Bob Chichester became the Athletic Director of UC Irvine in September 2002 shortly after Dan Guerrero resigned to accept the AD position at UCLA. During the past four and a half years, Chichester has successfully overseen all 23 sports programs at UCI. He sat down with the New University to discuss the future of the UCI sports and give students a first-hand look at the daily operations his work entails.
New University: How did you initially become an athletic director?
Chichester: I was on the legal staff at the University of Colorado and had the opportunity to work on a number of athletic-related issues out of the legal office at the University of Colorado. And because of the success we had on those issues, I was offered a chance to move into the athletic department to work on some administrative issues. I took that opportunity and moved into the athletic department in 1998.
New U: You were quite an athlete yourself playing multiple sports in high school and college. What is your favorite sport?
Chichester: Well, today I will say that I have 23 favorite sports. Because we have 23 sports programs here at UC Irvine. But growing up my favorite sport was probably baseball. And then it became basketball.
New U: What positions did you play in each sport?
Chichester: In baseball, pitcher and infield, and the [small forward] in basketball.
New U: Who is your favorite athlete and why?
Chichester: Probably depends upon the era. I would say Jackie Robinson. And if you give me the chance to mention a couple, I would say that I was a big Lakers fan, so let me say three Lakers that I really liked: Magic Johnson, Wilt Chamberlain and Jerry West. If you let me pick two other [athletes] it would be Willie Mays
