Gene Smith nears the end of his 18-year tenure with OSU

As the Ohio State women’s basketball team battled in the NCAA Tournament, OSU athletic director Gene Smith was in attendance, soaking in some of his final games as the AD.

We pulled Smith aside to chat about his 18-year run coming to a close.

“I’ve enjoyed just being around the athletes and watching them grow and develop,” Smith said. “That’s been my greatest joy, seeing them emerge.”

Smith told us he is looking forward to spending quality time with his four children, eight grandchildren, and wife Sheila after retirement from the “all-consuming” job.

Ross Bjork, who will take over in July, was also in attendance at the games. The duo ducked out early to catch a flight to the NCAA women’s ice hockey championship .

Now that we’ve talked with Smith, next on our list is an interview with Bjork. What do you want to know from him ?