For the first time in seven years, Skip Bertman is not listed as LSU’s athletic director in the Athletic Department directory.
Joe Alleva, tabbed as Bertman’s successor nearly three months ago, officially took over for Bertman today after the legendary baseball coach’s final day Monday.
LSU baseball coach Paul Mainieri took the helm as Tigers’ coach five years after Bertman left the dugout and said he could sympathize with the task Alleva has at hand.
“Skip’s legacy will be far-reaching, ranging from what he did with the baseball program to his job as the athletic director,” Mainieri said. “As I will have a difficult job following in his footsteps as a baseball coach, I know that Joe Alleva will have the same to do as the athletic director. They’re big shoes to fill in both areas.”
Alleva took time away from moving into a new residence Monday to talk about the legacy Bertman leaves behind, as well as his own vision for the future.
“Skip’s a winner,” Alleva said. “That’s how he’s going to be remembered. He’s done some great things for LSU as a coach and as an athletic director. And I think this past year was probably the finest year LSU athletics has ever had.”
Bertman said he spent most of his last official day talking to reporters about his time as athletic director and the transition the Athletic Department is undergoing.
“I feel real good about what’s been done the past seven years,” Bertman said. “There’s been a lot of firsts, a lot of great things – championships, grade-point averages, finances, facilities. It’s been a great run.”
While Bertman might be remembered more for the winning he did as a coach, he is quick to point out the success of smaller sports during his tenure as athletic director.
The LSU gymnastics team made its first Super Six appearance in history in April, and the women’s track and field team won its first national outdoor championship in five years in June under the leadership of coach Dennis Shaver, whom Bertman hired in 2004.
The LSU softball team hosted a regional in May, marking the Tigers’ fifth NCAA postseason appearance in six years.
And Bertman’s willingness to mention those sports is not because LSU’s larger programs have struggled.
The baseball team won its first College World Series game since 2000 just weeks ago – in Mainieri’s second season after being hired.
“Mainieri is one of many coaches that we’ve hired over the last few years that are ‘can’t miss’ coaches,” Bertman said.
Mainieri spoke just as highly of Bertman as both a baseball coach and administrator.
“I don’t have any misconceptions about trying to become the greatest baseball coach in LSU history,” Mainieri said. “I’d just like to be the second best coach.”
Earlier this year, the football team won its second Bowl Championship Series national championship during Bertman’s stint as athletic director – this one under Bertman-hire, Les Miles.
The men’s basketball team made its first Final Four appearance since 1986 just two years ago, and the women’s team made its fifth consecutive Final Four appearance in April.
As LSU athletics moves out of the Skip Bertman era and into the Joe Alleva era, Bertman said he expects the pattern of success to continue.
“He’s a great guy,” Bertman said. “He’s been in this business a long time, and he’s going to do very, very well because he knows exactly what to do. I’m not worried about Joe or the department at all.”
Alleva said the past three months have given him a good chance to get acclimated to Baton Rouge and LSU.
“It’s been a really good process because I’ve had the opportunity to get to know a lot of people and get to learn a lot of things,” Alleva said.
He said he has had the privilege to get to know Bertman and hopes his legacy will be one that focuses on the same points Bertman’s has.
“Winning championships, improving facilities, making sure that student-athletes have a good experience – I think those are the main things that you always look for,” Alleva said.
Mainieri said he got to know Alleva some during the Tigers’ trip to the CWS and is confident in his new athletic director’s abilities.
“My first impression was that he is outstanding at what he does,” Mainieri said. “He’s going to do everything he can to support the coaches of all the sports, and I’m looking forward to working for him.”
Bertman will remain on staff as athletic director emeritus until 2010, focusing on fundraising – a role in which Mainieri said he expects Bertman to excel.
“Anything that Skip Bertman gets involved in, he shoots to be the very best,” Mainieri said.
While Alleva has now officially replaced him as athletic director, Bertman said he is still in the process of moving out of his office and likely will not be completely out for a couple more days.
He also said it will take him some time before he has completely recovered from the heart attack he suffered June 7.
“I’m still doing some rehab work and taking it easy for another probably four weeks,” Bertman said. “Then I’ll jump right back in full-speed. Right now I’m still feeling really good, but I’ve got to be careful.”
—-Contact Jerit Roser at [email protected]