Summarized here for anyone who hasn't had a chance to check out what he has said.
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- Fr. Leahy thanked Dave Trainer, VP for Human Resources, who chaired the search process. Said faculty, administrators, and trustees were involved as well. Certain goals and priorities were in mind at the beginning of the process. "First we wanted people who were known for personal integrity and for following the NCAA regulations," and also what BC would expect. Then that the individual could contribute to the distinctive mission of BC, linking academics, athletics, community service, providing example to everyone involved in the institution. Athletics today is increasingly complicated so they needed a proven leader and administrator. Finally, someone who could inspire and motivate student-athletes, fans, donors. "We clearly had a strong pool of candidates."
- Leahy said Kraft values academic excellence, believes in religious commitment. Points to him earning three degrees at Indiana.
- Kraft said he's entrusted with leadership of one of the athletics department at one of the nation's elite institutions. Said search committee was wonderful. Most important people in life, wife Betsy, kids Annabelle, Joseph. "My foundation, my rock." Said family and faith motivate him every day. They're already ready for the fall, have their gear picked out. Excited to meet Baldwin.
Says wife Betsy is incredibly strong, not only his wife but best friend. Very close to his family. "My family is all in on BC right now." Knows his dad is in heaven looking down with a big smile.
- Thanked "incredible people" at Temple. Philadelphia will always be a piece of his heart. Thanked a number of people there but "most importantly" the student-athletes there.
- "To me Boston College is the paradigm for college athletics." Tremendously smart student-athletes, passionate coaches, a commitment to excellence and championships, most importantly the department stands on a bedrock of principles and Jesuit values." These values made him a better son, husband, father, leader.
- Cliff notes version: Chicago kid, grew up in a Catholic family. Full of passion, enthusiasm for school and sports. Played football for Hoosiers earning several degrees. Knew as undergrad he wanted to work in college athletics. Saw the impact everyone had on he and his teammates. Then Loyola and on to Temple. "I never forget why I do what I do: The student athletes. Period." At the center of every single decision he makes. Always asks if it will benefit them, give better experience, help them in life.
Passionate about his job, can't tell you how excited he is. BC is well positioned to excel. He's felt the support already. Calls the ACC the premier athletic conference. Will be guided by faith, which will keep them steady.
"BC Nation I promise you this..." Pledges to maintain success in classroom, will give back to Boston community, will outwork every program in the country, from the top through the interns, GAs, etc. Will be champions and no excuses will get in their way. Will compete in everything we do. Strive for excellence at all times. "It is our time."
- Have to make the call on this season based on the facts. Let the medical folks be involved. Doesn't know BC's plan at this point but will learn it. First and foremost have to be safe and get athletes on campus the right way. Lots of positive tests different places. Have dealt with that at Temple. "What will the stadium look like"? He's very confident about football in the fall. 12-15 weeks ago, less confident. "The way things are moving ... I'm very confident that the right rollout and protection that it's place ... think we're going to be in good shape." As for fans in the stands, doesn't know.
- With D1 programs losing certain non-revenue sports, said there's still a place for them "100%". "We're all in this together." Just as proud of gymnastics, etc., as football. Wants to succeed at everything. Lots of these decisions have been a long time in the making. Finances of college sports is something everyone will look at. Feels good about where BC is from a bird's eye view. Committed to every sport, winning in every sport.
- Transition is always hard, throw quarantine and covid on it. "Boston College has been the job for me." So rare when you have your personal beliefs, system, faith, family coinciding with your professional life. They're happy at Temple. Next move would have to be something special. "This checked every box for us." Since Loyola, this one was always important. Jesuit foundation, big-time CFB, in the ACC. "This was really a dream job for me." Oldest daughter getting into first grade, wants to be part of a place long-term. Couldn't be happier. In the process it reaffirmed everything you thought. Momentum is right.
On the virtual search, he pointed to the virtual press conference and laughed. Different, hard to connect with individuals. He likes to get out of the office and walk around, meet people personally. The process was different but glad it worked out. They drove up this past weekend. Just driving up, looking at homes, walking around with the mask on. "It's a different time."
- Regarding BC's unique spot in the ACC and in Massachusetts, "It's funny you say that, I get that question a lot." He's coming from Philadelphia. There's an incredible history here. That's what excites him. Walking around seeing facilities. All the infrastructure, foundation is there. "That's the hardest part to get going." Can they compete in the ACC? "There's no doubt... We've got to grind." Wouldn't be there if he didn't think they could win championships at the highest level.
- Said Jeff Hafley was a great hire. Has had to make his share of hires. "I am really excited to get together with Jeff and his staff, he's done an incredible job already." Said transition years are difficult without covid. Five spring practices competing against the best is hard. But he believes in where Jeff's mind is, what he wants to do. Reminds me a lot of Matt Rhule. "They're wired the same way." Says it's a build for him. Best thing they can do is continue to support him.
- Regarding the protests taking place, the conversation has to continue. They're educators. Want to help athletes be the best people they can be. Have to talk about it every single day. Believes there's no better place to have these conversations than an institution that values social justice. Difficult conversations but not just for student-athletes, also coaches and administrators.
- Athletic writer said interest in BC sports is at an all-time low from where he sits. "Answer can't be 'we have to win'," the writer said. How to bridge that gap? Kraft said very similar in Philly. Eagles all the time. What they did was engage. Have to get your message out. Have to communicate, everybody but coaches are critical. There's no magic bullet. Engage your alumni first. Get the younger fans in Boston to understand what BC is. Engage at younger age so they grow up wanting to go to BC. But having a sports crazed town can be a positive.
Writer said he gets comments from readers, "BC get out of the ACC, you can't compete," asks why they're wrong. Kraft said you have to recruit, play to your assets. "What do you have?" You can't let money get in the way. You have to outwork people. Have a vision and a plan. Assets are incredible city. The Jesuit identity. Must recruit national.
- In terms of competing against in-state opponents, you're seeing more regional scheduling. Had the Big Five in Philadelphia. Even at Loyola wanted to play DePaul, Northwestern, etc.
*********
- Fr. Leahy thanked Dave Trainer, VP for Human Resources, who chaired the search process. Said faculty, administrators, and trustees were involved as well. Certain goals and priorities were in mind at the beginning of the process. "First we wanted people who were known for personal integrity and for following the NCAA regulations," and also what BC would expect. Then that the individual could contribute to the distinctive mission of BC, linking academics, athletics, community service, providing example to everyone involved in the institution. Athletics today is increasingly complicated so they needed a proven leader and administrator. Finally, someone who could inspire and motivate student-athletes, fans, donors. "We clearly had a strong pool of candidates."
- Leahy said Kraft values academic excellence, believes in religious commitment. Points to him earning three degrees at Indiana.
- Kraft said he's entrusted with leadership of one of the athletics department at one of the nation's elite institutions. Said search committee was wonderful. Most important people in life, wife Betsy, kids Annabelle, Joseph. "My foundation, my rock." Said family and faith motivate him every day. They're already ready for the fall, have their gear picked out. Excited to meet Baldwin.
Says wife Betsy is incredibly strong, not only his wife but best friend. Very close to his family. "My family is all in on BC right now." Knows his dad is in heaven looking down with a big smile.
- Thanked "incredible people" at Temple. Philadelphia will always be a piece of his heart. Thanked a number of people there but "most importantly" the student-athletes there.
- "To me Boston College is the paradigm for college athletics." Tremendously smart student-athletes, passionate coaches, a commitment to excellence and championships, most importantly the department stands on a bedrock of principles and Jesuit values." These values made him a better son, husband, father, leader.
- Cliff notes version: Chicago kid, grew up in a Catholic family. Full of passion, enthusiasm for school and sports. Played football for Hoosiers earning several degrees. Knew as undergrad he wanted to work in college athletics. Saw the impact everyone had on he and his teammates. Then Loyola and on to Temple. "I never forget why I do what I do: The student athletes. Period." At the center of every single decision he makes. Always asks if it will benefit them, give better experience, help them in life.
Passionate about his job, can't tell you how excited he is. BC is well positioned to excel. He's felt the support already. Calls the ACC the premier athletic conference. Will be guided by faith, which will keep them steady.
"BC Nation I promise you this..." Pledges to maintain success in classroom, will give back to Boston community, will outwork every program in the country, from the top through the interns, GAs, etc. Will be champions and no excuses will get in their way. Will compete in everything we do. Strive for excellence at all times. "It is our time."
- Have to make the call on this season based on the facts. Let the medical folks be involved. Doesn't know BC's plan at this point but will learn it. First and foremost have to be safe and get athletes on campus the right way. Lots of positive tests different places. Have dealt with that at Temple. "What will the stadium look like"? He's very confident about football in the fall. 12-15 weeks ago, less confident. "The way things are moving ... I'm very confident that the right rollout and protection that it's place ... think we're going to be in good shape." As for fans in the stands, doesn't know.
- With D1 programs losing certain non-revenue sports, said there's still a place for them "100%". "We're all in this together." Just as proud of gymnastics, etc., as football. Wants to succeed at everything. Lots of these decisions have been a long time in the making. Finances of college sports is something everyone will look at. Feels good about where BC is from a bird's eye view. Committed to every sport, winning in every sport.
- Transition is always hard, throw quarantine and covid on it. "Boston College has been the job for me." So rare when you have your personal beliefs, system, faith, family coinciding with your professional life. They're happy at Temple. Next move would have to be something special. "This checked every box for us." Since Loyola, this one was always important. Jesuit foundation, big-time CFB, in the ACC. "This was really a dream job for me." Oldest daughter getting into first grade, wants to be part of a place long-term. Couldn't be happier. In the process it reaffirmed everything you thought. Momentum is right.
On the virtual search, he pointed to the virtual press conference and laughed. Different, hard to connect with individuals. He likes to get out of the office and walk around, meet people personally. The process was different but glad it worked out. They drove up this past weekend. Just driving up, looking at homes, walking around with the mask on. "It's a different time."
- Regarding BC's unique spot in the ACC and in Massachusetts, "It's funny you say that, I get that question a lot." He's coming from Philadelphia. There's an incredible history here. That's what excites him. Walking around seeing facilities. All the infrastructure, foundation is there. "That's the hardest part to get going." Can they compete in the ACC? "There's no doubt... We've got to grind." Wouldn't be there if he didn't think they could win championships at the highest level.
- Said Jeff Hafley was a great hire. Has had to make his share of hires. "I am really excited to get together with Jeff and his staff, he's done an incredible job already." Said transition years are difficult without covid. Five spring practices competing against the best is hard. But he believes in where Jeff's mind is, what he wants to do. Reminds me a lot of Matt Rhule. "They're wired the same way." Says it's a build for him. Best thing they can do is continue to support him.
- Regarding the protests taking place, the conversation has to continue. They're educators. Want to help athletes be the best people they can be. Have to talk about it every single day. Believes there's no better place to have these conversations than an institution that values social justice. Difficult conversations but not just for student-athletes, also coaches and administrators.
- Athletic writer said interest in BC sports is at an all-time low from where he sits. "Answer can't be 'we have to win'," the writer said. How to bridge that gap? Kraft said very similar in Philly. Eagles all the time. What they did was engage. Have to get your message out. Have to communicate, everybody but coaches are critical. There's no magic bullet. Engage your alumni first. Get the younger fans in Boston to understand what BC is. Engage at younger age so they grow up wanting to go to BC. But having a sports crazed town can be a positive.
Writer said he gets comments from readers, "BC get out of the ACC, you can't compete," asks why they're wrong. Kraft said you have to recruit, play to your assets. "What do you have?" You can't let money get in the way. You have to outwork people. Have a vision and a plan. Assets are incredible city. The Jesuit identity. Must recruit national.
- In terms of competing against in-state opponents, you're seeing more regional scheduling. Had the Big Five in Philadelphia. Even at Loyola wanted to play DePaul, Northwestern, etc.
