ARLINGTON, Tx – Mike Gundy took the stage on day two of the Big 12 Media Day to talk about the football program and the upcoming 2021 season.
One of the primary topics that Gundy went into depth on was the new management and leadership with a new athletic director and university president taking over on July 1 in Chad Weiberg and Dr. Kayse Shrum. This was the first time we have heard from Gundy on the matter, and it was a very positive message of what the current and future status of the Cowboy football program will look like.
“There are a lot of things that are very exciting for us,” Gundy started. “I have had some conversations with Dr. Shrum, and I am looking forward to having many more. I think she is very innovative; I think she is a good listener, she’s tough, and I think she is going to be fantastic for Oklahoma State.”
“From the time I have spent with her, I think she and I have the ability to see eye-to-eye and will work very well in the future.”
Bruce Waterfield/OSU Athletics
Both Dr. Shrum and Chad Weiberg were appointed to their positions on July 1
In talking about new athletic director Chad Weiberg, Gundy’s first comments were also very positive.
“Obviously Chad Weiberg has been in our department for a number of years, but he hasn’t been the man in charge. He now is in charge, and I am very excited about that and I think that we have three people that are very interested in coming together as a group and finding ways to continue Oklahoma State football as what it’s been in the past and finding ways to make it better in the future.”
“Dr. Shrum and Chad Weiberg have other things going on as well but in terms of us three as a group, I am very excited to make things the best they have ever been.”
Relations were not always as strong as they could be between Mike Gundy and the previous management in the athletic department, but it appears from all sides that communication lines are open and relationships are very strong with this group at the helm.
I would expect for Dr. Shrum and Weiberg to work well together and as all people know, football is the sport that helps run all other athletic programs around every campus. For that to happen smoothly, there has to be a cohesive understanding of what the plan is and how to execute that. The good thing is that all three individuals, Gundy, Weiberg, and Shrum have displayed the abilities to do that themselves. Now comes the time to make it a group effort and I think we will see that immediately.
From the way Gundy was talking and the words he used such as “to make it the best as it’s ever been”, he is very motivated to work with them to elevate all aspects of the football program as well as the university and its appearance.
We will be able to tell as time goes on, but I would say it is fair for any Oklahoma State fan to think or hope the next few years and beyond will be all around healthy and positive the people at the helm.
