New A.D. an ‘Indiana Boy’

Being a two-degree alumnus from IU, as well as having a mother, wife and daughter with degrees from IU, left newly-named Director of Athletics Fred Glass describing himself as an “Indiana boy” Tuesday at his introductory press conference. 

Glass’ ties to the University ended up being a deciding factor in his landing the job.
Bill Stephan, vice president for engagement and chair of the athletics director search committee, said while the IU ties weren’t the sole reason for the choice, they played a significant role in Glass’ selection.

“I think that was important,” Stephan said. “Indiana’s a special place; it’s a unique place in many respects. Having someone who understands the history, the traditions, the aspirations not only of IU but of Hoosiers statewide; that was a very important factor.”

Glass described his long-standing ties with and love for IU throughout the press conference.

Glass told stories about playing football as a child and pretending to be players from IU’s 1968 Rose Bowl team. Glass also reminisced about his college years at IU, where during his senior year in 1981, the men’s basketball team captured its fourth national championship.

IU sports also affected Glass’ personal life.

“I met my wife at an IU football game. I proposed to her after an IU football game,” Glass said. “They were different games.”

The new athletics director said the endless list of memories he has about IU makes getting the position the most important thing he will do in his professional life.

“Not only because I’m an Indiana boy,” Glass said, “but it’s more exciting because I’m an Indiana boy. I am of and from this University and this state.”

IU men’s basketball coach Tom Crean attended his new boss’ press conference.
Crean said having ties to the University isn’t important in and of itself, but having a strong passion for IU is a significant factor.

“I’m not an Indiana guy,” Crean said, “but I feel pretty strong about Indiana, and I have a pretty strong passion for Indiana. I think that is the most important thing.”
Crean added that given the current state of IU athletics, that passion is essential for the job.

“You’ve got to have a real passion for what’s going on here,” Crean said. “(Glass) really seems to have that.”

IU football coach Bill Lynch, who, like Glass, is a native of Indianapolis, said he too was impressed with the strong connection Glass has to IU. Lynch added that it’s an energy that runs statewide.

“I think all of us that grew up in Indiana have a passion for this University,” Lynch said. “This is unique, in that he’s got two degrees from here, grew up in a family where his mother has two degrees, his daughter went to school here. That’s a real investment in the University.”

But even with all of his stories and all of his ties to IU, Glass recognized that he wasn’t hired because of his former contributions to the University, but rather to contribute to the future.

“This isn’t a trip down memory lane for me,” Glass said. “This is about the future, and this is about excellence.”