If you look at St. Michael’s trophy case you probably wouldn’t know it, but the school has been experiencing a declining enrollment since 2008. Now in place as St. Mike's new president, Dr. Paul Weir hopes to set the Santa Fe school on the path for a sustainable future while maintaining its dominant athletic tradition.

Weir joins “The Sports Den” podcast to discuss his plans and priorities for the St. Michael's. He also talks to Santa Fe New Mexican sports reporters Will Webber and James Barron about his time as head men’s basketball coach at New Mexico State University and the University of New Mexico.

Weir, who was named St. Michael’s president in April, starts the interview by discussing some the changes that have been implemented so far, including a new cell phone policy, changes to the dress code and updated standards involving disciple, expectations and accountability at the Catholic school.

The guys ask Weir some questions about athletic facilities, including the possibilities of replacing the grass football field with field turf and adding lights around the field to allow for night games. Weir said he’s exploring all options, with a focus on what decisions will best facilitate a sustainable future for the school.

Weir also speaks about his recruitment of Santa Fe High star JB White when he was coach at the University of New Mexico, how White’s death impacted him and how he hopes to help White’s legacy live on.

Weir, who coached at UNM during the COVID-19 pandemic, addresses the challenges of leading the program through that time, saying he doesn’t know if he’ll ever have the time or emotional capacity to unwrap that difficult period. “It was traumatic,” he said. “It was powerful in a lot of ways.”

A Toronto native, Weir also talks about how New Mexico has become his home and the passion that he has developed for the state.

Before bringing Weir on, Will and James talk about the start of their Tour of the North series highlighting the football programs of Northern New Mexico teams ahead of the season. They also discuss the Frijoles Fire and how the smoke spreading across the region could impact athletics.