LaBarbera announces retirement

crusadermoe · March 03, 2022, 05:53:27 PM

Fully agree with you. He maxed what he could with the VU resource levels.

valpopal · March 04, 2022, 09:46:08 AM

The AD position description and hiring process is open with an April 8 deadline for applications:
https://www.parkersearch.com/current-opportunities/valparaiso-university/director-athletics

vu72 · March 21, 2022, 12:35:16 PM

You all are going to like this. "Won't tolerate mediocrity" "nobody's doormat" "be held accountable"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtmDaIK7LxQ&t=10s

oklahomamick · March 21, 2022, 01:32:57 PM

2 things.

1. Thank goodness he didn't wear a sweater with the Beacon. Went with the shield, good call.

2. He said all the right things.

valpo64 · March 21, 2022, 01:38:25 PM

That interview was one of the most uplifting things regarding our athletic program at VU that I have ever heard. President Padilla's support of athletics should give us all alot of confidence in "righting the ship", from what he is looking for in the new A D, facilities, demands on coaching and even mentioning Coach Lottich's name, winning and being competitive in the MVC. I am enthusiastic for the future of our programs, especially basketball, with our new President. He recognizes the importance of athletics as they relate to a viable Valparaiso University.

NativeCheesehead · March 21, 2022, 03:22:22 PM

78crusader · March 21, 2022, 03:50:46 PM

I am old school, and I don't think it's appropriate for a 25-something interviewer to address the 63-year old president of Valparaiso University by any name other than "President Padilla."

Paul

vu72 · March 21, 2022, 07:21:48 PM

Quote from: 78crusader on March 21, 2022, 03:50:46 PM
I am old school, and I don't think it's appropriate for a 25-something interviewer to address the 63-year old president of Valparaiso University by any name other than "President Padilla."

Paul

Actually he prefers it. Only the students call him President Padilla. She used both but my guess is he instructed her that it is just fine to call him Jose.

nkvu · March 21, 2022, 09:19:15 PM

I liked the interview. It was the first time I'd heard him speak and I was impressed. He said all the right things about not wanting to be anyone's doormat yet adding a dose of reality that the new AD and the university will need to "punch above our weight" given the resource's available at a small private school. I also got the less than ringing endorsement of Matt, the unstated message that his program better take a big step soon or the new AD will be free to "make whatever changes he/she thinks necessary (and be held accountable for the results)." He can talk the talk. Now we shall see if he walks the walk.

JD24 · May 18, 2022, 12:05:41 PM

Is this tweet and indicator that a new AD is being made known tomorrow?

https://twitter.com/i/status/1526955787821539330

NotBryceDrew · May 18, 2022, 01:25:20 PM

I believe they already announced the time and date. But yes, it is tomorrow.

VUSupport · May 19, 2022, 09:51:03 AM

It's already hitting the internet that its going to be Dr. Charles Small from Iowa State:

Valparaiso will name Iowa State Senior Assoc. AD for Student Services Small as its next AD, per CollegeAD. The Beacons will introduce its next AD at 11am local time. (link)

vu72 · May 19, 2022, 10:27:10 AM

Quote from: VUSupport on May 19, 2022, 09:51:03 AM
It's already hitting the internet that its going to be Dr. Charles Small from Iowa State:

Valparaiso will name Iowa State Senior Assoc. AD for Student Services Small as its next AD, per CollegeAD. The Beacons will introduce its next AD at 11am local time. (link)

Thanks for spoiling the surprise!

NativeCheesehead · May 19, 2022, 10:29:01 AM

So the new AD is younger than me. Now I'm officially old.

Kidding aside, he has a nice resume. Looking forward to seeing what he can do!

VUSupport · May 19, 2022, 10:45:35 AM

Blame the internet for doing that

NativeCheesehead · May 19, 2022, 11:12:35 AM

Hopefully the first thing he changes is the streaming tech. This stream is a mess.

JD24 · May 19, 2022, 12:42:30 PM

Quote from: NativeCheesehead on May 19, 2022, 11:12:35 AMHopefully the first thing he changes is the streaming tech. This stream is a mess.

For me the stream was non-existent and I had the hamsters on full power.

humbleopinion · May 19, 2022, 12:59:11 PM

The PA system could have been better during the news conference part of the announcement event. Maybe that will be addressed.

elephtheria47 · May 19, 2022, 01:38:32 PM

Not sure if or how involved he was with MBB while there, but Iowa State went from winning 2 games the entire season 2 years ago to winning 2 games in NCAAT this past year. President Padilla has said he's intent on turning athletics around..I like this direction versus some of the other rumored candidates.

mp91 · May 19, 2022, 02:02:18 PM

Exciting hire for sure! First, taking on someone from a major conference with experience governing multiple sports a major plus. Secondly, love that he is younger who can relate more easily to the students and the modern NCAA/college sports environment infrastructure. Being a former player is also nice. I'm happy we went with a diverse candidate. It's about time we had a black athletic director and shows signs our athletic department is modernizing. It sounds like he is a progressive thinker, even created a mental health advisor program within the athletic department at ISU, which is surprisingly rare for major programs and definitely needs to become more commonplace. Sounds like he is also well regarded for creating partnerships within the school and community, which is going to be essential here as that has always been a major obstacle at Valpo.

Love the resume, let's hope he delivers!

(I'm most interested in seeing his approach to name, image, and likeness. Let's hope he sets up some infrastructure for that.)

tjn2004 · May 19, 2022, 02:40:26 PM

Padilla's words and all the press release type stuff specifically hits on his successful basketball background. About time the focus is coming to the crown jewel again. I don't know what Lottich drives but he didn't need to pay extra for heated seats, his seat must already be feeling hot now.

It is about to come full circle...

Jamie Dixon left Pitt.
Pitt hired Stallings from Vandy.
Vandy hired Bryce.
We promoted Lottich.
Now Lottich can get fired by a former Dixon player at Pitt.

VU75 · May 19, 2022, 04:05:04 PM

Quote from: NativeCheesehead on May 19, 2022, 10:29:01 AMSo the new AD is younger than me. Now I'm officially old.

I got that feeling when Obama got elected.

valpopal · May 19, 2022, 06:00:30 PM

So how soon before Iowa State appears on a future Valpo basketball schedule?

usc4valpo · May 19, 2022, 09:01:49 PM

Awesome, I will see them in Ames!

vu72 · May 20, 2022, 11:06:26 AM

Valpo certainly is making a big deal over this hire. Publicity all over the country! Sure seems like a great hire. If you haven't seem this AD's Insight, it's a great interview:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjOmikfQcFM