DexterEagle Wrote:emu steve Wrote:[quote="huroncowboy"]I think we might be waiting for a long time although I hope not.
I saw the Wayne State - Ferris State hockey game on Comcast Local last week (one of the worst hockey games I've ever seen!) I caught the interview with the WSU coach who didn't sound positive about an arena on campus. They sure could use one but the State Fair grounds is only about 5 miles from campus which is a whole lot better than the drive out to Plymouth to play at the Compuware Arena.
I keep an eye on Wayne State sports. I have several friends and a brother-in-law who are alums. I also follow the GLIAC. I expect when WSU finally goes D-I all the way their football team will find its way to the non-scholarship Pioneer League and the rest of the teams to the Mid-Con. The PL actually would save WSU money on football and I don't believe Detroit would allow WSU into the Horizon League. The Warriors would make a good travel partner for Oakland.
I'm going to wrap a few ideas into this post.
Trying to figure out what is happening at EMU, WSU, etc. is the classic "show me the money.'
I remember someone from Eastern don't know if it was (former) president Shelton or an AD say, "We have alums with means but they aren't big fans of our athletic programs."
You will remember that Mr. Halle put up some pretty BIG numbers but it wasn't for an indoor practice facility, but for a library (as indicated in a post above).
Folks at WSU are donating $ like crazy, but is it for ATHLETICS???? Would they support FB if Wayne has a 'breakout year' this year (possible)? (Dexter Eagle: I think a hockey arena at Wayne is secondary in priority to a bball arena hence the down attitude).
The point I'm trying to make is that ALL universities have some alums of wealth BUT it is a question how they see the university and its programs including athletics.
If a wealthy alum thinks EMU has a very good bus school but mediocre FB program, where is he more likely to make a 6-digit contribution? ;-)
The problem at Eastern is that we have a very small base of athletic supporters (as evidenced by our hoop and FB attendance).
EMU needs a 'breakout' season in FB or men's hoops but it isn't likely to happen soon.
P.S. our 'breakout' season in men's hoops got us 'The house that Boykins built" (the Convo Center).
Our last "Breakout" seaon in FB was during Reagan's presidency.
but it did get us (I believe) the modernization and expansion of Rynearson.