Unless you work in an Athletic Department for an extended period of time, it is hard to understand the depth of relationships that are developed. Certainly those that work 9 to 5 jobs create friendships in their work place but in the world of collegiate athletes there are no 9 to 5 jobs. We work with each other in the evenings and on the weekends...we travel around the country and even the world with each other...we often share holidays together.
For me, that experience at LSU was made richer because of my relationship with Bill who served as our Sports Information Director in women's basketball while working along side Michael Bonnette to handle football. You could also always count on Bill to jump in and help with baseball as well, especially when the NCAA's rolled into Alex Box. In fact, anyone could count on Bill to help with anything at anytime -- that's the kind of man he is.
My wish for everyone is that in their lifetime they get the opportunity to work along someone that has the passion for their job as does Bill...someone that cares deeply about the student-athletes he works with as does Bill...someone that has the level of commitment to his craft as does Bill...and someone that brings that energy to life each and everyday like Bill. They say the key to living a successful life is maintaining your enthusiasm for what you do -- that would explain Bill's success. Whether it was his LSU Tigers, his St. Louis Cardinals and now his Bulldogs, you'll be hard pressed to find someone as loyal.
There is a hole in the LSU Athletic Department that will need to be filled with his departure but I can tell you that Mississippi State just got better.
CONGRATULATIONS BILL!
