Mack Rhoades Introduced as New Missouri AD
March 12, 2015 | Sports,
By Jacob Seus, KCOU Sports
On Tuesday afternoon, the Missouri Tigers introduced the 18th Athletic Director in the school’s history, the replacement for current AD, Mike Alden. The torch was passed over to Mack Rhoades who comes over from the University of Houston where he serves as the Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics. A packed house full of family, friends, athletes, and alumni filled the MU Student Center as Rhoades was introduced to the community.
Chancellor Loftin began the proceedings by talking about the process and why he picked Rhoades. Loftin emphasized the importance of integrity, and doing things the right away, which is a big reason on why he chose Rhoades. Rhoades was on the top of his candidate list from day 1 and after meeting with him, Loftin knew he was the man for the job. We would certainly see why when Rhoades emphasized that Missouri was going to win, and they were going to win the right way. Loftin went on to introduce the new AD by giving him and his wife small tokens courtesy over the University.
Rhoades began his first press conference with the classic M-I-Z to the appreciation of the Mizzou faithful. Rhoades praised the job done by Alden saying how the bar is set and it is now his turn to raise it. Rhoades rejuvenated the Houston program as they are possibly on their way to joining a power 5 conference. Rhoades will begin his journey by meeting with all the staff to evaluate their positions. Rhoades promises to stay out of coaches’ ways leaving an open door to discuss anything as well as what the team may need to get a team to that next level.
Rhoades will have to have his A-game as he is joining possibly the best conference in sports in the SEC, and becoming the face of Missouri Athletics. Rhoades talked about how this is a destination job for him. When he officially moves to Columbia with his wife and two daughters he expects this to be his last move. He would like to stay as long as Alden who stayed for 17 years or even longer. Rhoades will be working with Alden for the next month before he officially takes over as Athletic Director at the end of April.