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(12-07-2016 05:02 PM)ODU Oldtimer Wrote:  

(12-07-2016 03:51 PM)FearTheLion Wrote:  

(12-07-2016 01:52 PM)cmett003 Wrote:  I really hope ODU doesnt drop the ball on Phase II. We will never feel like we have a legit stadium until Phase II is complete. I dont know if it will be another 10 years. Im hoping that its done maybe 4-5 years after Phase I.

It certainly won't happen before donors stop telling Wood and John how great a plan they delivered increasing capacity to 22k. So the question is whether there are enough donors that give that feel like I do. Reading these boards, there is a real chance that not enough exists. If that's the case, we're not getting to that next phase and the easy route of staying the smallest little sellout story will continue.

I would be interested in the relationship that ODU has NOW with Ballard after the condescending way the board addressed his loyalty and support for the program.

Ballard in the past has been the biggest cheerleader of the program. In years past, Ballard allowed the University the use of his private plane while providing the pilot, fuel and access to Wilder for recruiting and other official needs. He has been one of the largest donors in the past and was instrumental in our jump start and resurrection of the program. I may be miss-reading some hints that the ODU board appears to want to distance themselves from him. I would have thought they would embrace his loyalty, he has earned and deserves that respect. I would be very disappointed to see his support dwindle because of the boards attitude of superiority over one of the Universities and athletic departments largest donors. In the past he has by far been the most visible and supportive financial power player, as well as friend of the School. I pray that we DO NOT alienate his support. We need more true Blue Monarch supporters with the ability to move the financial needle.

I've feared this as well. But it seems a no-brainer that when a university has a friend with very deep pockets, it will be motivated to do everything to cultivate that relationship (keep the donor happy). So I'm hopeful there are board members doing just that.