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Do IT this week: Layering
By Patrick McManamon
Beacon Journal sports columnist
POSTED: 05:58 p.m. EST, Feb 23, 2009
It makes a person cringe, that's what it does.
When you hear that University of Akron Athletic Director Mack Rhoades is a finalist for the same job at Rutgers, you just cringe.
And the reason you cringe is the same reason he's a finalist — he does such a dadgum good job.
Those who do outstanding jobs at Mid-American Conference schools are noticed, and the unfortunate fallout of being noticed is a job interview, and possibly the departure of an athletic director.
Obviously, this would be disappointing for UA and all those who have put their faith — and money — in Rhoades by supporting his efforts, especially toward the new stadium going up on campus.
A university does not like to lose good people. It happens, but it's disappointing. Rhoades is a flat-out, straight-shooting, good-father, good guy.
When that good person is talented at his job, the loss hits double. UA will go on, but it would hurt.
This might not happen, mind you.
Rhoades, as one of the three finalists, has challenging competition, especially from Tim Pernetti. He is a former vice president of CBS College Sports and a graduate of Rutgers. He also played for Rutgers football coach Greg Schiano in high school, and Schiano apparently wields a lot of influence at Rutgers.
Pernetti might be the leading candidate. Rhoades, 43, is one of three finalists, and he will spend part of Tuesday and Wednesday interviewing in New Jersey.
In Rhoades' tenure, UA has an on-campus football stadium under construction, has added an indoor football practice facility and student center and has plans to improve Rhodes Arena. Rhoades also has strengthened the student-athlete code of conduct, and improved the academic programs.
He hired Caleb Porter, who has continued the soccer program's success. J.D. Brookhart has taken the football team to a bowl game, the women's basketball team is improving, track and field is strong and Keith Dambrot has done an excellent job with men's basketball.
Dambrot, though, illustrates the concern.
If Rhoades leaves, Dambrot will have worked for three athletic directors since 2005. A new guy might come in and not like Dambrot or might like his own guy. It happens. Change can breed unwanted uncertainty.
Rhoades turned down two jobs before coming to UA, so he knows how to think this through. As he ponders this decision, he will ask himself the questions any of us would ask.
Is this the right move? Rhoades one day will surely run the athletic program for a BCS school, but is Rutgers the right ''in-between'' step?
Can Rhoades have an impact at Rutgers? People have been talking for decades about transforming that athletic program, and it's never happened. Yes, it's in the Big East, and, yes, there have been some improvements. It's bigger than UA and its budget dwarfs UA's ($57 million compared to almost $20 million), but it's never consistently been in the ''big time.''
What impact would this move have on his family and his children, especially so soon after his move to Akron? Other might disagree, but in my view, there's no more important question.
Is it about the money? Money's nice, but we all know what happens to those who ''follow the money.''
Is Rhoades' job finished at UA? Hardly. The stadium alone has much hard work ahead, and Rhoades would no doubt admit there's more work to be done. One day, he might take UA as far as he can, and then it might be time to make a move. Rhoades did not seek the Rutgers job; the timing is not his. But he interviewed and he's now a finalist. And UA waits.
Does this mean that UA, again, is a step on the road of someone's career? It's hard not to think of that as reality. Mike Bobinski went to Xavier. Mike Thomas went to Cincinnati. Now Rhoades ponders Rutgers.
Clearly the best thing for UA would be if Rhoades were not offered the job and he stayed and the university decided to extend his contract to maintain momentum and continuity.
But he also has the right to leave, and you have to trust he will not make the decision without considering the impact of his departure.
If Rhoades does go to Rutgers, it might be time for UA to reflect on the way it hires athletic directors. Stop following the lead of these search firms that bring people in from afar — at considerable income to the search firm. Instead rely on local knowledge.
UA found Dambrot in its backyard. It seems wise to consider and look for someone who is willing to put down roots for the long term and not until the next best job comes along.
That being said, it would be very nice for all involved if that person turns out to be the person UA already has — Mack Rhoades.
Patrick McManamon can be reached at pmcmanamon@thebeaconjournal.com. Read his blog at http://www.ohiomm.com/blogs/mcmanamon/
It makes a person cringe, that's what it does.
When you hear that University of Akron Athletic Director Mack Rhoades is a finalist for the same job at Rutgers, you just cringe.
And the reason you cringe is the same reason he's a finalist — he does such a dadgum good job.
Those who do outstanding jobs at Mid-American Conference schools are noticed, and the unfortunate fallout of being noticed is a job interview, and possibly the departure of an athletic director.
Obviously, this would be disappointing for UA and all those who have put their faith — and money — in Rhoades by supporting his efforts, especially toward the new stadium going up on campus.
A university does not like to lose good people. It happens, but it's disappointing. Rhoades is a flat-out, straight-shooting, good-father, good guy.
When that good person is talented at his job, the loss hits double. UA will go on, but it would hurt.
This might not happen, mind you.
Rhoades, as one of the three finalists, has challenging competition, especially from Tim Pernetti. He is a former vice president of CBS College Sports and a graduate of Rutgers. He also played for Rutgers football coach Greg Schiano in high school, and Schiano apparently wields a lot of influence at Rutgers.
Pernetti might be the leading candidate. Rhoades, 43, is one of three finalists, and he will spend part of Tuesday and Wednesday interviewing in New Jersey.
In Rhoades' tenure, UA has an on-campus football stadium under construction, has added an indoor football practice facility and student center and has plans to improve Rhodes Arena. Rhoades also has strengthened the student-athlete code of conduct, and improved the academic programs.
He hired Caleb Porter, who has continued the soccer program's success. J.D. Brookhart has taken the football team to a bowl game, the women's basketball team is improving, track and field is strong and Keith Dambrot has done an excellent job with men's basketball.
Dambrot, though, illustrates the concern.
If Rhoades leaves, Dambrot will have worked for three athletic directors since 2005. A new guy might come in and not like Dambrot or might like his own guy. It happens. Change can breed unwanted uncertainty.
Rhoades turned down two jobs before coming to UA, so he knows how to think this through. As he ponders this decision, he will ask himself the questions any of us would ask.
Is this the right move? Rhoades one day will surely run the athletic program for a BCS school, but is Rutgers the right ''in-between'' step?
Can Rhoades have an impact at Rutgers? People have been talking for decades about transforming that athletic program, and it's never happened. Yes, it's in the Big East, and, yes, there have been some improvements. It's bigger than UA and its budget dwarfs UA's ($57 million compared to almost $20 million), but it's never consistently been in the ''big time.''
What impact would this move have on his family and his children, especially so soon after his move to Akron? Other might disagree, but in my view, there's no more important question.
Is it about the money? Money's nice, but we all know what happens to those who ''follow the money.''
Is Rhoades' job finished at UA? Hardly. The stadium alone has much hard work ahead, and Rhoades would no doubt admit there's more work to be done. One day, he might take UA as far as he can, and then it might be time to make a move. Rhoades did not seek the Rutgers job; the timing is not his. But he interviewed and he's now a finalist. And UA waits.
Does this mean that UA, again, is a step on the road of someone's career? It's hard not to think of that as reality. Mike Bobinski went to Xavier. Mike Thomas went to Cincinnati. Now Rhoades ponders Rutgers.
Clearly the best thing for UA would be if Rhoades were not offered the job and he stayed and the university decided to extend his contract to maintain momentum and continuity.
But he also has the right to leave, and you have to trust he will not make the decision without considering the impact of his departure.
If Rhoades does go to Rutgers, it might be time for UA to reflect on the way it hires athletic directors. Stop following the lead of these search firms that bring people in from afar — at considerable income to the search firm. Instead rely on local knowledge.
UA found Dambrot in its backyard. It seems wise to consider and look for someone who is willing to put down roots for the long term and not until the next best job comes along.
That being said, it would be very nice for all involved if that person turns out to be the person UA already has — Mack Rhoades.
Patrick McManamon can be reached at pmcmanamon@thebeaconjournal.com. Read his blog at http://www.ohiomm.com/blogs/mcmanamon/
Comments
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Posted 07:54 PM, 02/23/2009
Unfortunately this is what the MAC must deal with at all levels of intercollegiate sports. If Rhoades leaves it will be a blow to the athletic department. As a Kent fan, we know all too well this situation. Fortunately, Laing Kennedy has done a magnificent job in replacing Gary Waters, Stan Heath, Jim Christian, Rick Riembelak, and others. Kent is fortunate to have kept Kennedy as long as they have. Kennedy is without a doubt a great A.D. Good Luck Akron if Rhoades leaves.
Kandi, SL
Posted 08:58 PM, 02/23/2009
No, he did not hire Caleb Porter, no he did not play a major part in building a new football stadium. What has he done... Can you come back to me later, Pat?
Kandi, SL
Posted 09:06 PM, 02/23/2009
Pat,
First Rutgers IS a BCS school. Does the name "Big East" mean anything to you. Secondly and so forth, Rhoades did NOT select Caleb Porter, he did NOT play a major part in putting a new football stadium on campus, he was not around for the construction or opening of the fieldhouse. What DID Rhodes do in his tenure...
Pat can you come back to me later for that one?
(Bottom line: this give UA the opportunity to fix the mistake they made by hiring the guy they let go to Cincinnati)
Tallmadge, OH
Posted 07:34 AM, 02/24/2009
Who cares if he leaves? it's MAC sports and he hasn't been here long enough to accomplish anything anyways.
Avon Lake, OH
Posted 08:10 AM, 02/24/2009
He might want to ask Gary Waters about the benefits of jumping to Rutgers... "Big East" doesn't carry the same weight it did about six or seven years ago - it's not the same conference it used to be.
Lorain, oh
Posted 12:44 PM, 02/24/2009
What a joke, if you want to know the guy that deserves the credit for the new stadium, and alot of the success of the emerging sports teams is the guy Rhodes replaced, Mike Thomas who is at Cincy.
It looks like Pat's man crush has went over the edge a bit...
On another point it looks interesting to see this guy attempting to jump ship right before the stadium is completed?!?
Posted 04:10 PM, 02/24/2009
The new stadium has been on the agenda for years. Because of many issues--land, state, government, funding etc.--this is hardly something that gets done overnight--or even in the last three years. I believe a lof of ground had been set. It seems that Mack played some role but it seems like he has gotten a bit too much credit. IIt sounds like he has done some good things--yet of course many people in these positions do things as well. I am not sure about if he hired the soccer coach --that coach according to what I checked arrived shortly after he did. One complaint I would have is that when Akron U FINALLY in the 21st century mind you started to have women's golf--the quote from him stated something to the nature of --well the men's program is off and running etc--so now we will go to the women--gee thanks for that. Really a bit outdated and sexist--even if that was not the intent. The statement should have been more like--we are really long overdue in getting women's golf going and are thankful that it now has been launched--a subtle, but important difference. I pointed this out in what I felt was a gentle and diplomatic manner-via an email-but did not even receive a response to that. Note I was expressing the thoughts of many others.
