EP 4 Talking Sports with UGA Athletic Director Josh Brooks

[: 00:00:00

[00:00:32] Jim Powell: Welcome to Fans First, a sports [00:00:35] podcast. My name is Jim Powell. I'm honored to serve as your host today. And I'm even more honored [00:00:40] because of the greatness of the guests that we have today. It is the J. Reid Parker, Director of [00:00:45] Athletics for the University of Georgia. Josh Brooks, who happens to be a finalist for the 2023 [00:00:50] Sports Business Journal's Athletic Director of the Year, continues to lead the University of Georgia Athletic [00:00:55] Association through What is historic success?

[: 00:00:58

[00:01:29] Jim Powell: [00:01:30] Josh is He was recently appointed to the NCAA Division I council, joining Commissioner [00:01:35] Greg Sankey as the lone SEC representative. You've got a great resume. You've done [00:01:40] an awesome job. And, uh, I mean the results are right there. That's one thing about sports [00:01:45] is you see the wins and you see the losses and you can't hide either one.

[: 00:01:48

[00:01:56] Josh Brooks: Well, thanks, Jim. I appreciate it. Uh, you know, it's obviously a team effort and [00:02:00] I inherited a great situation here at Georgia getting this job in early 2021.

[: 00:02:04

[00:02:14] Jim Powell: Josh i'm i'm [00:02:15] curious about you know When you have this many sports and they're playing at such high [00:02:20] levels How do you take care of them all at the same time?

[: 00:02:23

[00:02:25] Josh Brooks: Yeah, it's it's no different honestly than being a parent, right? I've got three boys [00:02:30] at home and you're trying to spread your time and and uh commitments all of them but [00:02:35] I think you have to understand that There's always going to be an imbalance at any point in time depending on [00:02:40] what Child's got going on or what each team's got going on.

[: 00:02:43

[00:03:02] Josh Brooks: And, and, but then again, that's where you lean on your [00:03:05] staff. And I've got great. Uh, sport facilitators for each program that can [00:03:10] do the heavy lifting.

[: 00:03:11

[00:03:20] Jim Powell: If you, if you got a chance to spend more time with your family and catch up with your kids and all of that, [00:03:25] or did you sit there with your feet up like I did and watch all those college football matchups that. [00:03:30] I never dreamed we would see in a regular season of an NCAA college football team.

[: 00:03:34

[00:03:38] Josh Brooks: Fortunately, this last weekend we didn't have any [00:03:40] other home contest. Soccer was away. Volleyball is away. [00:03:45] So I had a soccer game thursday night at home, friday night volleyball, but then saturday, no home [00:03:50] contest. So I was able to actually, I had, uh, my youngest son had [00:03:55] a soccer game. Early Saturday morning.

[: 00:03:56

[00:04:12] Josh Brooks: Um, so I try to, and I'll try to save a lot [00:04:15] of time for the family, uh, with three boys and everybody, somebody's got something going on, whether it's a sporting [00:04:20] event or a music event or something, whatever it may be. Um, [00:04:25] so. People ask me all the time, do I play golf? And I answer, no, I don't, because when I do have [00:04:30] a free weekend, I'm trying to spend that time with the family as much as I can.

[: 00:04:33

[00:04:47] Jim Powell: I totally understand that. That's great. [00:04:50] You know, the fans heads are still spinning from all the changes in college football in the last year or so and trying [00:04:55] to figure out what is what because it's a new reality here.

[: 00:04:58

[00:05:15] Jim Powell: I was actually, I really enjoyed it and it made more sense to me. What, what were your [00:05:20] thoughts on the interesting matchups that were produced by college football in the last [00:05:25] couple of weeks?

[: 00:05:25

[00:05:36] Josh Brooks: They go, wait, this is a conference game. So it's getting used to that [00:05:40] landscape. But Oklahoma, um, You know playing Tennessee and that being a cover [00:05:45] skip. So this is a new world. We're getting used to I think the veritability Um, even within the [00:05:50] sec now, right? We have one division. We're not east and west anymore.

[: 00:05:53

[00:06:26] Josh Brooks: So, I think it's good for the game. Um, but you're always, [00:06:30] again, trying to balance the tradition with the innovation of the future. So, as long as we can [00:06:35] balance those both, I think it's going to be great for the game.

[: 00:06:37

[00:06:45] Jim Powell: Um, what are, what are two or three things that maybe keep you up at night [00:06:50] when you wake up and, and you're. Worrying about the future or thinking about the future of college [00:06:55] athletics? What are a couple of things that you focus in on?

[: 00:06:58

[00:07:17] Josh Brooks: So I always feel like things are going to work out. We, we've gone through [00:07:20] COVID, we've gone through tougher things. We can work through this, but that's something that, uh, you [00:07:25] know, you, spend a lot of time thinking about. I, you know, I'm a person that honestly, I lose sleep over any [00:07:30] loss, whether it's, you know, right now we're in the fall, we've got soccer and volleyball, football, cross country all [00:07:35] going on and some of the other sports starting to pick up the year long seasons, like tennis.[00:07:40]

[: 00:07:40

[00:08:05] Jim Powell: I tell you, just knowing my, my friends who are big Bulldog fans, I went to Georgia, my, my [00:08:10] wife at Georgia, my two of my three daughters went to Georgia.

[: 00:08:12

[00:08:45] Jim Powell: You're starting to worry about the transfer portal and how now we got, how are we going to keep this kid [00:08:50] here? It's like you have to re recruit the same kid year after year after year. That, I mean, [00:08:55] I just worry about the fatigue and burnout for these coaches.

[: 00:08:58

[00:09:08] Josh Brooks: One of the things I've asked and [00:09:10] really working, I'm working closely with, uh, former coach Craig bowl, who was the head coach of Wyoming. Now the [00:09:15] president of AFCA, um, met with him recently to talk about how we can be smart and make [00:09:20] smart decisions from a rules perspective that are going to help the coaches because we've got to look at [00:09:25] recruiting calendars.

[: 00:09:25

[00:10:17] Jim Powell: I'm, just glad that there's a josh brooks and a greg sankey that are that [00:10:20] are involved now with the ncaa and Um, helping to chart the course forward because it's going to be [00:10:25] choppy waters in many, uh, instances.

[: 00:10:27

[00:10:31] Josh Brooks: You know, I always believe in, in, in what we're doing. I believe in our mission. [00:10:35] And that's what I've challenged our staff to, to keep at the forefront of what we're doing. Because a lot of times [00:10:40] we get caught up into the changes that we're experiencing right now, whether it's name, image, likeness, [00:10:45] or any of the number of lawsuits going on.

[: 00:10:47

[00:11:16] Josh Brooks: What our core mission is, is to help student athletes, help them graduate, [00:11:20] make them better men and women. Because for us, it's not just about what we're doing today. [00:11:25] It's about who, who are the men and women are creating for 20 years from now and beyond. So, um, [00:11:30] I think we still have a great thing and I think the [00:11:35] mission of what we do, we have to keep the forefront.

[: 00:11:37

[00:11:55] Jim Powell: You know, I mentioned some of the capital projects and the facility improvements that have been [00:12:00] ongoing for the last few years under your leadership. What can you tell us about [00:12:05] Uh, some of the projects that are special to you right now and maybe some future [00:12:10] innovations. I mean, everybody, the whole world is evolving in sports and out of sports.

[: 00:12:14

[00:12:19] Josh Brooks: [00:12:20] Yeah, so right now we've got a few projects going on right now. Uh, we're in the final [00:12:25] phases of finishing up our softball renovation project. Uh, we've just gotten into the heavy part [00:12:30] of our baseball project that should be complete by February of this year, right time for the season.

[: 00:12:34

[00:12:55] Josh Brooks: Uh, it's a venue that was built in 1929. It's a great venue, [00:13:00] but it was built in 1920. I expanded several times, very proud of the work that we're able to do on the South [00:13:05] 100, South 300 level to make it more fan friendly. So our challenge is [00:13:10] now. To look at other parts of the stadium and see where we can keep improving the fan experience, whether [00:13:15] that's wider concourses, newer restrooms.

[: 00:13:18

[00:13:34] Josh Brooks: Um, to [00:13:35] keep working to create new premium experiences that maybe we didn't think [00:13:40] existed before and, uh, all the while still balancing that with [00:13:45] improving the experience for all the fans. So that's always going to be the forefront for me [00:13:50] when you think about Sanford Stadium is the fan experience. And I, I, I tend to [00:13:55] focus on the small details, right?

[: 00:13:56

[00:14:05] Jim Powell: No, but the ticket prices going up for 2025 and [00:14:10] certainly UGA is not alone in that regard. It's happening everywhere for obvious reasons.

[: 00:14:14

[00:14:35] Jim Powell: Uh, you know, it's enjoyable and affordable for the people who have tons of money and it's [00:14:40] affordable and enjoyable for people who don't

[: 00:14:42

[00:15:00] Josh Brooks: So before it was a little bit more balanced. Now you're going to see a greater variance between [00:15:05] that because we want it to keep, whether it's a 600 level or the upper 300 East level, [00:15:10] we wanted to get in price to still be affordable or as attainable as possible for [00:15:15] anyone that wants to come to a game.

[: 00:15:17

[00:15:53] Josh Brooks: At a fair level for a [00:15:55] long time, whether we're talking about football, basketball, baseball, because of those larger gifts. So it's all a balancing [00:16:00] effort and we appreciate it needs. We need everyone. We need the masses that do the base level [00:16:05] prices, and we need the, the, the, the fewer quantity that give big levels.

[: 00:16:08

[00:16:14] Jim Powell: Last couple [00:16:15] of questions for you, Josh. I really appreciate your time once again. Um, so I'll get away from business and go [00:16:20] into something I think you'd much prefer to talk about, which is Mike White's excellent recruiting class in [00:16:25] basketball.

[: 00:16:25

[00:16:47] Josh Brooks: Yeah, it's really exciting. You know, um, [00:16:50] You know, we we've preached patience with this progress of this program [00:16:55] because we inherited Where we've come from a net and rpi ranking the last two and a half years [00:17:00] to where we are today It's been tremendous. And now we want to take that next step forward [00:17:05] But, but I think he's taking a, uh, a plan of focusing on [00:17:10] the process and the results will come and we know the league's gonna be tougher this year.

[: 00:17:14

[00:17:32] Josh Brooks: With with youthfulness age [00:17:35] experience people that played in this league. Um, you know, obviously very excited about Um, [00:17:40] you know the guys that are coming back dylan james blue cane Salas [00:17:45] demeri jr Who all were starting in that nit run coming back and then [00:17:50] you know when you think talk about guys like justin absinthe and rj godfrey uh, dakota [00:17:55] lefew Deshaun montgomery Tyron Lawrence coming in the portal and then, you [00:18:00] know, young guys like, uh, Asa Newell and, uh, and Sampto Cyril.[00:18:05]

[: 00:18:05

[00:18:21] Jim Powell: it's time now to flip the switch on the athletic director [00:18:25] from the University of Georgia, Josh Brooks. And I want to flip it in a different direction and go back and [00:18:30] learn more about your young family because. I know you're, you're tending to all these other sports, but there's [00:18:35] nothing more you're gonna need to tend to than your own family.

[: 00:18:37

[00:18:44] Josh Brooks: Yeah, [00:18:45] honestly, it's difficult because, you know, there's always some times where [00:18:50] you have conflicting events, even between your own Children and then obviously with Georgia events. So, [00:18:55] you know, you have to make tough decisions.

[: 00:18:56

[00:19:18] Josh Brooks: But one thing I try to do is incorporate my [00:19:20] family into my job. So going to Alabama this weekend, I'm taking one of my boys with me. So [00:19:25] that'll be time that we'll have together. And then I'll take another son with me to Florida later in the year. So, [00:19:30] uh, whether it's my wife or one of my boys, just trying to always incorporate them into my job, because [00:19:35] it's almost impossible to have work life balance.

[: 00:19:37

[00:19:53] Josh Brooks: with 21 [00:19:55] teams competing. You have to live through some losses. You have to live through some disappointments, but learning [00:20:00] to understand that we may have a tough game this game, but there's always another [00:20:05] game tomorrow and another another one. So Um, but they've been great and I've enjoyed this journey, [00:20:10] uh, with them at my side.

[: 00:20:11

[00:20:18] Josh Brooks: Yeah, my youngest, [00:20:20] uh, Davis, the 12 year old who is, uh, he's got that spirit. He's a, he's a keeper right now. He [00:20:25] plays soccer and he's got that goalkeeper spirit, but he's also the one cheering at all the [00:20:30] games and, uh, he's the one dancing on the jumbotron.

[: 00:20:32

[00:20:43] Jim Powell: I definitely see it in his future. [00:20:45] We're almost near the end of the interview and I haven't asked you about the game yet, but I was intentionally holding [00:20:50] it for the end.

[: 00:20:50

[00:21:08] Josh Brooks: Yeah, you know, I think it's good for the league. I [00:21:10] think it's good for both programs. These are the kind of games that we we preach [00:21:15] about that we say when you come to Georgia, these are the games you're gonna get to play in. Um, for me, I'm I'm an old [00:21:20] football coach, so I'm always the mindset that this game is the biggest game because it's the next game.

[: 00:21:24

[00:21:45] Josh Brooks: And, and I hopeful, you know, it's gonna be a great game. And hopefully both teams to stay healthy because it's a long [00:21:50] season. And, and I think, uh, I think hopefully it's a It's a showcase [00:21:55] of what's to come, uh, later in the year.

[: 00:21:57

[00:22:01] Josh Brooks: Yeah. I mean, look, I'm rested and ready. I had my weekend off, so I'm ready to go. I think I [00:22:05] can, I think I'm good for, for two or three snaps this weekend. [00:22:10]

[: 00:22:10

[00:22:18] Jim Powell: Um, it's great to have you on [00:22:20] with us. We wish you the very best of luck, continued success at UGA. It's been very impressive to watch. [00:22:25]

[: 00:22:25

[00:22:27] Jim Powell: go dogs. One [00:22:30] of our favorite times of every show is when we get to get off my lawn. [00:22:35] Hey, get off my lawn today. We got a great submission from [00:22:40] Charlotte, North Carolina.

[: 00:22:41

[00:22:46] Get Off My Lawn: have to call in because o weekend. You [00:22:50] got the bull and I'm just [00:22:55] excited as c but I know things aren't You [00:23:00] don't go into Tuscaloosa without having refs that are totally [00:23:05] biased, and I'm excited about the game, but I might not even watch because the damn referee is going to [00:23:10] throw the game anyway.

[: 00:23:11

[00:23:30] Jim Powell: Wow.

[: 00:23:31

[00:23:52] Jim Powell: Um, when they're in a stadium with 100, 000 people [00:23:55] screaming at them, they're probably going to occasionally miss a call because they, they side with [00:24:00] the wrong side. The local crowd definitely influences players, [00:24:05] coaches, as well as officials. But quit on the game and you're not even going to watch the [00:24:10] game and the team hasn't even left Athens to go to Tuscaloosa?

[: 00:24:13

[00:24:33] Jim Powell: And, of course, he's got a huge [00:24:35] football game coming up. to worry about coming up this weekend. So thank you, Josh Brooks, for spending that time with us, [00:24:40] giving us your insights and your thoughts on the upcoming Georgia Alabama game. And we want to thank you for [00:24:45] joining us for today's episode of Fans First, a sports podcast.

[: 00:24:48

[00:25:08] Jim Powell: com to be included as a guest [00:25:10] on an episode. Send your audio file, video file, or written memo to [00:25:15] jim at fansfirstpodcast. com. Please keep your submissions to no more than 45 [00:25:20] seconds in length. We want you to be a part of our show. And we're so glad you joined us for today's [00:25:25] episode. We will look forward to seeing you again.

[: 00:25:27

[00:25:34] Voice Over: [00:25:35] Stay tuned, stay passionate and keep celebrating the sports you love. [00:25:40] Visit us at fansfirstpodcast. com to explore more, sign up [00:25:45] for our newsletter to receive exclusive updates, and follow the podcast on social media [00:25:50] to join our growing community of sports enthusiasts. Your voice matters to [00:25:55] us, so don't hesitate to share your thoughts and connect with fellow fans.

[: 00:25:59