Levick stays, leaves predicament

By Brian Betz

I clench my jaw when I say sports and loyalty shouldn't go hand-in-hand.

That's because fans often get wrapped up in certain athletes, coaches or administrators of certain programs they support.

This effect has recently made me question Santa Clara Athletic Director Cheryl Levick.

Levick was a finalist for the athletic director position at San Diego State. Former Idaho AD Mike Bohn got the position, which meant Levick remains a Bronco.

I won't debate whether she's made our teams marginally better in three years. The more current issue is that she applied for another job, didn't get it and is now back at square one.

Pardon me as I grit my teeth, but I can't blame her.

Regardless of the profession, everyone strives to advance at whatever they do. San Diego State is a larger school with a Division IA athletic department that includes a revenue-generating machine in football.

Few, if any, professions would incite frustration like sports does in this circumstance. People like myself are passionate about the teams they love, and when an integral piece of our athletic program considers jumping ship, I'm naturally irritated.

Associate Athletic Director Richard Kilwien made my point.

"In other situations you can change jobs and people understand the what's and why's," said Kilwien. "But in sports, people get offended - they don't think you want to be where you are."

Levick refused comment, as I was told it was a personal thing she didn't want to discuss. Apparently she hasn't talked with the press, including the San Diego Union-Tribune or the San Jose Mercury News, since the decision was made.

"It wasn't a job, but the job," said Kilwien. "The job means it was the right institution to pursue at the right time, at the right place."

It's a tough pill to swallow, even though I'd do the same.

But forget the pill, I need a dentist.