Perspectives: The Horizon League Executive Council

Following the meeting of the Horizon League Executive Council on Oct. 6, the first thing Commisssioner Jon LeCrone wanted to know as we gathered as a staff was, “what did you learn?”

Since this was my first time to sit in on the E.C., my learning curve was steep. But here are a few of my takeaways.

First, I learned that this group -- athletics directors, senior women’s administrators and faculty representatives -- are engaged and involved. They don’t just show up. They come prepared to provide their own wisdom and perspectives. They are committed to their schools individually, but also to the league as an entity. I found the discussions on virtually every agenda item to be robust. There was good exchange.

Second, the quality of the experience of the student-athletes is truly at the center of why they do what they do. They clearly take very seriously the well being and advancement of the young men and women who participate in Horizon League competition.

Thirdly, with particular regard to national and conference issues, is the complexity surrounding those issues. Even something that might seem elemental requires weighty and involved discussion. Of course part of that may be the diverse collection of institutions that comprise Horizon League membership. As in life, one size does not always fit all.

And finally, speaking of diversity, I was overwhelmingly impressed by diversity of backgrounds and experiences to be found in the meeting room. It was a quilt of humankind, bound by the central enterprise of making the Horizon League the best it can be, especially for our student-athletes and coaches.

What did I learn? That we have a winning team at the HL.