Oklahoma State University Athletics
Frank Anderson Press Conference Quotes
June 25, 2003 | General
Oklahoma State Athletic Director Harry Birdwell:
"The search for the new baseball coach at Oklahoma State University was really a process of elimination. We had more than a hundred applicants and others that we contacted that represented a tremendous assortment of talent. It was a who's who of junior college coaches, a who's who of NAIA coaches and a who's who of Division I coaches who were looking for a greater opportunity. That told me immediately that the OSU baseball tradition was alive and well. We had many great candidates."
"He told us that it was a very difficult decision for him. My response was, Frank, that is why we want you. If it was easy for you to make this decision then I¹m not sure you are who we think you are. He is loyal to the people who are his superiors in the athletic department and he develops deep relationships with his players and they respect him. So when Frank had a difficult time making the decision it confirmed what we thought of Frank."
New Oklahoma State Head Coach Frank Anderson:
Opening Statement
"It was a tough decision. As you get to know me and get to understand who I am, family is important to me. I also have a passion for the people that I deal with and the people that I am around. I enjoy the relationships of people that I come in contact with, so I did prolong it out. There was a method to the madness though, I wanted it to be a good fit, not only for myself, but also for OSU. When we left here the other day, it was with a deep feeling in our hearts that this was a place that we could stay for a long time."
"When you leave places and go different places, you don't look at the scenery and you don't look at the stores, you look at the relationships that you have with people and how you enjoy people and embrace them. That is one thing I really look forward to here at OSU. There is a great baseball tradition, but they also have a great tradition with people. They are a family here and that is what I really looked for from OSU when I came on my visit here."
"Baseball wise, it's a really exciting time for me to be named head coach. I've had opportunities before but they didn't really fit. I think this is going to be a good fit for all of us. When the players, the coaching staff and the administrative people get together I think it will be a good experience and a lasting experience. I look forward to it and appreciate the opportunity."
On the decision to come to OSU
"There is a great tradition here. At the same time, you don¹t want to go somewhere that the cupboard is bare, and I don¹t think it is here. They have some good position players back. There is a good nucleus coming back and I think that's important. When you go into a new situation, you want to have a chance to succeed right away and I liked what was here."
"What intrigued me the most was probably the college atmosphere and the community, how it gets involved and the tradition of OSU baseball. They have had a lot of success and I thought it was a good fit. This is one of the schools that can compete for a national championship every year."
On possible players
"It's kind of a neat situation in that there were some guys that were waiting to see what would happen with the job here at OSU. Pitching is the thing we are really out there looking for right now. I like the position players that are coming back but our pitching staff is really important. It will be an ongoing process."
On his past as a pitching coach
"I've been with coaches that have allowed me to do everything on the field at one point or another. I think it will be a good transition. We'll get a good support staff around me of guys that are excited and enthusiastic about being out there at practice everyday and supporting the kids. Obviously there are some things that will change, but I¹m excited about it."
