The Great Steve Orsini.

[Mexmustang]

Upon hearing that SMU was getting a new football stadium, Copeland goes to the Presiden't office to report, "I am sorry, but Mr. Hunt and Mr. Ford said they didn't want to just modernize the old staduim, they want build us a completely new competitive football stadium! Yes, President Turner may I have another, yes, President Turner may I have another...""OK I'll make sure we never pay a head coach more than $400,000".

Years later, Steve Orsini, "Mr. President we need a great football coach".
RGT, "Fine, but be aware we have a $400,,000 cap in the budget".
Orsini, "Well what if I got some of the boys to top it up outside the budget?"

[Mitch McConnell]

Upon hearing that SMU was getting a new football stadium, "I am sorry, but Mr. Hunt and Mr. Ford said they didn't want to just modernize the old staduim, they want build us a completely new competitive football stadium! Yes, President Turner may I have another, yes, President Turner may I have another...""OK I'll make sure we never pay a head coach more than $400,000".

What maniac mex was really saying...

[gostangs]

like the moves or not - Orsini (and his very loyal SMU money friends) has given us something we havent had in 25 yrs - relevence. High profile hires, bowl games, new facilities, BCS conference, better admissions...i mean what do you want?

[Mexmustang]

Mitch, the title should be "worked here". I am just reminded how far we've gotten thanks to Steve Orsini. I remember how it used to be.

[Comet]

Orsini really is remarkable at what he's done. Larry Brown as a stand alone HC would not have gone well with most people, but that staff he's building feels like a much more potential and complete hire than if he had just gotten Benford, Sutton, or Johnny Jones.

[ponyboy]

like the moves or not - Orsini (and his very loyal SMU money friends) has given us something we havent had in 25 yrs - relevence. High profile hires, bowl games, new facilities, BCS conference, better admissions...i mean what do you want?

Other than that, what the hell has he done?

[austinponie]

He kept his head down and stayed the course, surrounded by vitriol and impatience on the web and in the media.

Well done, sir...

[Water Pony]

Steve O., S.O., The Great Orsini,

Your efforts and success in bringing to SMU: Larry Brown, June Jones, Circle of Champions, Moody Renovation and acceptance in the Big East are collectively a remarkable coup.

Ten years ago, SMU had little success and even less confidence that things would actually change for the better. Skepticism was the norm.

My thanks for the steady hand and winning approach for FB and BB. SMU is rebranding itself athletically and helping SMU become a 'player' again. There is much to be done, but we have been given the chance and the means to accomplish it. Well done!

p.s. Do not forget non-revenue sports and the New Natatorium

[SMU Pony Mom]

This is a happy day!!!!

[Topper]

Orsini has awakened the sleeping giant which is the deep, deep pockets of some of our most financially successful alums. There is a lot of competition out there for philanthropic dollars, and Steve has been able to convince those with the means that SMU athletics are viable and worth saving. We should also show gratitude to those long time reliable donors who give more modest amounts, but reliably so, for decades.

[CoxBizGrad]

Who deserves the credit? 80% from the three amigos (donors) and 20% Orsini. They are the ones really calling the shots and making the decisions here. However, with that said, Orsini had to help orchestrate the deal along with RGT and get the wallets opened in the first place.

[CoxBizGrad]

Who deserves the credit? 80% from the three amigos (donors) and 20% Orsini. They are the ones really calling the shots and making the decisions here. However, with that said, Orsini had to help orchestrate the deal along with RGT and get the wallets opened in the first place.

[ALEX LIFESON]

The Mob Boss!

[AusTxPony]

I think that Orsini Kool-aid has a little Peruna Tonic in it! All you Downers let us Sunshiners have a little fun. Keep your moaning to yourselves till next fall/winter. Thank you, Steve and Boosters. Go Mustangs.

[Mexmustang]

More like 50/50...Orsini found a way to energize many of our donors and present the idea of the C of C to hire June and then Brown. Seems like old hat already, but it was realy a unique idea at SMU when he presented his plan to resurect SMU athletics on a very restricted budget. Call him the catlyst or the invovator, but it took leadership to pull it off! Congratulations Steve!