USOC's Scherr has 'no regrets' after resigning

Humbled by a growing number of supporters, Jim Scherr says he holds "no regrets or bitterness" toward the U.S. Olympic Committee after resigning as chief executive officer of the Colorado Springs-based organization.

The former Olympic wrestler stepped down Thursday from the USOC's highest-paid post, an unceremonious end to a six-year run highlighted by governance reform, financial stability and a gold-medal rush in summer and winter sports.

Longtime board member Stephanie Streeter has replaced him on an interim basis. She'll meet today at the Olympic Training Center with USA Triathlon executive director Skip Gilbert, who represents leaders of national governing bodies, some of whom are upset over Scherr's departure. Gilbert will talk to chairman Larry Probst on Thursday in San Francisco.

"I have a lot of passion for the Olympic movement," Scherr said Tuesday. "I believe in its mission. I believe in its impact to society. And I believe in the people that are still there. I will miss being involved with those people, and I will miss being involved with the organization, but I have no regrets or bitterness."

Over the weekend, Scherr, the second-longest-tenured CEO since the USOC moved to Colorado Springs in 1978, fielded more than 100 calls and e-mails in what he termed a "really overwhelming" response.

He sent a note to a 415-person staff that's facing a 10 percent to 15 percent reduction via budget cuts, writing "they had accomplished many great things. They should be proud of that. They should continue to do their best to help the organization."

"Every single person at the U.S. Olympic Committee is replaceable," added Scherr, whose compensation totaled $560,700 in 2007. "Regardless of who sits in which chairs at the U.S. Olympic Committee, the movement will continue to succeed."

Scherr kept his silence about the details surrounding his resignation but agreed to meet with Streeter, a former Stanford basketball standout whom he called "a very intelligent person and a skilled executive."

Asked if he had advice for Streeter, Scherr said, "It's about the mission, and it's about the athletes. ... The challenges they face are the ones I would have faced. Make sure you have the appropriate revenue-expense balance. We need to build competitive athletes. We need to build sponsorships and get individuals to support the Olympic movement."

The USOC might also require damage control in Chicago's bid for the 2016 Olympics. It has improved relations with International Olympic Committee members pitting Chicago against Madrid, Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo, although Streeter isn't as well known overseas as Scherr.

"Chicago has a tremendous bid," Scherr said. "They're the best city to host the Olympic Games, and I think the IOC will vote on the facts. If they vote on the facts, Chicago will win. I'm going to be pulling for Chicago."

Call Gomez at 636-0256. Check out our Olympics blog at gazetteolympics.freedomblogging.com