While Director of Athletics Thomas Boeh has a contract that runs through 2007, Ohio University President Robert Glidden will end his 10-year legacy this summer. With retirement on its way and athletic criticism all around, Glidden talked with The Post's Mike Cottrill about leaving Ohio athletics behind, his favorite coaches, and his potential to play one on one.
The Post: What is your favorite athletic memory since you've been at Ohio?
Glidden: There are probably two or three. The first would be winning the Preseason NIT at Madison Square Garden in November of 1994. Second would be beating Miami, Ohio, here in football in 1999. And last would have to be beating Marshall in football here at the end of the 2000 season.
The Post: You have worked with Boeh to bring a lot of coaches here to Ohio. Are there any that really stand out in your mind as exceptional representations of Ohio University?
Glidden: Understand that I don't work directly with coaches, so my comments are because of personal relationships. I was a personal friend of (former Ohio men's basketball) coach Larry Hunter and played tennis with him. I hired (former football coach) Jim Grobe and was very fond of him and the football program he developed. I've enjoyed playing tennis with (women's basketball coach) Lynn Bria and like her personally. We've had a number of coaches of other sports that I have enjoyed knowing, although I've not known them all well. And I really like both (men's basketball coach) Tim O'Shea and his staff, and (football coach) Brian Knorr and (football defensive coordinator) Tim DeRuyter and staff, because I think they represent the values that make me proud to be at Ohio University.
The Post: Once you retire, handing the reigns over to who knows, what do you hope will become of the Ohio Athletics Department and Ohio athletics?
Glidden: Total success. I would like victory with honor.
The Post: You've been a staple at Ohio athletic events. After you leave the university, will we still see you around on game days?
Glidden: On occasion, I'm sure, but we're not going to live here, so I'll not be a regular.
The Post: Does that mean you have big plans to attend other sporting events or are you putting sports behind you to enjoy retirement?
Glidden: No. I'll probably become a fan of Virginia Military Institute football since I'm going to be living in Lexington, Va.
The Post: What Ohio athlete would you say you'll remember the most once you retire?
Glidden: Probably Geno Ford. Great competitor, great attitude, great team player, and he knew how to take charge and win.
The Post: The basketball team had some struggles this season, but former Bobcat forward Brandon Hunter is having a solid rookie season with the Boston Celtics. A few other Ohio basketball players have turned pro since you've been here as well, including current Timberwolves forward Gary Trent. You're a pretty tall guy, so if you had to take on one of these Bobcat pros, which one would it be?
Glidden: Why would I ever want to take on any of those guys?
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Mike Cottrill
