Final
three picked for athletic director
By Starr T. Balmer
Online Forty-Niner
City Editor
After searching for months, university officials announced three finalists
Wednesday
for the athletic director position.
The Athletic Director Search Committee chose Stephen Lopes, the USC senior associate
athletics director, William McGillis, the University of Evansville, Indiana athletics
director and Marilyn McNeil, the Monmouth University, New Jersey, athletics director
as the three finalists for the athletic director position. Cal State Long Beach
President F. King Alexander will select the final candidate.
“I think it is going to be a tough decision for the president,” Doug
Robinson, vice president of Student Services said.
“All of them are quite
capable.”
Robinson said they received 35 applicants from various schools who had the background
and skills for the athletic director position.
As the committee discussed differences among the finalists, Robinson said they
agreed on the top three.
He said the committee chose the finalists based on how they planned to focus
on student development, communicate with students, faculty and coaches, fundraising
and experience. Robinson also said he wanted to make sure finalists comply with
the rules.
“We looked for a track record that can win and motivate,” Robinson
said. “We looked for good ability in selecting coaches.”
Athletic Director Search Committee member Kevin Cape said it was difficult to
choose the finalists and said each candidate has his or her own unique quality.
He said Lopes showed confidence and demonstrated how he could bring money into
the athletic department, while McGilles presented excitement and enthusiasm for
CSULB and showed he could work hands-on with the athletic department.
Cape said McNeil commands respect because she showed confidence to the committee
as well.
“She’s firm, tough and confident, but understanding,” Cape
said.
Robinson said each candidate will visit CSULB and speak to the Student Advisory
Committee next week.
Bill Shumard, former athletic director for CSULB, resigned last year to work
for the Special Olympics of Southern California as president and chief executive
officer.
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