A couple quick notes....
First, the baseball team beat UM this week in Ann Arbor, so congratulations to the baseballers. Even better, it was Coach Schmitz' 500th collegiate win, an impressive record by any measure.
Second, the University is taking steps to figure out the future of the hockey program and the ice arena. A national consultant will lead a study that looks at BG' full offerings of intercollegiate sports and helps determine what can be done to sustain the program in the future and whether sports need to be cut.
Also, Jack Vivian will lead a study on the future of the ice arena. Jack Vivian was BG's first hockey coach, and is now a well-respected expert on arena operations. He will work with a committee that will include community members.
These steps (taken by Dr. Cartwright) are smart and make good sense. I believe both groups reflect an understanding of the impact of the facility on the university and the community, and a commitment to looking for a solution that works for everyone, if possible. Again, congrats to Dr. Cartwright for this transparent step toward answering difficult questions. Much hard work lies ahead.
Interesting news about the ice arena study. Although noble, one must wonder if it's too little too late ... especially given tough economic and budgetary times.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the info!
So, we are spending probably millions to figure out how to save money to keep the hockey program? That sounds logical, I wonder if the study will reveal that we need to contact former NHLers and ask for some financial backing. Oh or find a family like the Strohs or Sebos and aske them to help.
ReplyDeleteSorry, little angry lately.
Well, I don't know anyone said we were spending millions on this. I really don't think a consulting contract for something like this is anywhere near that much.
ReplyDeleteYou know, it is one thing to seek donations for capital expenses, much different to go for them for operating costs. An operating deficit is there year after year after year.
Even a gift on the order of what the Sebo/Stroh gift might only cover losses for four or five years. I doubt if the hockey alumni have that kind of money.
That will be part of the mix, but I do think that it is a good time for a 30,000 foot review of where we are going and what structure will work for us.