Kraft emphasized constant communication to help get out of the shadow of Boston's pro teamsGETTY IMAGES
New Boston College AD Pat Kraft "would have been just fine staying at Temple," but the former Indiana football walk-on had an idea of the job and situation he was looking for and BC fit the description, making the move a "natural and ultimately, a perfect fit," according to Steve Hewitt of the BOSTON HERALD. The "challenge" for Kraft at BC will be picking up the "momentum" left behind by former AD Martin Jarmond. There is "buzz in football" and other BC sports are "on the rise." Football is where Kraft made his "biggest stamp" at Temple and he is "eager to finally tap into that potential BC has, and get the school to compete among giants in the ACC." Kraft "believes the pieces are in place." He said, "There is no barrier for us. I don’t allow excuses and money and finances, that’s not it. I get there’s other budgets, but there were other budgets where I’ve been" (BOSTON HERALD, 6/9).
GETTING THE WORD OUT: In Boston, Julian Benbow writes a "major part of Kraft’s philosophy is engagement," and connecting with alumni and fans in a socially-distanced world "will be tricky but critical." Kraft: "It’s constant engagement. We have to be able to communicate." Benbow notes a "perpetual obstacle for BC is the reality of being overshadowed in a market dominated by professional sports." Kraft pointed to his time at Temple, saying, "I’m in Philadelphia and it’s very similar. It’s Eagles all the time. What we did was you have to find ways to engage. You have to get your message out" (BOSTON GLOBE, 6/9).
