This year proved to be a "significant" one for Maryland AD Kevin Anderson, as he was a "key figure in Maryland's move to the Big Ten and in the development and finalization of plans to transform Cole Field House into an indoor practice facility and athletic complex, which should help with recruiting for football and other sports," according to Matt Zenitz of the Baltimore SUN. Anderson also has been a "driving force behind the scenes providing the tools" for UM coaches "to be competitive" following the school's move to the Big Ten. University System of Maryland Board of Regents member Frank Kelly said of Anderson, "He took some heat, and I can remember talking to Kevin when things weren't going well. But I always trusted Kevin that he made the right hires. ... He has all the great qualities you want in a leader. He's got tremendous integrity. He's got vision. He's got courage." Zenitz noted Anderson also is "particularly proud of the new 'Maryland Way Guarantee,' which guarantees lifetime scholarships for athletes." UM was one of the first D-I institutions "to offer such a guarantee." While Anderson has been "rumored to be a candidate for athletic director jobs at other schools, he says his focus is on Maryland." Anderson: "I'm always flattered and humbled when my name is mentioned, but it is a reflection of the greatness of our institution and the progress we have made as an athletics department" (Baltimore SUN, 12/25).
MOVING THE NEEDLE FORWARD: Anderson, on his primary goals for UM's athletic programs going forward, said, "We really want to work with the NCAA on developing programs and keeping ahead of the curve and making sure that we’re addressing the needs of these 21st-century student-athletes and going on and staying ahead of the curve rather than staying with it or falling behind." He added, "I think we’re in a very good place now as far as intercollegiate athletics that we are going to be able to stay ahead of what we need to provide these great young people as far as academics and athletics and concerns about their health and well being" (BALTIMORESUN.com, 12/25).
