FB: Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[DuffMan]

I miss the days of talking about football with some other "manly" topics sprinkled in.  Talk of U$T's strategic vision makes me want to...well, actually work instead of browsing Post Patterns. 

[jamtod]

I miss the days of talking about football with some other "manly" topics sprinkled in.  Talk of U$T's strategic vision makes me want to...well, actually work instead of browsing Post Patterns. 

Be happy to discuss that. Who does SJu have this weekend?

I'll be at the UST game with my wife, 8 year old daughter (still working on getting the 6 year old boy to be as interested in football as she is), and 2 month old baby. I'm trying to come up with the proper explanation to convince my wife we need to stay for the whole second half while up by 60, so I can see which young guys are getting playing time and making an impact.

[Mr.MIAC]

I figured the exact opposite, for what it's worth, that she wouldn't be considered for the UST job as an internal hire, so she went to JCU to get experience as an AD and be a better candidate at UST.

I think we'll see some folks with D1 experience, based outside the region, in the running. UST is investing heavily in becoming a nationally recognized university. That includes raising its general profile in select cities across the country (including DC). Athletics is a big part of that effort. A candidate with D1 experience will be familiar with recruiting and marketing at the national level. Someone based outside the region will bring fresh contacts that UST can leverage.

Makes sense as well. I'm sure Dr. Sullivan has plenty of contacts. She came from a D1 school, albeit non-scholarship.

For planning purposes, UST defines the following as peer institutions: Creighton University, Gonzaga University, Loyola Marymount University, Marquette University, Santa Clara University, University of Dayton, Villanova University, Saint Louis University, and the University of San Diego. There's lots of D1 in there. It might be helpful to consider the types of folks these places hire as athletic directors.

Dayton, San Diego and Villanova are the only three that deal with the logistics of a football team. Although, Villanova has flagshipped basketball to a national championship level, so that's a whole other animal.

I'd suggest going with someone from one of those three schools as they will help U$T with a smooth transition to DI.

Do you really want UST to go D1? You guys love to complain about how UST has gone about superseding SJ2 in academics and athletics. If we're in an entirely different division, what will be left to occupy your time?

Never said I want them to move up however with the obsession there seems to be
with U$T being compared to D1 schools maybe it's time to piss or get off the proverbial pot? Peer school comparisons should include every aspect of the college / university (academic offerings, athletics offerings, religious affiliation, location, enrollment, etc..).

I agree with your last sentence. That's why the BOT named these universities as peer institutions. They're all very similar, aside from the D1 v D3 thing. I've got a feeling UST might be heading in the D1 direction, but a move isn't likely in the near term. I'm sure SJ2 has also named peer institutions for planning purposes. I bet UST isn't on that list, given that UST and SJ2 are very different institutions with increasingly divergent ambitions. I bet you'll find St. Scholastica, though.

[DuffMan]

Be happy to discuss that. Who does SJu have this weekend?

The Golden Gusties, but unfortunately, our only Gustie "fan" has provided us with nothing but disparaging thoughts from St. Peter.  I had thought of driving down for the game, but Saturday is our oldest's 7th birthday, so I think I'll stay home and try to tune in on Stretch.

I think SJU is going to win this one easily--not U$T/HU easily, but I don't expect that the Gusties will have a fun afternoon.

Unfortunately the Gusties forgot how to play football and were lethargic and unmotivated on both sides of the ball. The Gustavus starters should have dominated both sides of the line of scrimmage but they managed to play down to Martin Luther and were barely effective. Twin Cities metro HS football is better than the brand of football Gustavus brought to the game. Martin Luther came out enthusiastic, played well, and played hard and should have won the game.  Carleton, St. Olaf, and Macalester would have destroyed the Gusties with the way they played today; truly one of the most incompetent displays of football ever.  Today's win will be the Gusties only win this season unless they drastically fix themselves.

[USTBench]

Be happy to discuss that. Who does SJu have this weekend?

The Golden Gusties, but unfortunately, our only Gustie "fan" has provided us with nothing but disparaging thoughts from St. Peter.  I had thought of driving down for the game, but Saturday is our oldest's 7th birthday, so I think I'll stay home and try to tune in on Stretch.

I think SJU is going to win this one easily--not U$T/HU easily, but I don't expect that the Gusties will have a fun afternoon.

Unfortunately the Gusties forgot how to play football and were lethargic and unmotivated on both sides of the ball. The Gustavus starters should have dominated both sides of the line of scrimmage but they managed to play down to Martin Luther and were barely effective. Twin Cities metro HS football is better than the brand of football Gustavus brought to the game. Martin Luther came out enthusiastic, played well, and played hard and should have won the game.  Carleton, St. Olaf, and Macalester would have destroyed the Gusties with the way they played today; truly one of the most incompetent displays of football ever.  Today's win will be the Gusties only win this season unless they drastically fix themselves.

So what you're saying is: there's nothing to talk about.

So, the thing about UST joining the Big 10 is...

[art76]

Looking for a follow-up on how the pay-per-view at St. John's went when Stout was in town. Things like, how many people looked in and how long were they connected, stuff like that? Did it detract from on site ticket sales? Anybody got any hard numbers?

Edit: and for those viewing - did you get your money's worth?

[DuffMan]

So what you're saying is: there's nothing to talk about.

So, the thing about UST joining the Big 10 is...

I used to like you. 

[DuffMan]

Looking for a follow-up on how the pay-per-view at St. John's went when Stout was in town. Things like, how many people looked in and how long were they connected, stuff like that? Did it detract from on site ticket sales? Anybody got any hard numbers?

Edit: and for those viewing - did you get your money's worth?

Good question!  I was on a boat for most of the afternoon, so I didn't tune in.

[miac952]

Regardless of what one might think of the choices of whom UST sees as peers, defining peer institutions extends beyond athletic prowess or athletic affiliation.

So, who are UST peers? Other MICA institutions or the other institutions the Rev. has listed?

If an institution has revenue generating D1 athletics and gigantic research departments like a Medical School or PhD engineering programs I struggle seeing them as a peer. For that reason I cant see Creighton or Marquette as a peer. It is true that Dr. Sullivan has been tasked with taking UST to the next level. What that means as it relates to academic commitments and athletic development is to be determined? Maybe that is the direction we are heading? There aren't a ton of good comparables for UST and maybe thats a bad sign. A lot of the Catholic institutions cited are large Jesuit Univeristies with D1 athletics and School's of Medicine, Dentistry, and such.

Wash U would be a good example of maintaining a DIII athletic presence, but upping the ante on academics could look like. Not a direct comparison to date, but a good aspirational target.

[miac952]

Regardless of what one might think of the choices of whom UST sees as peers, defining peer institutions extends beyond athletic prowess or athletic affiliation.

So, who are UST peers? Other MICA institutions or the other institutions the Rev. has listed?

Carleton and Macalester wouldn't necessarily list MIAC institutions as their peers, for, reasons, and I think the same can be said for St. Thomas. Because of their institution size, they can consider themselves in a different category.

Elsewhere, Johns Hopkins isn't really the same as other Centennial Conference schools. Tufts isn't the same as other NESCAC schools. Ithaca isn't the same as other Liberty League schools.

A different category, yet only paying $90K to $130K to find an upper echelon AD?
I'm not in the know about AD pay, but doesn't this seem light? This coming from a guy who has spent his entire adult life in the private sector.

I don't recall who suggested the $90-130k range, but that seems incredibly light to me. I don't know what basis was used for that estimate.

Don't take it as gospel, but that is what I have heard. It's not crazy if you think of the AD's boss making $200k - $250k and the President making $400k - $500k. There are no DI sports to administer to.

Most of the WIAC schools (publicly available records) are paying around $100k, with similarly sized athletic departments. So $130k is a market premium. Maybe its a bit higher than that to adjust for less budget constraints as a private institution, but beyond $150k would be well beyond market range for nearly every DII and DIII AD out there. FYI Lacrosse's AD is at $95k, Eau Claire $105k, Whitewater $100k.

[MiacMan]

Regardless of what one might think of the choices of whom UST sees as peers, defining peer institutions extends beyond athletic prowess or athletic affiliation.

So, who are UST peers? Other MICA institutions or the other institutions the Rev. has listed?

If an institution has revenue generating D1 athletics and gigantic research departments like a Medical School or PhD engineering programs I struggle seeing them as a peer. For that reason I cant see Creighton or Marquette as a peer. It is true that Dr. Sullivan has been tasked with taking UST to the next level. What that means as it relates to academic commitments and athletic development is to be determined? Maybe that is the direction we are heading? There aren't a ton of good comparables for UST and maybe thats a bad sign. A lot of the Catholic institutions cited are large Jesuit Univeristies with D1 athletics and School's of Medicine, Dentistry, and such.

Wash U would be a good example of maintaining a DIII athletic presence, but upping the ante on academics could look like. Not a direct comparison to date, but a good aspirational target.

It wasn't all that long ago that UST was strongly considering a Med School. It has recently been explored by the Trustees at UST but was determined not to be the right time. It was to be a partnership with Healtheast with the campus to be in the Maplewood Facility (that's how serious this was considered) Maybe this is something Dr. Sullivan wants to resurrect?

[Mr.MIAC]

Regardless of what one might think of the choices of whom UST sees as peers, defining peer institutions extends beyond athletic prowess or athletic affiliation.

So, who are UST peers? Other MICA institutions or the other institutions the Rev. has listed?

If an institution has revenue generating D1 athletics and gigantic research departments like a Medical School or PhD engineering programs I struggle seeing them as a peer. For that reason I cant see Creighton or Marquette as a peer. It is true that Dr. Sullivan has been tasked with taking UST to the next level. What that means as it relates to academic commitments and athletic development is to be determined? Maybe that is the direction we are heading? There aren't a ton of good comparables for UST and maybe thats a bad sign. A lot of the Catholic institutions cited are large Jesuit Univeristies with D1 athletics and School's of Medicine, Dentistry, and such.

Wash U would be a good example of maintaining a DIII athletic presence, but upping the ante on academics could look like. Not a direct comparison to date, but a good aspirational target.

It wasn't all that long ago that UST was strongly considering a Med School. It has recently been explored by the Trustees at UST but was determined not to be the right time. It was to be a partnership with Healtheast with the campus to be in the Maplewood Facility (that's how serious this was considered) Maybe this is something Dr. Sullivan wants to resurrect?

I hear SJ2 has been considering a School of Veterinary Medicine focused on bovine research. It's rumored that the school would occupy existing facilities in St. Joseph. Do any of you Johnnies have an update on how these plans are progressing?

[faunch]

Looking for a follow-up on how the pay-per-view at St. John's went when Stout was in town. Things like, how many people looked in and how long were they connected, stuff like that? Did it detract from on site ticket sales? Anybody got any hard numbers?

Edit: and for those viewing - did you get your money's worth?

No idea...I would suggest contacting Ryan Klinker the SID at SJU for actual viewing statistics. It would be nice to know how may per game and season subscribers there are. I wonder what the drop off on views will be now that they are charging....10%, 20%....50%???

[USTBench]

Regardless of what one might think of the choices of whom UST sees as peers, defining peer institutions extends beyond athletic prowess or athletic affiliation.

So, who are UST peers? Other MICA institutions or the other institutions the Rev. has listed?

If an institution has revenue generating D1 athletics and gigantic research departments like a Medical School or PhD engineering programs I struggle seeing them as a peer. For that reason I cant see Creighton or Marquette as a peer. It is true that Dr. Sullivan has been tasked with taking UST to the next level. What that means as it relates to academic commitments and athletic development is to be determined? Maybe that is the direction we are heading? There aren't a ton of good comparables for UST and maybe thats a bad sign. A lot of the Catholic institutions cited are large Jesuit Univeristies with D1 athletics and School's of Medicine, Dentistry, and such.

Wash U would be a good example of maintaining a DIII athletic presence, but upping the ante on academics could look like. Not a direct comparison to date, but a good aspirational target.

It wasn't all that long ago that UST was strongly considering a Med School. It has recently been explored by the Trustees at UST but was determined not to be the right time. It was to be a partnership with Healtheast with the campus to be in the Maplewood Facility (that's how serious this was considered) Maybe this is something Dr. Sullivan wants to resurrect?

I hear SJ2 has been considering a School of Veterinary Medicine focused on bovine research. It's rumored that the school would occupy existing facilities in St. Joseph. Do any of you Johnnies have an update on how these plans are progressing?

Bennie triggered in 3...2...1...

[OzJohnnie]

I miss the days of talking about football with some other "manly" topics sprinkled in.  Talk of U$T's strategic vision makes me want to...well, actually work instead of browsing Post Patterns. 

Exactly what I was thinking.  How am I going to waste time if this keeps up?