Tommy Bell Gone

[WIU0812]

They could of chose worse, at least he was basically Tommy's right hand man and can hopefully keep the ship sailing straight until a new AD is chosen. As for whether to hire from high profile or low I do not think it matters as long as we hire from a school that has similar current issues as WIU and sees a tightening budget. I would most likely say lower because they are more likely to know how to do more with less, but a person such as a NIU or U of I assistant may be ok as well because they are very aware of the tightening state budget and those problems. I still think I am leaning towards smaller school AD though.

[ST_Lawson]

Interim is Matt Tanney http://www.goleathernecks.com/news/2015 ... =athletics

My donations will be on hold until we get a new AD and I see how that goes.

Ah, ok. Thanks for the update.

[wiu712]

From the SIU-Carbondale website:
http://www.siusalukis.com/genrel/050115aab.html

[meganeck]

I can't remember who the finalists were when Tommy was chosen, but does anyone who where they are now. Just curious.

[Neckfansince71]

So Tere, not trying to pull your chain here but have the needs of our student athletes changed in the last 24 hours? jc

[wiu712]

I can't remember who the finalists were when Tommy was chosen, but does anyone know who, where they are now.

Tommy Bell was one of three finalists who were interviewed on campus in 2013. The other two were China Jude, athletic director at Division II Queens (N.Y.) College, and Ken Ralph, athletic director at Division III Colorado College.

Ken Ralph is still at Colorado College: http://cctigers.com/staff.aspx?staff=4

China Jude is still at Queens College: http://www.queensknights.com/sports/inf ... o-template

[Neckfansince71]

So let me explain myself! Tommy Bell is not the first person that has agreed with me regarding the importance of the Chicago suburbs, but he is the first person that actually did something about it. That's why there are two Leatherneck Club Coordinators at the present time, one in the quad cities and moi! My job description has not changed in the past 24 hours. My passion has not changed either. I am a Leatherneck fan and a Leatherneck supporter. I always will be. Period! I love analogies and I am a total history geek! So here goes. The Army of the Potomac went through a s--t load of commanding generals before Grant finally took over in 1864. And yet, no matter who was the commanding general, there were still Rebs to fight. That's the way I see my job, no matter whether the big boss is named, Rock, Gil, Helen, Tim, or Tommy, there are still athletes to support! For better or for worse I love Western! I know it's not perfect, but it is my alma mater and I will continue to support all of its athletes because I am truly and will always be a Leatherneck fan! Have been since 1971! Enough said... jc

[Tere North]

So Tere, not trying to pull your chain here but have the needs of our student athletes changed in the last 24 hours? jc

No Neckfansince71, the needs have not changed, but my satisfaction with those in charge has.

[sealhall74]

Is Tommy's Master Facilities Athletic Plan out there on the interweb? His 10 point plan is very generic which makes it good for everyone including us. That single piece of paper could have been the "game changer" for him although he probably had the job locked up anyway.

[Neckfansince71]

Don't abandon ship quite yet...... jc