Another leaves as fall arrives

Media man joins RMAC, Metro alumnus to fill shoes

By Michael BeDan
The Metropolitan

The ever-changing face of Metroâs athletic department got yet another new look Monday when Metro graduate Mark Cicero took the helm as interim Director of Media Relations and Sports Information, replacing Dan Smith.

Smith left Aug. 12 to become assistant commissioner of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference and officially began his duties Monday. His move comes five months after former menâs basketball coach Charles Bradley accepted a position at Division I Loyola Marymount and nearly one year after former Assistant Athletics

Director J.R. Smith accepted the athletics director position at Fort Lewis College.

ãWeâve had so many people move on,ä said Metro Athletics Director Bill Helman. ãItâs tough picking up and moving on, but we keep getting good, young people.ä

Smith, 32, held the position since 1994 and is credited with revamping the marketing and promotions program at Metro, which grew to include more than 30 corporate partners during his tenure. Additionally, Smith coordinated the Roadrunnersâ weekly radio show.

Metro hired Cicero, a 22-year-old 1995 graduate, on an interim basis because the change came right at the beginning of fall sports.

ã(Smith) did a great job, but I feel good about (Cicero),ä Helman said. ãAnd in this case we donât have time to do a search. (Cicero) will be an interim, but heâll be eligible to apply for the job next year.ä

Cicero served as an assistant under Smith since August of 1995 and recently completed a year as a graduate intern with the Denver Broncos.

ãMy concern is getting through the first month,ä Cicero said. ãHelping Dan get out and me get in. What I hope happens is that while people will be sad to see (Smith) go, no one will notice he is gone as far as the job itself.ä

Smith said he is grateful for the opportunity Metro gave him and that heâll miss the day-to-day contact with all the friends he made.

ãItâs hard to leave,ä Smith said. ãIâm in the process of moving and it hasnât really sunk in yet.

ãThis is a good move professionally and comes at an important time in my career.ä