Providence, RI (My Sportsbook) - The Big East Conference will reportedly elevate John Marinatto to the commissioner's job, replacing Mike Tranghese. The Big East has a news conference scheduled for 11 a.m. (et) on Wednesday to make a "significant announcement concerning the direction of the conference", although no other information was forthcoming. A few media reports indicated Marinatto, who joined the Big East staff in 2002 would be promoted from his current position as senior associate commissioner. Tranghese had previously announced his plans to retire on June 30, 2009. He has held the commissioner's position since 1990, was the conference's first employee back in 1979, and was instrumental in the growth of the Big East from a small collection of east coast schools into a multi-sport powerhouse. Shortly after Tranghese took over for Dave Gavitt in June, 1990, he oversaw the formation of the Big East football conference, which began play in 1991. He pulled together several big name schools to the conference, which quickly gained recognition and entry into the Bowl Championship Series. In addition, the basketball division grew from nine schools to its current 16 members, branching out as far as the midwest and south. Marinatto is currently in charge of the conference's office administration and finances. Prior to coming to the Big East, he served as the athletic director at Providence. |
