O’Connor Visits Class for Mock Press Conference

By Connect Mason Sports Reporter Mike Coppinger
Photo courtesy of GoMason.com

On Thurs., Feb. 14, George Mason University athletic director Tom O’Connor visited Professor Steve Klein’s Sports Writing and Reporting class.

In addition to his position as athletic director, O’Connor also has the honor of serving as Chair for the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship Committee for the 2007-08 season. O’Connor spoke to the class and answered questions from students regarding the selection process.

When asked what is considered when two teams are competing for a spot, O’Connor said, “The rule of thumb is who you played, where you played, and how you did.”

He also spoke of his arduous work schedule as chair, stating that he has already viewed upwards of 126 NCAA basketball games on television, in addition to attending countless other games in-person. Nevertheless, O’Connor has only been forced to miss one Mason home game and one staff meeting.

He also disregarded any notion that one of the committee members would show favoritism, saying, “Our job is to select the 34 best teams and that’s all.”

O’Connor has a true love for intercollegiate athletics, stating that the student-athlete comes first, then the coach, then the athletic director, when making decisions.

“As chair of the committee, the biggest difference is that you are the face and voice of the committee”, said O’Connor. “You handle the conference calls with media in addition to television spots on CBS.”

O’Connor gave some insight to the students into the actual voting process. Voting is done by secret-ballot electronically. When your team or conference is on the board, you must leave the room, as to uphold the honor the process. For example, as an athletic director of a Colonial Athletic Association team, he would not speak on the merits of VCU earning a bid in the field of 65. The selection committee ensures ethics and trust among its 10 members.

Many factors are taken into account when selecting a team and forming the bracket. Teams cannot play another conference member in the first three rounds. If for example, if Mason played Hofstra in the last game of the season, then they cannot face Hofstra again in the opening round. Another factor is if one of your star players in injured or did not play in an important game for various reasons.

There is not one single factor that determines whether a team is worthy or not for the field. “For choosing between two teams with very similar resumes, a general question you ask yourself is what team wouldn’t you want to play on a neutral court?”, stated O’Connor.

O’Connor has a real passion for the game, and hopes to see good sportsmanship from the players, fans, and coaches throughout the tournament.