New Big East commish continues tradition
Loyalty is what the Big East is all about. It all started when the conference was built by the architect, Hall of Famer Dave Gavitt.
He did a phenomenal job putting together the league. It has become a true power in college basketball and college football. Gavitt was smart enough to get major television involved, and it provided incredible exposure to the schools and the league itself. That played a vital role in recruiting.
After Gavitt stepped down, in came his second lieutenant to run the show. Mike Tranghese has followed the pattern established by Gavitt. He expanded into the football area and built up the basketball into a 16-team power.
Tranghese was always a loyal trooper. He did the job in a positive way as the conference kept the commisioner's role, the leadership of the Big East, in the family.
Recently the shift of that position came with the announcement that another person with Providence ties, John Marinatto, would replace the retiring Tranghese.
Marinatto has worked diligently within the Big East hierarchy for a long time now. He will continue to do the job that Gavitt and Tranghese did. Marinatto has great experience in the collegiate athletic world, doing everything from sports information work to serving as Providence athletic director before joining the Big East.
I wish all the best to Tranghese in his retirement. I know his successor, Mr. Marinatto, will do a great job. Hey, his name ends in a vowel, baby!
The Big East will continue to be a power in the college sports world.
