'Outasight'
"The IAB has just been an out-a-sight situation. The typical high school student often has better floor space," he admits. He hopes with some aid from a major fund drive by the University, currently just in the planning stages, Harvard can soon afford a new basketball arena--a three court affair, with a minimum seating capacity of 2000.
But as Reardon says, "Money is the key" in this area.
Reardon's concern for adequate floor space in many ways reflects his desire to encourage and accomodate all students in the University who want to participate in athletics.
Athletes Galore
"Nowadays, everyone thinks of himself as an athlete in some fashion," Reardon says. But he notes that the major growth in the number of athletes at Harvard has come--especially during the last year--because of the explosion in women's athletics.
"There are just more women coming in with strong athletic backgrounds," he says, adding that early training soon will change the role of Harvard women in the athletic world.
Reardon says that while in the past some women came to Harvard and did well on two or three teams, the rise in the number of skilled women athletes will make the two or three-sport star more scarce.
"Only the unusual athlete will play two sports successfully," Reardon predicts.
Bit of Wisdom
Reardon acknowledges the intense seriousness of many athletes and coaches with a bit of reserve--perhaps it is wisdom. He sits back in his cozy, padded arm chair in his 60 Boylston St. Office and says, "I took this job because I think the athletic program is important. It should be well run and well represented in the community.
"But I think some of our students and others in the athletic department can take themselves too seriously at times. When it comes down to it, (sports) is still a game--though a great one; and it's possible to overdo it and overplay it."
Reardon says one needs perspective and balance; he readily admits his job has helped him find that tempered view.
"I suppose if I were at Notre Dame I'd have a different perspective," he suggests. "But then again, that'd be a different world."