By ROBERT CESSNAFormer Texas A&M president Elsa Murano did more than attend athletic functions, she got involved. She became so wrapped up in the school's basketball success that her husband, Peter, erected a goal in the driveway at their house.
A&M women's basketball coach Gary Blair loved to talk to Peter Murano, a devout New York Knicks fan, while A&M students often took advantage of the couple's impromptu basketball court.
"They'd be out there shooting H-O-R-S-E," Blair said. "I don't think either one of them are ready for the senior tour, but as long as you enjoy the game and support it, that's what matters."
Blair was grateful for her contributions to his program.
"I give her high marks for me," Blair said. "I'm sorry the way it had to go down. But as coaches, we can't get involved in politics, because there's no such thing as tenure in our jobs, either.
"But she was tremendous to us. I have nothing but high regards."
Besides being a regular at the basketball games if she was in town, she went to the Alamo Bowl in 2007. She also spoke at two season-ending banquets for the women's basketball team and attended their last two NCAA Tournament selection parties.
Danielle Gant, who graduated last season and was drafted by the WNBA's Chicago Sky, thanked Murano for her support and being a role model for the university's female student-athletes during Gant's senior speech just two months ago.
"Danielle Gant was her favorite player," Blair said. "She made sure to bring Gant over to the presidential office on her birthday. She did the same thing with [La Toya] Micheaux. [Murano] would just do the little things that went unnoticed and that the regular people just didn't see."
Murano didn't confine her support to football and basketball or just show up at high-profile athletic functions. She tried to help all programs.
"I always enjoyed my relationship with Dr. Murano," A&M director of athletics Bill Byrne said. "She was a very active supporter of all of our teams and athletes. She took time to meet with recruits when they visited the campus, and she worked hard to represent us well in various Big 12 meetings. I wish her the very best."
Murano attended the first meet at the Gilliam Indoor Track & Field Stadium in January. Six months later the Aggies had won two outdoor titles in the sport, ironically a day before Murano resigned after 17 months on the job.
Murano talked to the football team during fall practice last season.
"She's a fan," Sherman said at the time. "She wants to see A&M football succeed and do well. I feel very strong support [along with] high expectations from her."
Murano, who grew up in Miami, sure wanted the Aggies to beat the Hurricanes last fall at Kyle Field, even though it didn't happen.
"Whenever I came in contact with Dr. Murano, she showed enthusiastic interest in our football team and players," Sherman said. "I appreciated that support. I wish her great success in her future endeavors."
Sherman, whose team was 4-8 last season, is expected to take several years to turn around the A&M football program. The Aggies are picked to finish last in Texas Football, which hit newsstands this week. Blair, who has made five straight postseason trips, has had one losing season in his career -- his first at A&M.
"I would hope, in the coaching profession, that they'd give you a little more time to get the job done right," Blair said. "And if I had a bad year, hopefully, people would remember my career. But, I don't know all the particulars [in Murano's case]. But it's my job to stay out of higher politics, but I've got nothing but praise for Elsa Murano."
Murano even talked about reinstating the Aggie Bonfire tradition just before she officially took over as president, even though nothing came of that.
Murano also gladly took part in The Eagle's NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Sweet 16 Prognosticator Panel two years ago.
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Posted by: On: 6/17/2009
Comment Title:
What a weak piece of journalism. Sometimes when you have nothing to say, one should just shut up.
The blame game
