Perspective as an Athletics Director

Home > College Related, People > Perspective as an Athletics Director

September 22nd, 2009 admin Leave a comment Go to comments

Meet Tom Simmons, a sports executive who has served as an Athletics Director for the past 10 years. His sports management experience includes several positions with the Vero Beach Dodgers including intern, assistant general manager and general manager. He also served as a general manager for a double A minor league baseball team before accepting his current positions.

We asked Tom 10 questions about his perspective as an Athletics Director.

1. Tell us about your job and your responsibilities

I am the Director of Athletics at Ohio Northern University in Ada, OH. We are a NCAA Division III university playing in the Ohio Athletic Conference. I oversee the operations of 21 intercollegiate athletics programs (Football; M & W Basketball, Baseball, Softball, Volleyball, M&W Indoor/Outdoor Track and Field, M&W Cross Country, M&W Swimming, M&W Golf, M&W Tennis, M&W Soccer, Wrestling). Responsibilities include budgeting, travel, facilities, scheduling, facilities, personnel, public relations, revenue generation and classroom instruction.

2. Tell Us What Your Average Week is Like?

The weeks can be long. In addition to day-to-day operations, I serve as a game administrator for home contests. I am generally in the office between 7:30 and 8 am and leave at 6 pm unless there is a game to observe. I have to be prepared be flexible with my time because my day can be altered with the next “crisis” that any one of the coaches may bring to me to help solve. No two days are the same.

3. Tell us about your career path including jobs in the sports industry

I have undergraduate degrees in Business and Sport Management from Ohio Northern. I have a Masters in Sports Administration from Ohio University. As part of my graduate degree program, I served an internship with the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodgertown in Vero Beach, FL. After the internship, I completed my degree at Ohio U. and returned to Vero Beach as the Assistant GM and then GM of the Vero Beach Dodgers. (Class A, Florida State League) I eventually served as the Minor League Equipment Coordinator for the Dodgers organization. After 11 years, I left the Dodgers upon hearing of the pending sale by the O’Malley family. I was named the GM of the Mobile BayBears. (Class AA, San Diego Padres) After 18 months, I learned of the Director of Athletics position at Ohio Northern and fortunately won the position. I have been here in this capacity for 10 years.

4. What was the best advice you ever received and let us know if you follow it today?

The best advice I’ve received came from church and my parents. It’s the Golden Rule. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. I always want to treat everyone with respect and a sincere, caring attitude.

5. What are your top sports memories you are most fond of telling others?

I treasure my experience at Dodgertown. Nothing can beat the years spent in Baseball Heaven. Not only the celebrities, but some of my best friends I met in the minor leagues. We were truly a family and for the most part, close knit. I recall the panic I experienced in 1988. Dodgers GM Fred Claire had instructed us to install an outfield fence at Holman Stadium. In one of the first games, Kirk Gibson chased down a fly ball and crashed into the fence, breaking it to the ground. Since it had been my project, I thought I was going to be called on the carpet. Other than a photo in the LA Times with Gibson sprawled out on the fence, I never heard a word about it. I also fondly recall my honeymoon on an all expenses paid trip to the 1988 NL playoffs. The whole organization was invited and my timing was impeccable. I hope my wife enjoyed it as much as I did. The Dodgers certainly welcomed her to the family!

6. What is the difference in terms of responsibilities, budget and exposure for a Division I and Division III School?

Being in Division III, I sometimes covet the budgets that our big brothers receive. But our University funds athletics fairly and appropriately. We are very fortunate. The enormous difference in budgets is in scholarship money. Division III does not offer athletics scholarships. There is a difference in travel expenses and in salaries for the coaching staff. There is also a large difference in revenue produced in advertising and ticket sales.

7. What would you advise for someone wanting to get into this field? What Would you tell someone that wants your job?

To get into the field I would advise practical business experience. At any level, this is a business. Budget preparation, personnel management, etc…you are involved in everything. If possible get a graduate degree in athletic administration and get experience at all levels of sport, if possible.

If they want my job, I think it is truly important to develop a love or admiration for the university. You can work hard, but passion for the place makes a big difference. I am sure there are better athletic directors out there, but no one can match my passion and loyalty to this university. I believe I had that same passion in working for the Dodgers.

8. Name a Few Mentors you have had and Why They’ve Had an Impact

Terry Reynolds- Currently with the Cincinnati Reds. Terry hired me out of Ohio University. He taught me that “when the bell rings” we have a job to do, and there was an expectation to represent the Dodgers in a first class manner. But Terry also taught me that you can take yourself too seriously. There is an acceptable mix of work and pleasure. If you do not let off some steam, the job will consume you.

Craig Callan- former Director of Dodgertown. He is a real business man. Craig taught me the ins and outs of good business. He was patient with me as I was maturing from a college kid into a professional.

Peter O’Malley, Fred Claire, Charlie Blaney- I observed these three from a distance. I never saw them blink. They were consistent, focused, classy, set high standards and had my total respect. In my own mind, I still try to do things the “Dodger way” even though I’ve been out of the organization for over 12 years.

Dr. Kendall Baker- President, Ohio Northern University- From Dr. Baker, I have seen firsthand his unbridled enthusiasm for the students of the university. We claim to be student-centered and he leads by example. He also has an uncompromising desire to improve this university. It is easy to follow his lead and I appreciate his support not only as an employee but as a proud graduate of the university. This is truly a great place.

Jim Pagano- owned the radio station in Vero Beach that had the Dodgers broadcasts. This man knows how to treat people. He has had a enormous influence on me to this very day.

9. The economy has had a tremendous impact on the sports business this year. What trends have you noticed and what has changed in last in the past 90 days?

The economy has had an impact on enrollment. We are a private university so there is no state funding. We go it alone. We fight with many peer institutions for enrollment. In our favor are the excellent academic programs. But there have been cutbacks which trickle down to all departments.

In the last 90 days I have seen a silver lining around the economic cloud. We are thriving in spite of the cutbacks. In some ways we found some fat that needed to be trimmed. When we come out of this, we will be much better prepared to face the future.

10. Executives always talk about passion in your job. What are you passionate about and why?

I am most passionate about my family. I am the proud father of a 17 year old son and 15 year old daughter. My wife is a wonderful person who has had much patience with me. I have learned a great deal from her as she is truly the talent in our marriage. My passion for my family has its genesis in my family life as a child. My parents ran a household centered on their 4 children. There was much love and laughter and I hope I reflect their leadership in my own home.

Professionally, I am passionate about the athletics experience for our 600+ student-athletes. We have an enormous responsibility to them. I want all who participate in athletics to have the feeling that their inclusion is as important to us as it is to the athlete. Sure we are Division III. We will rarely be featured on ESPN. We will not be participating in a bowl game. But the tears our students cry after a tough loss are just as wet. The hard work they put in to become a better athlete is just as difficult. The joy they feel when they excel is just as strong as anyone at any other level. And they GRADUATE! The best feeling of all is to watch them walk across that stage to get their degree. Our kids are excellent in the classroom and on the fields of competition.

——————————

If you would like to see other “10 Questions with….” Here are links to previous Tuesday interviews

Mark Schwartz – National Advertising Manager, SportsBusiness Journal

Nicole Alison – National Hockey League Executive

Josh Rawitch – Vice President of the Los Angeles Dodgers

Chris Hibbs — Senior Director, Chicago Bears

Bill Robertson — Vice President, Minnesota Wild

John Drum — Vice President, Arizona Cardinals

Fred Claire — Former General Manager and Executive Vice President, Los Angeles Dodgers

Lawrence Cohen — Sports Consultant

Bill Shumard — CEO Special Olympics Southern California

Brad Mayne — President and CEO American Airlines Center