Rick Hart- Newsletter

[PerunasHoof]

I think he said everything perfectly and he is the right guy for where we are. We just all need to make sure we're there this year, no matter how rough it gets.

[floridianstang]

Link?

[Stallion]

I thought it was "strong to quite strong"

[PerunasHoof]

I got it in e-mail form. Copied below:

We are three weeks into the college football season and not a tent has been pitched on the Boulevard nor a game played at Ford Stadium. We are expecting a lot of pent-up, positive energy on Bishop and in the stands this Saturday when we take the field against Texas A&M. Given the early adversity our coaches and student-athletes have faced already this season, I know they are looking forward to competing in front of a home crowd.

I am pleased with the way interim Head Coach Tom Mason, the staff and our student-athletes have responded to the unexpected change. They have come together and recommitted to one another for the remainder of the season. I have also been impressed with the way Coach Mason has taken ownership of this situation. Our practices have been enthusiastic and fun.

Last week was a blur, with Coach Jones’ resignation, activities related to the transition and our quarterly Board of Trustees meetings. The week’s focus was largely internal – providing support and stability for our student-athletes, coaches and support staff – but the Board of Trustees meetings served as an opportunity to affirm our commitment to establishing SMU as the best overall program in the American Athletic Conference. While many things go into being able to make that claim, one thing is paramount - SMU must compete for and capture championships in the sport of football.

Before going any further, I need to share a few thoughts about June Jones’ impact on Mustang Athletics. Note that I did not say Mustang Football, but Mustang Athletics. June made our program relevant again. He championed lasting change that better aligns us with our peers and benefits all coaches and student-athletes. June did this while re-establishing SMU as a winner; and he did it the right way. We must protect and preserve many of the qualities Coach Jones instilled in our program, such as integrity and accountability. We cannot take a step back in these areas.

During Coach Jones’ tenure, the University and key donors, particularly members of the Circle of Champions, made significant investments to bolster personnel, facilities, academic support services and other key areas. As a result, the next regime will be well-positioned to build upon the progress we have made thus far and bring championships to the Hilltop.

Although it will be some time before we are able to engage certain individuals, the recruitment process for the next head football coach is already underway. Just as we will be using this time to learn more about possible candidates, possible candidates will be using this time to learn more about SMU. Everyone has a role to play. Here are three ways you can help:

1. Be educated.

2. Be positive.

3. Be here.

There appears to be some misinformation in the marketplace. Misconceptions harm our reputation and, potentially, deter top candidates from considering SMU. In particular, there are “reports” that SMU is not committed to strengthening its support of its championship athletics program. This claim is not supported by facts.

I came to SMU, in part, because university leadership is committed to competing at the highest level. I don’t think our coaches or student-athletes would be interested in anything less than that, either. In athletics, we keep score. We want to win. Significant investments have been made in support of athletics at SMU. Some examples include, but are not limited to: competitive compensation for coaches, facility enhancements, expanded academic support services and degree programs and increased institutional financial support. These investments reflect the position that athletics is a valued component of the SMU experience.

As Dr. Turner stated this week, “As a university, SMU is fully committed to football success at the highest level. We value excellence on the fields of athletic competition as well as in the classroom. Football is an integral part of our unique campus experience and is a rallying point for the University community, alumni and fans. We are proud of our past successes and are confident in the future success of SMU football.”

Furthermore, as the landscape was shifting in 2012-13, SMU took a leadership role in shaping the future of Division I athletics and ensuring SMU was positioned for continued growth and success in the American Athletic Conference. When the NCAA meal legislation took effect in August 2014, SMU was among the first to offer a supplemental meal plan for all student-athletes and student managers; and the plan we installed is viewed as a model in Division I athletics. Now, as we enter this period of unprecedented NCAA governance reform, SMU has again assumed a position of leadership, expressing our intention to provide additional benefits aimed at enhancing student-athlete well-being, such as full cost of attendance.

As Shakespeare said, “What’s past is prologue.” It is time to promote and celebrate the advancements we have made on and off the field of play. The value of an SMU education, the beautiful college setting, access to the top faculty, coaches and support personnel, championship-caliber facilities, vibrant campus life (residential commons/dining halls), membership in the American, national visibility on ESPN/CBS and our location in Dallas offer a quality-of-life unmatched elsewhere. That said, as with all leadership changes, we will take full advantage of this opportunity to validate and, as appropriate, refine our existing structures to identify opportunities to strengthen our competitiveness.

Finally, purchase tickets and attend our games. If I can tell prospective coaches that our fans showed us great support this season, it matters. Attendance is a reflection of the commitment from the community. It shows the coach - and recruits - that football at SMU is important and that they will be supported. With nearly twice as many on-campus residents, we are hoping the students will lead the way. Taking a wait-and-see approach will not help. We need to demonstrate our support now.

As I stated earlier, our vision is to establish SMU as the best program in the American Athletic Conference. This is not a limiting goal. Being the best in our conference is a necessary step to competing in the postseason, attaining a national ranking and pursing championship opportunities. As we pursue this vision, we will remain aligned with the educational mission of the institution, operate with integrity and maintain a focus on the health, safety and well-being of our student-athletes. This is what great programs do, and we will be a great program!

Getting back to the coaching search process, we don’t have time to burn, but we do have time to be thoughtful and creative. Within the next two weeks, we will likely engage a search firm and confirm the role of the search committee. While we want to be inclusive, we must also be nimble and ensure confidentiality, or we will not be successful in attracting top candidates. Many of the individuals we may wish to speak with will not be available until the end of the regular season – as early as Thanksgiving or as late as conference championship games. In the meantime, we will use this time to our advantage to be prepared to act decisively at the appropriate moment. President Turner and I will make the hiring decision, with input and approval from a broader group.

In addition to the football game on Saturday, it is a big weekend on the Hilltop. On Friday, men’s soccer takes on Oral Roberts at Westcott Field at 5 p.m. and volleyball takes on College of Charleston at Moody Coliseum at 7 p.m. At 7:30 p.m., Friday Night Stampede commences on Mustang Mall, featuring a concert by the Mustang Band and a Pep Rally. The evening’s celebrations will conclude with the ceremonial lighting of the cupolas of Armstrong Commons and the Laura Lee Blanton Building. I hope you will join us.

Remember, you have an important role to play – be educated, be positive and be here. We have made several improvements to the game day experience and have posted all the important game day information here . Please let us know if you have additional suggestions. See you this weekend!

Go Mustangs and Pony Up!


Rick Hart

Director of Athletics

[gostangs]

perfect tone. Basically saying the school is committed, Mason and the team is committed, Rick is committed, and if we aren't committed we are part of the problem.

Agree on all counts.

[SMU1523]

Rick Hart is the man! I have full confidence that he will get us to where we want to be.

[ponyboy]

THAT is leadership. Well done.

[smusportspage]

Absolutely agree.

[ponyboy]

Reading between the lines, we are looking at at least one active head coach.

[Stallion]

you can't talk to assistants either without permission-which isn't likely until the Thanksgiving weekend or Championship Weekend

[Grant Carter]

Great letter

[TidePony]

That's it. Good stuff Rick!

[NewAgeMustange]

Not so much as reading between the lines. He pretty much states it right there. I like the tone of the message, something firm.

Many of the individuals we may wish to speak with will not be available until the end of the regular season – as early as Thanksgiving or as late as conference championship games

[PonyPride]

Straight From The Hart
A Column From Rick Hart

Sept. 17, 2014

We are three weeks into the college football season and not a tent has been pitched on the Boulevard nor a game played at Ford Stadium. We are expecting a lot of pent-up, positive energy on Bishop and in the stands this Saturday when we take the field against Texas A&M. Given the early adversity our coaches and student-athletes have faced already this season, I know they are looking forward to competing in front of a home crowd.

To read this article in its entirety, CLICK HERE.

[Insane_Pony_Posse]

you can't talk to assistants either without permission-which isn't likely until the Thanksgiving weekend or Championship Weekend

but counselor can you talk to the agents of assistants to gauge any level on interest?