Thorr Bjorn, Director of Athletics, University of Rhode Island
Release Date: 04/01/2024
AAC Commissioner Tim Pernetti Talks Innovation, Football, and the Future of College Athletics
On the Fly by Playfly Sports
Tim Pernetti, Commissioner of the American Athletic Conference (AAC), joins host Gene DeFilippo for an in-depth discussion around the future of college athletics and the strategic directions for the conference. The conversation dives into Pernetti's experiences, the challenges of modern collegiate athletics, innovative strategies for the AAC, and the importance of alignment and coaching. Pernetti also shares insights into the upcoming bowl games, the evolving landscape of college sports, and the personal stories that have shaped his career. *Disclaimer: This interview was recorded on...
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BIG EAST Deputy Commissioner Vince Nicastro talks TV Deals, Expansion, and more
On the Fly by Playfly Sports
BIG EAST Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Vince Nicastro joins Host Gene DeFilippo for an insightful conversation about his 30-year career in college athletics and the rebuilding of the BIG EAST Conference in 2013. The two also touch on conference and tournament expansion, streaming partnerships, the unique culture of the BIG EAST Tournament Men's Basketball Tournament at Madison Square Garden, and more.
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Boise State AD Jeramiah Dickey on Leadership and Navigating the Changing Landscape of College Athletics
On the Fly by Playfly Sports
Host Gene DeFilippo is joined by Jeramiah Dickey, Director of Athletics at Boise State University, for a wide ranging discussion about his career journey, his leadership and vision for Boise State Athletics, and transitioning from the Mountain West to the Pac-12. Dickey also shares insights on navigating the changing landscape of college athletics, including the implications of the House Case, NIL, and conference realignment.
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Oklahoma State AD Chad Weiberg talks Conference Realignment, 'Super League' proposals, Bedlam, and More
On the Fly by Playfly Sports
Host Gene DeFilippo sits down with Chad Weiberg, the Director of Athletics at Oklahoma State University, who begins by recounting his rise from unpaid intern to his current leadership role. The discussion goes on to cover the challenges and strategic moves amidst Big 12 conference realignment and the departure of Oklahoma and Texas. Chad reflects on the tragic plane crash that claimed the lives of 10 members of the OSU basketball family, including his brother, 23 years ago, and how the OSU community continues to "Remember the Ten." He also delves into the changing landscape of college...
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Coaching High Performers in the Sports and Business World with Senior Executive Coach Pam Borton
On the Fly by Playfly Sports
In this episode of On the Fly, host Gene DeFilippo is joined by ICF Senior Executive Coach, Author, Keynote Speaker, and CEO & Founder of ON Point Next Level Leadership, Pam Borton. Pam shares her journey from a high school basketball player in Ohio to becoming the Head Basketball Coach at the University of Vermont and the University of Minnesota, where she led teams to notable successes, including an NCAA Final Four, Elite Eight,and three straight Sweet Sixteen appearances. After retiring from coaching, Pam founded ON Point Next Level Leadership, a coaching platform for leaders and high...
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Steve Hatchell Talks Numbers in Football, Hall of Fame & More
On the Fly by Playfly Sports
Host Gene DeFilippo is joined again this week by Steve Hatchell, the President and CEO of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame. The conversation delves into the comprehensive statistics around football, such as the growing number of colleges and high schools sponsoring the sport, and why it's important for post-graduate opportunities. The two discuss key NFF initiatives and events like the prestigious William V. Campbell Trophy, the Campbell Trophy Summit, their Annual Awards Dinner, the criteria for Hall of Fame induction, and more in this continuation of our insightful...
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Steve Hatchell, President and CEO of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame
On the Fly by Playfly Sports
President and CEO of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame, Steve Hatchell, joins host Gene DeFilippo for an in-depth discussion about his incredible career and early days at the University of Colorado, NFF’s impact on both the amateur and college football landscape, the importance of promoting and protecting the good in the game, and their initiatives aimed at advancing the sport’s future. Stay tuned for the second installment of our discussion, coming out soon.
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Tommy McClelland, Vice President & Director of Athletics at Rice
On the Fly by Playfly Sports
Tommy McClelland, Vice President & Director of Athletics at Rice, joins host Gene DeFilippo for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, mentorship, and the evolving landscape of college athletics. The two discuss his career ascension from being a walk-on student athlete at Northwestern State to his current position, the significance of NIL, Rice’s competitive positioning within the American Athletic Conference, and more.
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Bernadette McGlade, Atlantic 10 Conference Commissioner
On the Fly by Playfly Sports
Host Gene DeFilippo is joined by Bernadette McGlade, the Atlantic 10 Conference Commissioner, who shares her journey from a college basketball player at UNC to a coaching position at Georgia Tech and her eventual rise to commissioner. The conversation delves into challenges facing mid-major leagues like securing competitive basketball matchups, the evolution of college athletics amid the name, image, and likeness (NIL) rulings, thoughts on expanding the NCAA tournament structure, the impact of Title IX on women's sports, and more in this insightful discussion.
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Michael Strickland, ACC Senior Associate Commissioner for Football
On the Fly by Playfly Sports
Michael Strickland, the ACC Senior Associate Commissioner for Football, joins host Gene DeFilippo for a comprehensive discussion on the complexities of scheduling to accommodate for the expansion of the ACC. The conversation offers an in-depth look at the strategic considerations behind creating a balanced and equitable football schedule that mitigates travel concerns for teams, ensures competitive equity, and caters to the needs of teams, student-athletes, fans, and broadcast partners.
info_outlineIn this episode of On the Fly, Thorr Bjorn, the Director of Athletics at the University of Rhode Island, joins Gene to reflect on his 16+ year tenure at the URI and the key to his longevity. The two discuss the evolving landscape of NIL, the history and traditions of basketball in the Atlantic 10 conference, the significant investment in facilities improvements at URI, and more.