SYRACUSE — When new Syracuse University athletics director (AD) John Wildhack begins his new duties in mid-August, he wants to start by getting to know his staff. “I think that’s really, really important in establishing a personal connection with everybody in the athletic department,” said Wildhack. He was answering questions from reporters during his introductory […]
SYRACUSE — When new Syracuse University athletics director (AD) John Wildhack begins his new duties in mid-August, he wants to start by getting to know his staff.
“I think that’s really, really important in establishing a personal connection with everybody in the athletic department,” said Wildhack.
He was answering questions from reporters during his introductory event on July 12 at George R. Iocolano and William C. Petty Football Wing.
He also wants to get “up to speed as quickly” as he can to figure out what tasks the department has to complete and improve upon.
Wildhack believes it’s important to “create a culture” among the department’s employees.
“I think any successful organization has a defined and unique culture, and that’s what I want to work to try to create,” he added.
Wildhack’s answers to reporters’ questions at the event included the following:
On Syracuse basketball coach Jim Boeheim’s succession
“Jim’s commitment to Syracuse is second-to-none. [Syracuse assistant coach] Mike [Hopkins]’s commitment to Syracuse is amazing as well. Mike’s been incredibly loyal. I look at it as there’s a succession plan in place. We want to navigate that as effectively as we possibly can to ensure that we have the sustained, continued success of men’s basketball because I know how important that program is to the university community and all Orange fans,” said Wildhack.
On his relationship with Boeheim
“I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Coach [Jim Boeheim] and [wife] Juli [Boeheim] for a number of years. Jim grew up in a little town, Lyons, New York, and my grandfather had a little drug store … six miles down the Erie Canal. I know Jim used to go to my grandfather’s drug store and have a little soda every once in a while … We just got to know each other over the years. We haven’t spent a lot of time together. We like to play golf. We’re both mediocre. We used to be pretty good. Now we’re mediocre,” Wildhack quipped.
On why Syracuse AD is his dream job
“I think number one is my roots. Being a native of upstate New York, being an undergraduate here, being a proud alumnus of Syracuse, keeping a connection after graduation through the [S.I.] Newhouse School [of Public Communications], through the Falk School [David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics]. Central New York is incredibly important to me and our family. This would be the first move I’ve made in 36 years, so that tells you I’m probably [not the most] transient person in the world … Secondly, as I look at my family … if I come to them anytime soon and say ‘what about a move?’ — they will all disown me,” Wildhack said, drawing some laughter.
On Syracuse head football coach Dino Babers
“I thoroughly enjoyed meeting Coach Babers in this process … He has a defined philosophy … a defined philosophy on offense. We are going to spread. We are going to go fast. We are going to go faster than anybody else. Defense … it’s the Tampa 2 … When you have a philosophy, that then allows him and his staff to recruit student-athletes who can have success in those offensive and defensive philosophies. His commitment to student-athletes and the academic side was very, very impressive. When he was hired, I had a number of our ESPN analysts reach out to me and say ‘great hire’… so I’m excited about working with Coach Babers,” said Wildhack.
On the modern-day athletic director
“That’s for others, I think, to probably define … For me, it is (A) the passion I have for this university, all facets of the university, (B) I have had tremendous experience and very rewarding experience dealing with various conferences, dealing with the NCAA, etc. … I think most important is the passion that I bring. I’ll challenge my staff. Again, we’re in a great place. How do you get better? And I will rely heavily on my staff. It’s a very, very talented group ... We will collaborate as a staff. If we do that and we do that with our colleagues across the university, we’ll have success,” he said.
Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com