Oral Histories

Interview of Robert A. Fischer

UCLA director of athletics. Interviewed because of connection to J.D. Morgan, UCLA tennis coach and athletic director.
Subtitle:
Right Man at the Right Time: J. D. Morgan
Series:
Right Man at the Right Time: J.D. Morgan
Topic:
Sports
UCLA and University of California History
UCLA Intercollegiate Athletics Staff
Biographical Note:
UCLA director of athletics. Interviewed because of connection to J.D. Morgan, UCLA tennis coach and athletic director.
Interviewer:
Rose, David A.
Interviewee:
Fischer, Robert A.
Supporting Documents:
Records relating to the interview are located in the office of the UCLA Library's Center for Oral History Research.
Language:
English
Copyright:
Regents of the University of California, UCLA Library.
Series Statement:
This series documents the contribution of UCLA Athletics Coach J.D. Morgan through interviews with individuals who had worked with Morgan both inside and outside the UCLA community.
Abstract:
Robert A. Fisher on his memories of J. D. Morgan: Early friendship with J. D. Morgan; Morgan becomes athletic director; Fischer becomes assistant athletic director; Fischer’s responsibilities; Chronology of Morgan’s illness; Personal and professional stature nationwide; Skill as coach and ability to select coaches; Relationship with John Wooden; Overall legacy to the UCLA athletic department; Goals for athletic program; Support for women’s athletics at UCLA; Breakup of Pacific Coast Conference and its impact on Morgan; As tennis coach; Stature and effectiveness in conference; Comparison of UCLA basketball and football programs; Lew Alcindor’s decision to come to UCLA; Great Astrodome basketball promotion; Financing “minor’ sports through income-producing sports; J. D. Morgan, trout fisherman; Sense of humor; Anticipation of television’s importance to intercollegiate athletics; Financial acumen; Morgan’s management of athletic department; Concern for nonrevenue sports; Financial success; Interest in football; Workload; James McAlister incident; Morgan’s relationship with Walter Byers; NCAA accomplishments.