Flagship Sport

[ChoppinBroccoli]

Thanks Chop, that makes sense. Since we have not been in this spot if's new territory.

[nerd] While that is the correct format if you want the top 4 to have byes and all 14 teams qualify, I've felt that it may give a slight advantage to the 3 and 4 seeds over the 1 and 2 seeds. If a "Day 1" team pulls off an upset on Day 2, they will wind up playing the 3 or 4 seed. That means the 3 or 4 is catching a team playing its 3rd game in 3 days. The way the bracket falls, there is no way a 1 or 2 would play a Day 1 team in the quarters.

I'm too lazy to look it up , but I don't believe a 1 seed has won the A10 tourney in a while.

My preference would be to eliminate day 1 and the bottom two teams don't qualify.
The other way to do it could be only have #1 and #2 get byes to the quarters, and have the other 12 all play in the first round. [/nerd]

 

[Not-A-Homer]

Miller retired in 2012. Hardt started his job on January 1, 2018 (was announced in November ‘17). How long does he need to set a strategic direction and make real decisions? Another couple of years?

I would be shocked if the Athletic Director could independently fire a multimillionaire coach without the blessing of others in the chain of command. Might not be fair to hold him totally accountable without knowing how much autonomy he enjoys.

 

[spider23]

I would be shocked if the Athletic Director could independently fire a multimillionaire coach without the blessing of others in the chain of command. Might not be fair to hold him totally accountable without knowing how much autonomy he enjoys.

I hear you Not. Hopefully Hardt and Queally were having "the conversation" , which will lead to a temporary Biumvirate until a new coach is in place.

 

[97spiderfan]

I would be shocked if the Athletic Director could independently fire a multimillionaire coach without the blessing of others in the chain of command. Might not be fair to hold him totally accountable without knowing how much autonomy he enjoys.

I understand that he probably has to get the blessing of others but if he cannot sell them on the fact that he needs to can Mooney, than he is just not up to the task of being our AD. He has probably 20 different metrics he can look at it to prove this (wins, losses, ticket revenue, donations, public/media relations, attendance, fan/donor communications). None of these metrics is going to point to keeping Mooney. So, if there is anyone over there who still in that faction of keeping Mooney, Hardt needs to be winning hearts and minds right now. And he does this facts and developing a persuasive argument for needing to make a move.

This is his Athletic Department, he is charged with leading it. Hardt is accountable, bottom line.

 

[spider fan]

Ultimately think the BOT holds the key to hires/fires but usually defers to those who are responsible for the performance of the person in question. BOT could veto action with which they disagree. Also president holds persuasive power but current president's interest in our sports programs does not appear to be high.

 

[keefusb]

Also president holds persuasive power but current president's interest in our sports programs does not appear to be high.

Have we EVER had a president with a demonstrated HIGH INTEREST in our athletic programs (besides an interest in supporting fundraising for capital projects related to our athletic department)?

I can't think of a single one going back to Bruce Heilman.

#NoMoreMooneyTruthing

 

[64Spider]

I thought making Hardt a VP was to give him a bigger role/more autonomy.

 

[Spiders10]

<------ Bill Cooper! How can anyone deny that sh*t eating grin?!

 

[MrTbone]

Hardt had about 2.5 months to evaluate CM last year. I'm not going to crucify him for taking the "I'm new here" pass given how big the buyout was.

If he fails to take action this year after seeing what appear to be similar or worsening results two years in a row, then it's reasonable to get on his case. So we have another 45 days to wait.

 

[MolivaManiac]

Hard had about 2.5 months to evaluate CM last year. I'm not going to crucify him for taking the "I'm new here" pass given how big the buyout was.

If he fails to take action this year after seeing what appear to be similar or worsening results two years in a row, then it's reasonable to get on his case. So we have another 45 days to wait.

That's where my head is too.

 

[Not-A-Homer]

Hardt had about 2.5 months to evaluate CM last year. I'm not going to crucify him for taking the "I'm new here" pass given how big the buyout was.

If he fails to take action this year after seeing what appear to be similar or worsening results two years in a row, then it's reasonable to get on his case. So we have another 45 days to wait.

Agree if he is granted the ability to make the decision.

 

[97spiderfan]

Hardt had about 2.5 months to evaluate CM last year. I'm not going to crucify him for taking the "I'm new here" pass given how big the buyout was.

If he fails to take action this year after seeing what appear to be similar or worsening results two years in a row, then it's reasonable to get on his case. So we have another 45 days to wait.

I agree with this as well. And if he doesn't have the authorization to make a call, than who in the hell does over there. Is Quealy making these decisions, the BOT, who???

And someone would be penny wise and pound foolish to let his remaining contract get in the way of doing what is best for the program. Executives/leaders get bought out all of the time from organizations and those organizations have far less $$$ than UR has sitting around.

 

[MolivaManiac]

If Hardt did not have the authority to make a move like this, he'd be a fool for having left Bucknell to come here. And i really don't think he's a fool.

 

[spider23]

And someone would be penny wise and pound foolish to let his remaining contract get in the way of doing what is best for the program.

This is 100% correct. This is the truther position that drives me crazy. Of course we have the money to buy him out. And wow, we must be raking in the $ with all the free tickets we give away and general malaise of support for Richmond basketball. We have to be losing money every day we keep him.

 

[spiderstudent17]

Hardt said that he wouldn't be at UR if the administration did not care about its athletic success. I don't know the details of all the behind the scenes stuff i.e. contract payments, getting the money for the buyout, who has the ultimate authority to make the decision.

All I know is that if what Hardt said is true and he is here because UR wants to have athletic success, then we'll find a way to get it done come 2nd week of March.

 

[spider fan]

Have we EVER had a president with a demonstrated HIGH INTEREST in our athletic programs (besides an interest in supporting fundraising for capital projects related to our athletic department)?

I can't think of a single one going back to Bruce Heilman.

#NoMoreMooneyTruthing

Am sure there is a variance in opinion as to what constitutes a "HIGH INTEREST" ......................Ed Ayers was more "visible" at sporting events during his tenure. Also it is well known of his "role" in the addition of men's lacrosse and the subtraction of men's soccer and men's track. Many men's basketball games Ayers would attend either for all of the game or part of it. More pertinent to this subject now is that Crutcher exhibits minimal interest.

 

[ChoppinBroccoli]

And someone would be penny wise and pound foolish to let his remaining contract get in the way of doing what is best for the program.

Miller likes to joke/brag about renegotiating Wainwright's (.549) buyout just to get rid of him. Signs Mooney (.540) for 10 more years.

 

[keefusb]

Ed Ayers was more "visible" at sporting events during his tenure. Also it is well known of his "role" in the addition of men's lacrosse and the subtraction of men's soccer and men's track. Many men's basketball games Ayers would attend either for all of the game or part of it. More pertinent to this subject now is that Crutcher exhibits minimal interest.

I think Mr. Ed was into being visible at events, but at the end of the day, his larger actions would seem to indicate that his interest in building our athletic department was not any greater than Dr. Crutcher's.

#NoMoreMooneyTruthing

 

[nathanw19]

Am sure there is a variance in opinion as to what constitutes a "HIGH INTEREST" ......................Ed Ayers was more "visible" at sporting events during his tenure. Also it is well known of his "role" in the addition of men's lacrosse and the subtraction of men's soccer and men's track. Many men's basketball games Ayers would attend either for all of the game or part of it. More pertinent to this subject now is that Crutcher exhibits minimal interest.

Having spoken to Crutcher and his wife on the subject of our basketball team, I got the opposite sense from them both.

 

[9Legs]

Am sure there is a variance in opinion as to what constitutes a "HIGH INTEREST" ......................Ed Ayers was more "visible" at sporting events during his tenure. Also it is well known of his "role" in the addition of men's lacrosse and the subtraction of men's soccer and men's track. Many men's basketball games Ayers would attend either for all of the game or part of it. More pertinent to this subject now is that Crutcher exhibits minimal interest.

If I am not mistaken isn't there a "SUIT" (who Crutcher installed)between him and Hardt, to whom Hardt reports? I think that qualifies as "MINIMAL INTEREST". I am too lazy to look up his name but I would bet he makes a Minimum of $200k a year.

 

[ChoppinBroccoli]

If I am not mistaken isn't there a "SUIT" (who Crutcher installed)between him and Hardt, to whom Hardt reports? I think that qualifies as "MINIMAL INTEREST". I am too lazy to look up his name but I would bet he makes a Minimum of $200k a year.

Yes. Hale.

From the announcement of Hardt's hire:

Since 2000 Hardt has served as the Director of Athletics and Recreation at Bucknell, where he has helped guide the school's athletic program to success. During Hardt's tenure, Bucknell Athletics orchestrated one of the nation's most assertive athletics facilities overhauls, built and expanded relationships with alumni and major donors leading to all-time high membership and annual giving levels, created an athletics environmental sustainability program, and launched a comprehensive athletics leadership program.

He also built upon the school's long-standing tradition of scholar-athlete excellence. Bucknell regularly ranks among the nation's leaders in student-athlete graduation rates, as well as NCAA Academic Performance Rates.

What is the one thing not mentioned in there?

 

[spider fan]

Perhaps the terminology of "minimal" is not the best choice of words to apply to Crutcher's interest - maybe "discernible"? And "broc" taking a stab at your question - either "firing" - which you would not expect to be mentioned - or "hiring" a program changing coach.

 

[urmite]

Perhaps the terminology of "minimal" is not the best choice of words to apply to Crutcher's interest - maybe "discernible"? And "broc" taking a stab at your question - either "firing" - which you would not expect to be mentioned - or "hiring" a program changing coach.

Maybe athletic performance? When mentioning accomplishments?
Assuming Sucess is detailed by the items mentioned after?

 

[64Spider]

Don't know what's missing unless it's something about winning.
The part of the statement that gets me I'd the part about building alumni relations. So far I have missed that special trait. I haven't missed a game and have attended all of the Spider Club functions. Never seen him pressing the flesh with us mid major donors.

 

[MrTbone]

By accounts I’ve heard from employees at UR, crutcher is far more interested in athletic success than Ayers was. I wouldn’t conflate lack of attendance with lack of interest.

And for those unfamiliar, Hale was elevated to a COO level role with Athletics reporting to him. Hale cares a good deal about Athletics from what I hear so I think we are in a better spot now for Athletic progress than anytime in the past 8+ years.

 

[urfan1]

From my UVA friends Ayres was not "friend" of athletics, he liked them when it was convenient, or could be used to his benefit.

 

[9Legs]

By accounts I’ve heard from employees at UR, crutcher is far more interested in athletic success than Ayers was. I wouldn’t conflate lack of attendance with lack of interest.

And for those unfamiliar, Hale was elevated to a COO level role with Athletics reporting to him. Hale cares a good deal about Athletics from what I hear so I think we are in a better spot now for Athletic progress than anytime in the past 8+ years.

Tbone

Tell us more about Hale and how he fits in- does he attend games?- With whom
does he sit ? Queally? Crutcher? Hardt? Where is he in the decision loop on athletic dept matters?

Since the admin touts itself as one of best managed universities, one would assume he is an essential cog in the wheel!

 

[GKiller]

From my UVA friends Ayres was not "friend" of athletics, he liked them when it was convenient, or could be used to his benefit.

I was on a business trip to Denver years ago and attended one of those UR meet & great type functions with Ayers, who was out there for a higher ed conference. A couple soccer alums gave him a real hard time during the Q&A. There was some tension. Ayers attempted to justify it but eventually he kinda of threw up his arms and was like I don't want to talk about that anymore. It was pretty weird. He said something about GPA at one point. It was't his finest moment. At the time I couldn't really tell if he just didn't deal well with the conflict or if he just didn't feel comfortable talking about athletics. Looking back later I felt it was more of the latter.

Re: Flagship. I guess it was football in the 60s & 70s. But once the 1-AA classification in 80s happened that was the end of that more or less esp with the DT era going strong. Think flagship is what can bring you the most notoriety and what holds the most interest. I mean if it was about most consistent success maybe it would be womens swimming but that seems pretty silly. We r the only team in the history of college basketball to win NCAA games as a 12, 13, 14, and 15 seed. I'm a UR football fan too that by itself makes it pretty easy imo.

 

[ChoppinBroccoli]

Fan, you bring up a good point - it is true Hardt has never removed an under-performing (revenue sport) coach in his career. But I was going for what the last two posters said.

Yes, it's missing "winning." Now, that's not a knock on Hardt - Bucknell's athletic teams were successful in terms of wins & losses (for the Patriot league). Yet UR didn't think athletic performance was even worthy of a mention in his press release.

 

[MrTbone]

Tbone

Tell us more about Hale and how he fits in- does he attend games?- With whom
does he sit ? Queally? Crutcher? Hardt? Where is he in the decision loop on athletic dept matters?

Since the admin touts itself as one of best managed universities, one would assume he is an essential cog in the wheel!

I can’t speak to most of that. Crutcher reorganized his cabinet because he had too many people directly reporting to him which was a legacy byproduct of Ayers time at UR. Hale is apparently well respected as an operations/finance guy and was positioned to drive non-academic functions for the university, including Athletics. He is apparently a huge proponent of Athletics and strongly believes in their positive effect on brand, admissions, etc. my guess is he is very closely involved in athletic department initiatives of significance, presumably any kind of buyout discussion included.

Most of what I’m sharing above is based on knowledge I have through someone who works at UR who is familiar with the above scenario but far enough removed that there certainly are other likely conditions in play as well.

 

[urfan1]

If you want a clear picture of the difference between Ayers and Crutcher look at who they surround themselves with and who they listen to.

 

[SpiderVol]

Tbone, I’ve heard similar things about Crutcher and Hale. I think those in position do care deeply about the success of our athletic program, especially our Men’s Basketball and Football programs because they are great brand opportunities.

My concern, and this is just my feelings, is not how much support they are willing to provide the athletic department to be successful but the influence of key donors and the balance in keeping them happy. I took the more critical and direct comments from Hardt after the football season as a sign of this.

The idea that the Huesman is more on the hot seat than Mooney shows that money and influence with the donors is a big factor. Hopefully the lack of season this season allows Quelleybto back down and allow the admintration to do what is best for the basketball program and university.

I really believe Hardt will do this and have the support of Crutcher/Hale and the rest of the BOD. I think the timing of Hardt hire was the main reason we are going through another season of this. But I think based on how it’s proving out the right side will win out without alienating Quelley and any other donors that have been backing Mooney. I believe these donors have the best interest of the university in heart and mind. They are all great business people and as difficult as is can separate personal and business relationships and make the right decision for the school.

 

[KWeaver]

Reminds me of the Dooley days and our annual play-in game against Mason in the CAA tourney. Now Mason is winning the A10, and here we are.

Jon Baker did hit 8 3s vs Mason once down in the VCUdome. And then I think Sonny Smith smoked us. Or, Jeff Capel. One of those two teams.

 

[gcarter52]

What division is University of Richmond basketball?

Are you serious? Division 1

 

[72Spider]

Are you serious? Division 1

Hey, at least she didn't say Richmond University

 

[urmite]

Any chance that is a photographer for The Commonwealth Times?

 

[Gallipoli]

What division is University of Richmond basketball?

Call 1-800-look-it-up-yourself.

 

[SFspidur]

Poster is a spammer. Not sure why they returned seven months later to pose a question though lol.

 

[Spiders4ever]

Poster is a spammer. Not sure why they returned seven months later to pose a question though lol.

Because 6 months was too early and 8 months is too late.