The Beast : A new sheriff in town

I want to get some thoughts out after attending Tuesday’s introductory press conference for new University of Miami Director of Athletics, Shawn Eichorst.

The new AD did a much better job facing the Miami media this time around. There were some foul balls in last week’s teleconference, but yesterday’s presser flowed much better.

I was a bit taken aback when I didn’t see any of our major sports columnists in attendance. No Dave Hyde. No Greg Cote. No Dan LeBatard. No Mike Beradino. No Greg Stoda. No Dave George. There wasn’t even a lone TV news anchor on hand. Same to be said for the so-called ‘experts’ on the radio (other than the broadcast crew from QAM). I realize there’s a lot going on right now with both the HEAT and the Marlins, but when the hometown university makes a hire of this caliber, it’s a major move.

I’d still like to know how Shawn will take his skills set — learned mostly at big state schools in traditional college towns — and apply them to our very unique, medium-sized private school in an International city; one that couldn’t be any more different than Madison, WI.

There wasn’t a prepared answer when asked that question and I’ll be anxious to hear the answer when he’s ready.

Regarding the current search for a new men’s head basketball coach, Eichorst mentioned that he’s looking for someone “positive” – which let everyone in attendance know that Kansas State’s Frank Martin has as much chance landing the opening as I do.

UM obviously has their reasons and knows more about Coach Martin than the average fan (or blogger), but to not even go through the interview process simply for the sake of doing your due diligence, that would be a major misstep.

Even if you believe you have all the information you need on him, talk to the guy. At the very least you’ll show your fan base that you are listening to their pleas to look that direction. Remember, these are the same fans you’d like to come to the games and often hit up for donations. UM is in the “customer service” industry and even if the customer isn’t always right, it’s their choice where they spend their money and the “business owner” on some level must play the game and appease everyone.

When leafing through the new AD’s bio, it’s hard not to be impressed with his credentials. Wisconsin’s athletic department is a mammoth machine and for the most part, Eichorst ran that department.

There isn’t a lot similar between the University of Wisconsin and the University of Miami, but the stress on academics and the drive to win are comparable. Eichorst is obviously a brilliant guy. He has a law background – which is important for an athletic director – and his wife is a marketing expert, at least according to president Donna Shalala.

On the surface this appears to be a solid hire, but there’s always that “if” factor. As mentioned when Kirby Hocutt left for Texas Tech, there was always the sense he wasn’t a “Miami guy” and the right fit for the local culture. South Florida isn’t the easiest place to adapt to if you’re coming from some place where the population is pretty homogeneous.

Miami has milk, cheese, brats and beer, just like Madison – but we also have chorizo, churros, arroz con pollo, Matzah Ball Soup, kasha varnishkes, sushi, curried goat, beef patties and slew of other things folks from the Midwest have probably never heard of.

“Family values” in South Florida may include bringing your two-year old to a midnight movie after a 10pm dinner reservation – as well as many other quirky ways of life far removed from America’s Dairyland.

My obvious hope is that the Eichorst family learns to love South Florida the way my family has, but we all know that feeling comfortable in this community is a big part of the job and that remains an intangible for any hire that isn’t a “Miami guy”.

On day one of the Eichorst Era, he’s a winner in my book. He has his share of challenges ahead, but if he attacks the job like he did Tuesday’s press conference, he’ll do just fine – so that said, Welcome to The U Family, Shawn.

For those of you who missed the press conference, it’s broken up in two parts and available here: Eichorst Presser I and Eichorst Presser II.

IN OTHER NEWS : During the presser I tweeted that I had an off feeling. It was a surreal sensation as the room was filled with UM athletic department employees, every coach from every team, boosters and Board of Trustees members. There were more non-media members at a “press” conference than members of the press. Add that up with President Shalala’s random leave and return from the podium and it makes for an odd sensation.

Also, on tonight’s edition of allCanes Radio we’ll have plenty of sound from Saturday’s Spring Game. Jedd Fisch had some great stuff on the quarterbacks and we’ll delve deeper into the Eichort press conference, as well as some hardball. Should be a good one for fans of the orange and green. Tune in at 7pm ET this evening, via allCanes.com or stream live through the allCanes iPhone app.

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