UnderArmour that was unprecedented for a mid-major school. At the peak of the market, he sold the school's marketing rights to Learfield, and the department continues to reap those benefits.
If you talk to other ADs in the league, they will tell you Moccia was one of the most respected and influential leaders in the Valley. He was a relationship-builder not only in the power circles of the NCAA, but he also strengthened the department's standing on campus and in the community.
Customer service was a hallmark of Moccia's tenure at SIU, setting a high standard for future ADs. Every aspect of the game-day experience -- from pregame tailgating, to concessions, to in-game entertainment -- has markedly improved.
Fans will point out that the department's flagship programs -- men's basketball and football -- have not qualified for postseason in the last five years. It's a fair criticism, but ultimately it's the AD's job to hire the coach, provide them with unequivocal support and hold them responsible for performance. Moccia has done those things.
Not every decision an AD makes is popular, but Moccia was willing to listen to a different perspective. He didn't hold a grudge if you disagreed with him, and that helped soften any disappointment once a course was plotted. He was also able to change his mind upon reflection.
Professionally speaking, Moccia helped me become a better SID. He always supported me and allowed my voice to be heard.
On a personal level, I found him to be an extraordinarily compassionate man. He had his senior staff sign hundreds of get well or condolence cards. He raised money for a multitude of worthy causes. If you were a Saluki, and you were in need, he was there. He hated firing people, because he knew how it would disrupt their lives. In one of his last official acts, he pleaded with staff to donate items to a local woman with nine children who had come upon hard times.
On behalf of Saluki Athletics, thank you, Mario, for what you did to advance this department. We wish you well in your new endeavor.