Issue No. 157, November 8, 2012
TO: Fans, Friends, and Supporters of Georgia Tech Athletics
FROM: Dan Radakovich, Georgia Tech Director of Athletics
In my last edition of the Good Word, I want to take a moment to thank all of the wonderful people who have helped make my time at Georgia Tech a great experience. The student-athletes, staff, faculty, alumni and fans have made Tech a truly special place. The loyalty so many of you show to the Institute through philanthropy and passion is unmatched.
Tech has tremendous university leadership, which starts with President Bud Peterson and his senior administrative staff. Bud is tireless in his pursuit of excellence in all areas of Georgia Tech. He has set a high bar for all of us.
Our student-athletes are certainly special. Competing in the classroom, successfully I might add, serving the community, and representing Tech on the fields of competition is something they take pride in. These young men and women made the great choice to attain a Tech degree and to position themselves to be outstanding citizens and future leaders.
I have had the good fortune of working with an outstanding staff in Athletics. Paul Griffin, who has agreed to serve as Acting AD, is a true professional and has–and will continue to–serve the Institute with distinction. Our senior staff of Wayne Hogan, Theresa Wenzel, Frank Hardymon, Ryan Bamford, Mollie Mayfield, Phyllis LaBaw, Jack Thompson, Rick Thorpe and Jerome Rodgers form a great management team that will now serve Paul Griffin and ultimately the new athletics director with loyalty and passion in every endeavor.
The Yellow Jacket coaches and staffs have a tremendous work ethic and sense of duty. They are truly committed to the student-athlete both on the field and off. Our head coaches Danny Hall, Brian Gregory, MaChelle Joseph, Paul Johnson, Bruce Heppler, Sharon Perkins, Courtney Shealy Hart, Kenny Thorne, Rodney Harmon, Alan Drosky, Grover Hinsdale and Tonya Johnson will continue to pursue championships with excellence.
I have also had the pleasure of working with the Executive Vice President of Administration and Finance, Steve Swant, on all of our projects, along with his staff including Howard Wertheimer, Chuck Rhode and Scott Jones. The Mewborn Softball Complex, Zelnak Practice Facility, Brock Football Indoor Facility, Byers Tennis Complex and McCamish Pavilion are all possible in part because of their efforts. These first-class facilities will allow Tech to remain competitive for years to come and the donations by the families who generously named these facilities will be a lasting legacy for many years.
It has been a great journey for me and my family. In December, the best gift a dad — who knows and understands Tech — could receive will be when my oldest son earns his Tech degree. I will always hold Georgia Tech and our people in the highest regard. The Institute gave me a great opportunity, and I hope that I have left it a better place.
Tech and Clemson will compete frequently and I look forward to those competitions. In this business, it is always more enjoyable to compete with folks whom you respect.
So thank you again for the wonderful opportunities and memories. There are some exciting memories to be created in the next few days and I hope you plan to be a part of them. From here, Wayne Hogan, our Communications Chief, will keep you updated periodically on happenings within the GTAA.
Go Jackets!
