Bjork faces 'pressing issues' as he officially takes over as Ohio State AD

Ohio State “laid the groundwork for a smooth succession plan at the helm” when it hired AD Ross Bjork in January, according to Joey Kaufman of the COLUMBUS DISPATCH. Bjork “largely took advantage of the time to acclimate to Ohio State” as he “met with senior administrators and coaches and gathered with the various offices within the department for town halls, soliciting advice and seeking various perspectives.” He toured “nearly two dozen” facilities. Kaufman notes this is a “blueprint he followed when he took over as the athletic director at past schools.” Despite the transition time, Bjork was “formally elevated to athletic director” yesterday and faces “pressing issues to address in the months ahead.” One idea Bjork suggested to increase revenue is the addition of a “premium services club” at Ohio Stadium that could be open “throughout the year.” Kaufman reports Bjork plans to begin “traditional fundraising” this year, hoping to raise money for “capital expenditures,” including a “significant renovation and expansion” of the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. The cost for the project is “undetermined, but it is likely to be considerable.” Bjork “estimated it to range between” $150M and $200M, requiring him to “target large-scale donors” this year. Kaufman writes the total raised initially is “likely to shape a formal proposal and the timeline for any groundbreaking, construction and completion.” Bjork identified the OSU Ice Rink as another facility “in need of a facelift." Kaufman notes Bjork has “no plans to overhaul the department’s staff.” He says that there are “no key openings” and “does not anticipate turnover" (COLUMBUS DISPATCH, 7/2).