Join ORU Athletics every Friday in a weekly series featuring interviews with coaches and staff members.
10 Questions with Steve Upshaw, Men's Basketball Director of Operations at Oral Roberts University:
- How are you and your wife doing during the pandemic?
We are doing well. It was strange how things transpired. "March Madness" was starting, spring break, etc., then everything shut down at once. Our lives have slowed down a lot since we began the quarantine in mid-March. We have spent a lot more time cooking and exercising. Our parents are older, so this has given us a chance to help/spend more time with them.
- How has your job as Director of Operations for men's basketball changed recently?
It changed from the aspect that we were no longer in the office, players were sent home. We also were forced to cancel all of our camps. I spend most of my time in the spring working on scheduling, academics and camps. During the summer, I begin to work on things to prepare for the fall and upcoming season. In this day and age, my phone allows me to accomplish a lot without being directly in the office.
- You've worked under two head coaches at ORU. How are things different under Coach Mills?
I think all great leaders/coaches have the basic framework for success. They are very similar in that regard. I couldn't ask for two better people to work for. I've been lucky.…. I am fortunate Coach Mills kept me on staff. He had a lot of options. Coach is bright, hardworking, and has a great vision for our program. He is passionate about ORU! He has a lot of integrity in his work and cares deeply for the players. Coach Mills values high-character, honest people.
- What is your fondest memory while working at ORU?
I am beginning my 19th year at ORU. Hard to believe! I am extremely proud of all of our teams. I think the years that stick out the most are the ones that we had our greatest success. We went to three-straight NCAA tournaments (2006-2008). Those stand out the most because of the opportunity to play in the NCAA tournament. There was so much excitement at the university, with our alumni, and in the community. It still kind of haunts me that we didn't go in 2005. We were a couple of seconds from four-straight trips to the tournament. I thought our 2012 team was really good too.
- What steps do you believe will need to be in place when the team comes back to campus?
Obviously, we will have to follow all Oral Roberts, CDC and NCAA guidelines as we move into the fall semester. There will be strict rules in the classroom and gym. ORU has already altered their fall schedule, ending the semester on Thanksgiving. Until there is a vaccine and people feel comfortable, we will probably see major changes to our practices, travel and attendance at games.
- You handle the team meals, hotels, and transportation on the road. How might that look different this fall?
We our close to completing our scheduling. We will only have two plane trips before the conference season begins after Christmas. That will help a lot. Traveling by bus allows us to stay on our campus longer, which cuts down on number of meals and nights we need to be in hotels. If everything continues to improve, then we will be able to minimize the travel impact on our student-athletes.
- What is the biggest difference in the program now compared to when you started almost 20 years ago?
When I started, ORU had just created this position. Teams around the country were moving to hire more people on staffs. Mr. Carter and Coach Sutton were on top of this from the beginning. So I came in trying to help everyone out and take something off their plate. As the years have passed, it has become a more defined role. As programs became more efficient with their money and time, it was evident more people were needed in programs for their success.
- Who are two or three players who you'll always remember and why?
I am close to a lot of players that have come through here. Mickey Michalec stands out. He is a really good friend. Great personality. I've watched and followed him since he was in junior high. Caleb Green, Yemi Ogunoye, Kelvin Sango, Ken Tutt... I could go on and on; I stay in touch with all of them.
- Before coming to ORU, you coached high school basketball. From your seat on the bench here, how tough is it to let the coaches do the coaching?
It's not hard at all. We have a really talented staff. Everyone works hard to prepare for each game. Each coach has responsibilities. The person with the "scout" takes the lead for that particular game. They all work extremely hard for ORU basketball.
- When things get tough during this time, what inspiring words or Bible verse do you lean on?
We have a lot going on in this country right now. I just feel uplifted every time I read this, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." – Galatians 6:9.
10 Questions with....
March 27, 2020 – Mike Carter
April 3, 2020 – Ryan Bush
April 10, 2020 – Mark Milner
April 17, 2020 – Joe Dial
April 24, 2020 – Lance Watson
May 1, 2020 – Roger Bush
May 8, 2020 – Ashtin Meerpohl
May 15, 2020 – Tim Johnson
May 22, 2020 – Adam Hildebrandt
May 29, 2020 – Paul Mills
June 5, 2020 – Scott Williams
For the latest information on ORU Athletics, follow the Golden Eagles on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, or go to www.ORUAthletics.com. Fans can also receive updates on the team by downloading two mobile apps, ORU Golden Eagles Live and ORU Front Row, available on the App Store and Google Play.
#GoldenStandard
