Q and A with St. Bonaventure Athletic Director Bob Beretta
ML: How does it feel being back at St. Bonaventure?
BB: It really is surreal to be walking these grounds again as the Vice President and Director of Athletics. Candidly, only now, about four months into this assignment, has all of this begun to really sink in. I have always held this place in such high regard…to have the opportunity to return to a place that transformed me in so many ways is an absolute blessing. And to have the incredible opportunity to positively impact the lives of our student-athletes daily is a tremendous honor and a responsibility that I don’t take lightly.
ML: Someone says Le Moyne College. What do you say?
BB: Le Moyne College is a special place. It’s special for many of the same reasons that make St. Bonaventure so special. It starts with the authenticity and kindness of the people on that campus, led by President LeMura. President LeMura sets the tone for a very welcoming community. She’s so genuine and full of energy. I was so fortunate to have the opportunity to work for and with President LeMura. Her positive energy is contagious and reflective of the entire community. I enjoyed my time on the Heights a great deal. The future is so bright for Le Moyne College and the Athletic Department. All of that positive momentum made my decision to leave extremely difficult.
ML: What are you most proud of career-wise?
BB: I have been blessed in so many ways throughout my career. Spending 34 years at the world’s premier leadership institution – West Point – was an amazing gift. Having the ability to work beside some of our nation’s finest leaders had a profound impact on my development.
Spending three years at Le Moyne College and assisting with the transition to Division I athletics was another incredible career opportunity. And now, returning to St. Bonaventure University, a place I hold so dear to my heart is amazing. There are not many individuals in athletics so fortunate to work for both their hometown school and their alma mater.
But the thing I am most proud of career-wise is seeing my daughter Julia flourish as a rising star in this Intercollegiate Athletics industry. Julia is thriving in the Athletic Department at Penn State, and I couldn’t be more proud.
ML: Being at Army is a whole different deal because of what those men and women do after their college careers. What was that like seeing it up close and personal? The dedication and work and goals. Just amazing.
BB: Working alongside the future leaders of this country was an awesome and humbling experience. For more than three decades, I had the opportunity to walk alongside generals and future military officers daily. The experience shaped me personally and professionally and inculcated the values and principles that have steered my life.
ML: Good, bad and ugly of NIL and transfer portal world?
BB: Where do we start? I am a huge proponent of student-athletes being compensated appropriately for their Name, Image and Likeness. And I believe that when done right, NIL can provide an incredible service to our student-athletes.
I believe we are doing it right here at St. Bonaventure. Our student-athletes are making an impact in our community through our NIL program, while learning the value of their own personal brand. They are also learning incredible life lessons by gaining immense opportunities. With great opportunity comes great responsibility. Our student-athletes are learning those traits as well.
Unfortunately, I don’t believe that is the case at every institution across the country. I cringe hearing stories nationally in which the NIL experience received by student-athletes does not properly align with the intended spirit in which the NIL program was first imagined.
Regarding the transfer portal, it’s become similar to what free agency would look like in the professional ranks if every athlete signed a one-year contract. It’s very hard to build a cohesive team culture when the rosters change so drastically annually.
I believe our inability to adapt as an industry to the shifting national landscape has led us to this point. Opportunity without guidelines and a clear set of boundaries leads to chaos. In my opinion, that’s where our enterprise stands today.
However, I am optimistic and excited that we as current industry leaders, have the chance to forge a new set of standards and guidelines that will help direct Intercollegiate Athletics into a new and more balanced future.
ML: If a young student wanted to become an athletic director, what advice would you give him or her?
BB: I may be unlike most that sit in the AD Chair in that I never set out to be an athletic director. In fact, it wasn’t until about 15 years ago that I ever considered pursuing this career path. My dream job was to be the Sports Information Director at Army. I was able to earn that opportunity eight years into my career. At the time, I thought I would fill that role for the remainder of my professional career.
But life has a strange way of changing one’s plans. Over the years, I was blessed to work for outstanding athletic directors who entrusted me with greater responsibilities outside my immediate area of oversight. That provided me with a wide breadth of experiences and ultimately led to my ability to pursue an athletic director’s position.
My recommendation for those desiring a career as an athletic director is to work really hard at being the best at whatever role you hold. Then, with whatever free time you might have, always volunteer to assist with operations beyond your immediate scope of work. And no task is too small. I tell young professionals all the time that no one is irreplaceable, but you should do everything possible to make yourself as indispensable as possible.
That type of work ethic and attitude will be noticed by those in a position of authority and lead to more responsibility and opportunity. But I cannot emphasize enough that it’s critical to remain grounded where your feet are presently and do the very best job possible in the role you currently hold. Be patient, opportunities will follow.
ML: Thanks Bob. Good luck and Go Bonas.
BB: Thanks for the opportunity, Mike. Go Bonnies!!
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