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EASLEY—Clemson University’s thirteenth Athletic Director Dan Radacovich says his first four months have been a whirlwind, but successful nonetheless.

The former Georgia Tech AD made a stop at the Easley Rotary Club Tuesday afternoon to talk Clemson sports and address questions.

Radacovich said he has been pleased to work at a university with so much pride and so many resources.

“It’s been four months,” Radacovich said. “There are times when it seems like it has gone by in a flash, and there are other times where I wonder why we haven’t gotten more done. I do understand that it’s a process. There are things that need to get done here at Clemson University. We’ve done a phenomenal job of raising resources that allow us to look beyond where we are today.”

The AD said the ultimate goal of the athletic program is to graduate students and make a difference.

“We have to make sure we’re giving our coaches and student athletes the best opportunity to be successful,” Radacovich said. “A lot of people stand up and say ‘this is what we need to do,’ but at Clemson those words turn into deeds. We’re trying to move in the direction of progress, I just would like to do it a little faster than it has been done in the past.”

Radacovich is taking over at a crucial time in Clemson athletics. The Atlantic Coast Conference will be adding four new teams in the coming years, giving Clemson a little more competition than they’ve had in the past.

“We’re trying to make Clemson the dominate university in the Atlantic Coast Conference,” Radacovich said. “The conference is changing. We’ve added the University of Pittsburg, Syracuse and Notre Dame. They will all start playing next fall. The following year we’ll have Louisville, who just won the men’s basketball tournament, join us. The competition is ramping up.”

Radacovich said he believes, however, if Clemson is competitive in the ACC, they will be competitive nationally.

“The state of South Carolina really embraces their athletic programs,” Radacovich said. “Whether you wear garnet or orange, athletics are important in this state. At Clemson, we have to make sure we’re doing the things we need to do within our operation to be competitive within the Atlantic Coast Conference. If we’re competitive in the Atlantic Coast Conference, in any sport we participate in, we’re going to be competitive on a national level.”

Many Clemson fans already have their eyes set on the first game of the football season against the University of Georgia. Radacovich said it will be a great opportunity to showcase the programs greatness to a national audience.

“There’s no better place to watch football on a Saturday night than Death Valley, and the powers that be seem to agree with me,” Radacovich said. “On August 31, our game against the University of Georgia will be the primetime game telecast nationally on ABC. It will be the game of the day.”

“People recognize that the team and the players and the coaches we have coming back, along with the great players and coaches at the University of Georgia is the way to start the college football season,” Radacovich said.

Clemson’s matchup against Georgia is set for Aug. 31.