Interview with Ohio State University President - Gordon Gee

It’s not often you get to meet a person with the credibility and stature of Ohio State University President Gordon Gee. Oftentimes when meeting a person of stature or acclaim, the meeting and/or person doesn’t live up to the billing. However, with President Gee the expectations were exceeded.

The 66 year old Gee, who is always seen in a bow tie, still has the enthusiasm and vigor of youth. His passion and energy are too be envied as are his calm demeanor and excellent communication skills. The President’s mannerisms are comforting and he has a unique ability to make fans feel like they are a big part of the success of the sports programs at OSU. Mr. Gee doesn’t speak about himself when a fan approaches; instead he asks the fans what they do and what they think about the upcoming seasons. Of course President Gee’s impact is much greater than sports, however being a sport’s reporter I focused in on the beloved Buckeyes and an issue that is plaguing collegiate sports:

SD- Speak about the fiasco that is going on with agents and collegiate athletes

PG- Obviously Ohio State is one of the prime recruiting areas because we have such talented student athletes. The University has done a great job in terms of counseling the student athletes. We feel pretty confident about what we are doing. This issue is a national issue. The NCAA, the NFL and the NBA are going to have to come together and come up with an appropriate response. Unfortunately the students are the ones that suffer- not the agents. The agents are predatory. What we have to do is make it so they can no longer make a living off of these youth. It is something that we have to address

SD- What are your thoughts on the upcoming football season and what Thad Matta is building in basketball

PG- We are going to have three of the better teams in the country; football, men’s basketball and women’s basketball. Each of these teams will be highly ranked. I expect that we will have a great season

SD- Ohio State has two established coaches in Jim Tressel and Thad Matta; who are not only great on the court but also display a high level of ethics and morality. What are your thoughts on having these gentlemen represent The Ohio State University

PG- From a University President’s point of view, they are a joy to work with. First of all, one of the great privileges of my life is that I consider both of them to be very good friends. They are also two of the best coaches in the country who set a very high standard for the ethics and values of the University

SD- Thank you President Gee and best wishes

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