That was a pretty cool beginning. Any Cyclone fan who says or has said he should be fired (even some Fanatics have said that) obviously don't remember the ISU athletics culture prior to JP coming to ISU.
A Decade with Jamie Pollard
- Thread starter stateofmind
- Start date
My post above was sarcasm. I don't necessarily think W-L is the most important thing for an AD. For a coach? Yes. That was my point. The football team had a good record during his tenure. And yet, he was a terrible AD. Being an AD means hiring good coaches but the AD doesn't coach. Nor should he. He hires who he things is the right person and gives them everything he can to be successful. That is what Pollard has done.
I'd like to Tivo it, but the Channel Guide for Cyclone.tv always just says "Cyclone programming". (real helpful). Nothing ever is listed out like it used to. Anyone else frustrated by this? I kind of shut down after basketball season, so I'm not sure how long it has been like that.
Jamie Pollard has flaws. They are large and easy to spot when they come to the surface. The thing about those flaws is the same thing that brings those out has been the force behind what he has done here. I think he is very stubborn person with a very clear picture of what he wanted to happen and it was going to happen. Someone less stubborn and focused could have easily been derailed by performance, lack of fund, or you name the obstacle. He may not be the perfect AD for everyone but he was the perfect one for this time period at ISU.
Jamie Pollard is also beyond excellent with his interpersonal skills and the time he takes to inspire kids. I still remember my son and I getting Baylor (at Waco since we live in Dallas) basketball tickets given to us by a fellow alum/donor who had great seats right behind our bench. My son was about 14 (and an aloof teenager) at the time. At halftime, Jamie saw us sitting about ten rows behind him. He came over and sat down next to us and devoted his whole attention to us for around fifteen minutes. He signed our basketball and carried on a conversation with my son and asked about his educational plans. My son said he was considering Engineering and Jamie quickly pointed out the Iowa State has great Engineering programs (as if he were recruiting him). My son was frankly impressed to the point of amazement with that exchange. On our two-hour drive home that night, it was all my son could talk about. He kept saying how incredible it was that a Division 1 Athletic Director would take that kind of time to devote to talking to us. Even though my son is a native Texan, he became a truly devoted Iowa State fan that night. Thanks, Jamie.
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Just another example of this is that he spent 6 hours at the Iowa State booth on Friday. It was a hot, hot day (even by State Fair standards) and even though the building is air conditioned, it was pretty hot in there. I highly doubt that Gary Barta spends a second at the State Fair.
Tremendous changes in the facilities. ISU Sports in 2015 looks nothing like the ISU Sports I started with in 2001. (Last 2 FB seasons aside . . . )
This feature deserves more attention than it's received thus far. If you haven't watched it, please do. Definitely worth your time. I've been a die hard Cyclone fan since my earliest Cyclone memory of Blaise Bryant. JP is, without a doubt, a perfect fit as ISU's AD.
My grill (w/bacon) was featured during the comments about the tailgating environment - JP is the best!
Jamie pollard once waited a half hour for me because I said I would be right back. I swear, he stood in the same spot for a half hour waiting.