Then Woolard received another welcome.

From USF's super-sized mascot, Rocky the Bull.

Instead of a cute hug, Rocky nearly smothered the 5-foot-10, 165-pound Woolard, who forced a polite smile as he gradually wiggled from the mascot's unendingly overzealous grasp. Probably meant for laughs, it seemed awkward and out of place.

But it became the perfect backdrop for Wednesday's unraveling series of unearthed documents, news flashes and denials.

As if Woolard didn't have enough immediate challenges before USF's Big East Conference move in 2005 - such as an undercapitalized department, facilities desperately needing a makeover and getting men's basketball back on Tampa Bay's radar screen - he also is saddled with the perception of being the school's second choice for AD.

Was USF's AD job actually first offered to the other finalist, Virginia senior associate athletic director Jon Oliver? According to public records, Oliver received a draft of the proposed contract on Friday (four days before a similar document, with some pumped-up financials, was issued to Woolard).

Did Oliver pull out of the running when a late question about his background came from Chuck Neinas, USF's AD search consultant? Apparently so, according to a written statement from a USF spokeswoman. Apparently not, according to later conversations with Oliver and a USF vice president, who insisted Woolard was the No. 1 guy all along.

Wow.

USF's move to the Big East suddenly doesn't seem that complicated.

Understanding The Mission
One thing is certain.

Woolard is the AD.

Regardless of what happened - or what didn't happen - he's in the big seat on Fowler Avenue. He's the man to replace a legend, Lee Roy Selmon. He's the guy who must implement the Big East vision.

And even if Woolard was the second choice, you know what?

Who cares?

He's the right choice.

Since 1994, he has been athletic director at Saint Louis University, one of USF's Conference USA brethren and a place with familiar dynamics.

Like USF, Saint Louis is an urban research school in a major metropolitan area. Like USF, Saint Louis athletics must battle for attention against professional sports. Like USF, Saint Louis sometimes gets overshadowed in its own market by more established universities.

Like USF, Saint Louis is located in a big small town.

``There are many, many similarities and I think those are reasons why this is going to be a good fit,'' Woolard said. ``My goal was for people to say Rams, Cardinals, Blues and [Saint Louis University] Billikens, to be in that same conversation.

``I think we established our identity with those pro sports teams by building partnerships with them [instead of working against them]. We want relationships. And we want to be strong internally. Before we take our message out to the Tampa Bay community and build those relationships, we must be strong internally.''

Solid Track Record
Woolard established a track record at Saint Louis for managing people and making good decisions. He hired Lorenzo Romar, then Brad Soderberg, for men's basketball, two solid choices. He brought the nationally recognized men's soccer program back to a new on-campus facility.

He's known for being cool-headed and even-handed.

He's a former high school basketball coach, a respected leader for hundreds of young men. His son, 30- year-old Chris, still calls Woolard ``my best friend ... because he has always been there for me.''

And regardless of what happens to USF's athletic budget, or how many facilities get renovated, or how daunting the Big East challenge becomes, Woolard said his top priority won't change.

``The student-athletes,'' he said. ``Taking care of them. Putting them in a position to be successful and graduate. That's why we're here.''

Woolard, a fan of motivational books, has a favorite quote.

If you think you can, you can. If you think you can't, you can't. And either way, you're right.

``Not only do I think we can at USF,'' Woolard said, ``I know we can.''

However it all came together, Woolard now has that chance.<