Mario Moccia

We had a good conversation with the newly appointed athletic director at New Mexico State, Mario Moccia, on the "Opening Drive" this week, and I think NMSU has made a good hire.  They brought back one of their own to run their athletic department.  Moccia was a baseball player at NMSU and is in the athletic hall of fame at the school.  He is passionate, invested and energetic; all attributes I believe are necessary for someone in that position.  But what I think is really important at New Mexico State University is that they have someone who wants to be there.  Mario has made it clear throughout the process, and even before, that he loves NMSU and Las Cruces. He wants to be there and wants to make that place special.  In a place like New Mexico State, that is vital.  It doesn't guarantee success, but it raises his chances.  He knows the culture, the landscape and what he is getting into.  Good hire, New Mexico State and good luck to Mario Moccia. It's a tough job, but I think this is the right guy at the right time to accept it.