Before Bryan Blair became Syracuse University’s 12th athletics director, he was a walk-on, an undersized nose tackle for the Wofford College football team who, through hard work and determination, became a starter heading into his junior year. Blair lost his job because he didn’t perform up to the coach’s expectations, but displaying a tenacity that would foreshadow his rise to prominence as one of college athletics’ most innovative leaders, Blair wound up reclaiming that starting role and was named a team captain for his senior season.
“I’m really proud of that journey. So much of what I went through as a student-athlete is emblematic of where we're at today in college athletics, where you've got to find a way to yes,” says Blair, who started his new role on July 1. “You've gotto find a way to push through adversity and rally your teammates to do something nobody else thinks is possible. That’s very much our plight today.”
Blair understands what it takes to position student-athletes, coaches and support staff for success. With a strong background in student-athlete development and revenue generation, Blair came to Syracuse University with a reputation as a builder of championship programs, a generator of innovative revenue strategies and a believer in the transformative power of higher education.
As the Orange’s fall sports teams ramp up play, Blair wants members of the campus, alumni and Central New York communities to know that, since arriving on campus, he has been working tirelessly to help Syracuse Athletics “get ourswagger back.”
“This block S means something across this country. We are a big deal. We've got to embrace being a big deal and performlike the big deal that we are,” Blair says. “Among our student-athletes, coaches and support staff there is a shared alignment and understanding of what Syracuse Athletics looks like at its best and how it benefits this broadercommunity and this campus. Syracuse Athletics is special.”
On the latest “’Cuse Conversations” podcast, Blair outlines his vision for the department, reflects on his journey to SyracuseUniversity, shares what success will look like this year and explains how people can get involved with One Orange Alliance, the Name, Image and Likeness marketing agency serving all 20 varsity sports.