Men's Athletics at BG Worst in MAC

Today's question and answer stuff from Greg Christopher are out. Great off-season fodder....

To start...

The Reese Trophy is awarded to the team with the best composite performance in men's sports in the MAC. The men's athletics program at BG remains a wasteland--we finished last....for the second straight year. It would be one thing if we were lousy in football and basketball, but won 8 other MAC titles like EMU did--we stink in every single thing on the men's side. We clearly are facing a huge challenge with our athletic programs--baseball and soccer now included.

CMU won.

(Our women finished second, so that side of the house appears to be holding the flag up).

Christopher also confirmed that by Fall, we should have a plan for the basketball, hockey and volleyball facility questions...here is what he said.

Our choices regarding Anderson and the Ice Arena fall on a continuum. At one end, we could build a single arena that would address all of our issues -- a mini-Schottenstein Center, so to speak. This would include a conversion arena, practice courts, additional ice for the community and lockers, offices, etc. Of course, this is the most expensive option as well -- likely approaching $100 million

At the other end of the continuum, we could elect to put band-aids on both arenas. Basic structural and physical plant fixes to Anderson and the Ice Arena could keep both facilities going for another decade or more. This is the cheapest choice for BGSU, as we could probably take care of the basics at both Anderson and the Ice Arena for less than $12 million.

I don't think you will see the band aid answer. I also don't think the convo answer is going to happen. It is just too much money. I think, however, that the final answer will end up with something closer to the $100M than the $12M.

My prediction:

• New basketball/volleyball facility.
• Renovated hockey facility.
• Facilities side by side to share parking.
• No "community" ice.

I have written many times here before--I love Anderson Arena. Being there makes me happy, and keeps me grounded with great days of my youth. Many people feel this way. Yet, nothing lasts forever, and when the time comes, you have to turn the page. We don't live in castles or on farms, we don't drive model Ts and we don't use rotary phones. Times change. Mourn the past and move along.