While it’s no secret that Kansas State Athletic Director Gene Taylor has solidified himself as one of the nation’s best ADs, a recent statement from K-State Baseball coach Pete Hughes added even more legacy to Taylor’s resume.
Hughes mentioned that Taylor was the “Only AD at the Big 12 Tournament,” which sparked both praise for Gene Taylor and questions for other Athletic Directors around the league.
When asked about AD Gene Taylor’s support in Virginia, traveling to the Super Regional, Hughes said, “He was the only AD at the Big 12 Tournament, too. He’s the only AD I’ve ever worked for that I don’t have to make an appointment to talk to, too.”
While the compliments paid to Gene Taylor are one thing, Hughes’ thoughts can also be seen as a bit of a shot at his former athletic director at Oklahoma, Joe Castiglione. Hughes spent four seasons in Norman under Castiglione from 2014-2017 before being hired by Gene Taylor at Kansas State in 2019.
Whether or not Hughes intended to take a shot at Castiglione in his praise for Gene Taylor, the Oklahoma Sooners AD will likely not be thrilled with his former baseball coach’s comments.
