Dear Tiger Fan,
Words cannot express the feeling of exhilaration that I bring to my first day on the job as your director of athletics at LSU. Ever since I was selected for this position, I have looked forward to this day with great anticipation and excitement. I am proud to have the opportunity to lead one of the nation's premier athletic programs and will be a zealous advocate of this outstanding institution.
I appreciate the storied history of this institution that has been written by the thousands of players, coaches and fans over the last 115 years of intercollegiate athletics at LSU. This year, LSU brought home the national championship in both football and women's outdoor track and field. Several teams won divisional titles and finished with rankings in the national polls. 19 out of 20 varsity teams competed in NCAA post-season tournaments. The women's basketball team went to its fifth straight Final Four, the baseball team returned to the College World Series and the gymnastics team achieved its first-ever berth in the Super Six.
This kind of success is only possible with the support of great fans like you. You have made it possible for LSU to attract outstanding coaches, build spectacular new facilities and give our student-athletes all the resources necessary to win championships, graduate and succeed in life.
I am committed to the development of our student-athletes and to enhance their overall experience at LSU. That means building character and competing in an exemplary manner on the playing field and in the classroom, and making a positive impact as citizens in the community.
As I assume this position to which you have entrusted me, I thank Skip Bertman for his longtime service to LSU, both as a national championship baseball coach and as an athletics director who oversaw an era of excellence. And I personally thank him and his wife, Sandy, for welcoming me and my wife, Annie, so warmly into the LSU family.
The Tiger fans are well known throughout the country for their intense passion. I believe nothing can substitute for the strong support of a dedicated fan base. Annie and I have been fortunate to experience some of that passion and we are honored to be a part of this very special LSU family. I am anxious to meet you, the Tiger faithful, and work with you to take LSU Athletics to even greater heights. With your continued support, we can achieve the highest standards of excellence in the coming years to bring many more championships to LSU and produce more long-lasting memories to enhance the legacy of LSU Athletics.
Your opinion is important, so if you have a comment or suggestion, please write me at
[email protected] [mailto:
[email protected]]. Although it may not possible to respond to all of the e-mails, please be assured that each and every one will be read.
Sincerely,
Joe Alleva
Director of Athletics
Click to expand...
