South Carolina hiring Donati

[Frogs1983]

What a mess. Well, that is now water under the bridge and we are looking for a new AD. I would like to get one that is as personable as CDC or Danny Morrison. One thing I like that CDC did was stay connected to all of the fans. He also had public meetings keeping everyone informed. I really thought that helped keep fans and alums engaged. Another factor is making the NIL a priority going forward. We cannot get behind in that area.

CDC the only TCU AD in 45 years since I first attended TCU who invited me to breakfast with him to hear my views as an Alum/fan.
Guy was an A1 gladhander /people person . He would be hard to replicate.

 

[Sangria Wine]

My first exchange with CDC was during baseball season in his first season here. I had noticed him standing at the top of a turnstile looking over the lower bowl. He had somebody standing beside him and you could tell he was trying to learn who all was sitting around and watching the game at the same time. At one point during a game later in the series I left my seat and went to the restroom and ran into him in the concourse and he said “Hey (my name), great to see you. We appreciate you!”

Remember that I’d never met him. He was taking the time to know who boosters and connected people were at each program. I went back to my seat and told my wife that CDC was going to be legendary for TCU and told her what just happened. That level of intentional salesmanship and frankly intellect to even remember all these people and connections is a gift that only a very small number of people have. CDC has it and an extra large portion of it.

 

[frogetaboutit]

Know like everyone he has his faults but since this is turning into CDC memory time. On one of his tailgate walkabouts he busted us with our keg. Said “your punishment is to serve the guys cleaning up and emptying trash cans with as many beers as they want” and then just left. True story.

 

[froglash88]

I flew out to FW for the Virginia game with my friend who swam for UT, then UVA. I emailed the athletic department to find out about a stadium tour. CDC gave us a private tour of the new stadium and took us through the founders suites. I almost felt guilty taking his time away from him. He said no worries. I just moved and you are getting me out of some unpacking. LOL

 

[NewFrogFan]

I remember when CDC would walk around to people’s tailgates before games. He came to ours with a couple of CFP reps at the Iowa State game when we won the B12 in 2014. He’s a fun dude to have a conversation with. Donati never gave me the impression he was super into connecting with fans. Just hung out with his buddies in the box or sideline.

Donati by no means was a bad AD. He made some good hires and good job keeping staff from being poached. But it just always felt like there was something behind the scenes that was off with him. And some of that is coming out now that he’s gone (I.e. manner of firing GP, poor relations with donors, bad management of NIL, running the dept like a “frat house”, etc.).

I had a minor issue about my tailgate one year and texted CDC who was in some suite. He later called me at home and I told him my story of the first time I met Danny Morrison at my tailgate. I told when DM walked off I just asked him “how much money you need from me”. The very next game I see a tall guy walking across lot #4 and walks straight up to me and introduces himself…..Saw him OR someone else from the “office”, usually Sinq every game after that.

 

[Big Frog II]

One thing I will give Donati credit for is keeping visitors out of our stadium and arena the best he could.

 

[NORMLFROG]

It’s incredibly interesting to see the change in the role of an AD over the last 25 years. TCU has been blessed to make some incredible hires during that time . To me it always seemed to be the right hire at the right time. Sometimes they had to make unpopular decisions for the greater good. Comes with the territory I suppose. Looking forward to the next hire and I bet BY will have some ideas for a great fit. It certainly makes his job easier when he has all AD’a in the boat rowing the same direction.

NF

 

[cdsfrog]

CDC the only TCU AD in 45 years since I first attended TCU who invited me to breakfast with him to hear my views as an Alum/fan.
Guy was an A1 gladhander /people person . He would be hard to replicate.

I sent an email about parking issues and my contact information. Left it pretty formal and just some of my suggestions for improvement.

He calls me 15 minutes later and discusses the ideas, pitfalls with each and what his thoughts were on improving the situation. Guy is a different breed that's for sure.

 

[Frozen Frog]

I just remember the time with CDC that the Texas Exes had their reservation for the patio or something at TCU cancelled. When they posted something about it online CDC responded with, "Because it's our stadium!" Greatness!

TCU will get a good one. It's definitely one of the better jobs in college sports. No having to deal with a ton of crazies. Plenty of funding and support.

 

[PurpleBlood87]

 

[PurpleBlood87]

One night, it was freezing and either icing or snowing before TCU men's basketball home game.
The team was awful that season, and I didn't buy season tickets because of the team.
But I told a buddy I was going to go to every game when I wasn't working but I wasn't going to pay for a ticket.
Shockingly, there were always people outside DMC who were just giving away tickets.
But that night, few people were at the game. It was cold outside and I was about to go buy a ticket when CDC walked up.
He said "Ricky what are you doing out here?"
I told him I was waiting for someone to give me a ticket.
"Come on, you're with me, I know the guys in charge."
We get to the ticket taker, and she asks for his ticket. CDC shows his credentials, which did nothing for the lady.
Then, a TCU police officer walks up and tells her he can come in. "He runs this
No matter where I'd see CDC, he always had time to talk to me.
Sorry he left, but who is going to pass up running Texas' athletic department.