If you build it...

Part II: Padilla outlines vision for new athletics complex

Valparaiso University President José Padilla likes to give speeches and when he does, he speaks from the heart.

He might have some notes here and there, but he rarely uses a script.

Sure, there are some trusty fallbacks that Padilla uses. He’s referred to Valparaiso as a “small, but mighty, university that punches above its weight” on numerous occasions.

He played another one of the greatest hits on Wednesday during Roger Powell Jr’s introductory press conference when he invoked the film “Remember the Titans.” When addressing athletic teams, he’s often told them to make sure that opponents leave the Athletics-Recreation Center remembering the night they played against the Beacons.

Everything about Padilla’s remarks on Wednesday were classic talking points from a President who was excited about his new men’s basketball coach. Faith. Mentor. Leader. Enthusiasm. Spirit.

Then Padilla truly went off script.

This is the second of a three-part series examining Powell’s hiring. The first story focused on the process Valparaiso athletic director Charles Small used in hiring Powell. This story focuses on Padilla’s vision for a new athletics complex. The final story, which will be released on Friday morning, will focus on Powell’s first days on the job and the tough decisions he’s already had to make.