BATON ROUGE — LSU athletic personalities topped by football coach Les Miles and athletics director Joe Alleva were part of a New Orleans Times-Picayune list that selected the 25 most powerful/influential people on the New Orleans/South Louisiana sports scene.
The list was selected using a formula that included evaluating a person’s capability to effect significant change ? or to prevent significant change ? on sports. Also considered was how the individuals rated versus their peers; how much money they control, generate, or influence; how long people have exercised power; and their long-term impact on a sport or the larger world of sports.
Miles was No. 6 on the list and the Picayune wrote: “He arrived in Baton Rouge in 2005 in the huge shadow of Nick Saban, but he has emerged. In his four years at LSU, Miles has led the Tigers to the best four-year run in the history of the program. Since taking over, Miles has guided LSU to a national title, a Southeastern Conference championship, three consecutive top-five finishes and four bowl victories — two of which were BCS contests. Not even Saban accomplished that.
“LSU’s success under Miles hasn’t been limited to the playing field. The Tigers have had 66 players on the SEC academic honor roll, with another 78 earning college diplomas. And there’s no reason to believe the run will stop. With Miles’ growing influence, the Tigers continue to pull in top recruiting classes. “The support staff that surrounds our recruiting effort is tremendous,” Miles said. “Again, I’m very fortunate to represent a great community and a great opportunity.”
Alleva checked in at No. 9 on the list, with these remarks from the article authored by writer Nakia Hogan: “Alleva, who left Duke last year to oversee LSU’s $70 million annual budget, couldn’t believe he’d have so much success. For the first time in school history, every LSU sports team participated in NCAA postseason competition, and that feat was capped when the Tigers’ baseball captured the national title at the College World Series by beating top-seeded Texas.
“The Tigers had plenty of support. LSU fans swarmed through the turnstiles to cheer on their team. Led by an average crowd of 91,762 (ninth best in the country) at Tiger Stadium for football games, more than 1.5 million fans watched LSU home games at various athletic arenas. “It was really a lot easier than I thought it would be,” Alleva said. “I’ve got a good staff and good coaches. I hired a good guy, Trent Johnson, who picked up a down program (men’s basketball). I think it’s gone seamlessly. I feel like I’ve been here a lot longer than a year. I really feel at home. I’m shocked at how much. What excites me about LSU is that we’re good, and we can be even better.”
Also in the top 25 representing LSU were General Ron Richard, the CEO of the LSU Tiger Athletic Foundation at No. 13 and LSU basketball alumnus Collis Temple, Jr., who checked in at No. 23.
The complete list of 25 as selected by the Times-Picayune:
1. Tom Benson, owner New Orleans Saints
2. George Shinn, owner New Orleans Hornets
3. Doug Thornton, vice-president SMG, management company of Superdome and N.O. Arena
4. Rod Mickler, vice-president Cox Sports TV
5. Chris Paul, player, New Orleans Hornets
6. Les Miles, Head Coach, LSU football team
7. Jay Cicero, president, New Orleans Sports Foundation
8. Paul Hoolahan, CEO Sugar Bowl
9. Joe Alleva, LSU Athletics Director
10. Sean Payton, Head Coach, New Orleans Saints
11. Bobby Jindal, Governor, State of Louisiana
12. Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints quarterback
13. General Ron Richard, CEO, LSU Tiger Athletic Foundation
14. Rita Benson LeBlanc, owner/executive, New Orleans Saints
15. Austin Miller, President, New Orleans Fair Grounds
16. Mackie Shilstone, fitness guru
17. Mickey Loomis, General Manager, New Orleans Saints
18. Rick Dickson, Athletic Director, Tulane
19. Archie Manning, former quarterback, New Orleans Saints
20. Tommy Fonseca, President, Fore!Kids; Director Zurich Classic
21. Byron Scott, Coach, New Orleans Hornets
22. Ron Maestri, COO, New Orleans Zephyrs
23. Collis Temple, Jr., LSU Basketball Alumnus
24. Kenny Henderson, Commissioner, Louisiana High School Athletic Association
25. Wright Waters, Commissioner, Sun Belt Conference