Ask the AD -- March Edition
03/31/2015 | 12:00:00 | General
CARBONDALE, Ill. - This is the latest installment of our monthly feature called, "Ask the AD." If you have questions for interim Director of Athletics Harold Bardo, feel free to submit them by E-Mail.
How soon do you anticipate having times for the football games this fall and is the schedule finished or will there be an 11th game?
We just announced our 11th game and are very pleased to add FCS opponent Liberty on Sept. 26. They were nationally ranked last season and won a playoff game, so this will be a very important game for our program. It will also be Family Weekend. Concerning game times, the first three games will be at 6 p.m. The Oct. 31 and Nov. 14 games, when the weather is cooler, will kick at 2 p.m.
What do you feel are the most important characteristics the University should look for in the next AD?
The most important characteristic in the next AD would be a person who understands and respects the culture of the Southern Illinois University Intercollegiate Athletics program. A healthy appreciation for the past and an optimistic view of the future is essential. The skill set required of the next AD is the same skill set required for all successful ADs -- good interpersonal skills, measured by an ability to raise money. Next and equally important is the ability to hire coaches who become so successful here that they will move on to greener pastures. Likewise, one must be able to gracefully discharge those coaches not capable of winning at this level.
The baseball team is off to a very poor start. What will it take to win again?
Recruiting is the lifeblood of every program, including baseball. We are only one year removed from the opening of Itchy Jones Stadium, and we expect this new facility is just beginning to have an impact on recruiting. This year's team is very young with a lineup of mostly freshmen and sophomores, and we will see how they develop. Coaching is, of course, another critical piece of the puzzle.
