(06-18-2016 09:09 AM)#YEEHAWDUKES Wrote:  I wouldn't really call it an interview with Alger. He replied to an email because he refused to be available by phone. And his quote is BS. He says that the reason we didn't do it 9 months ago when he wrote his letter is because we didn't have the resources to do so. Of course we did.

I haven't seen the quote, and I won't pretend to be an expert on the financial nuances of running a college athletics program, or a public university for that matter. However, every bit of this blowback comes back to that ridiculous letter. Had he not come out so publicly against COA, the whole "we're looking into how to pay for this" line would be plausible - and for all I know, it still may be. But the perception now is that Alger had to be dragged kicking and screaming into the 21st century.

I understand they may not have intended for that letter to be released when and how it was, but Alger signing his (and our) name to that letter - and aligning ourselves with that bunch of "peer" institutions - was perhaps the most ill-conceived self-inflicted wound I can recall.

At the end of the day, however, we are on the path to doing the right thing and Alger deserves credit for moving off a bad position. It's going to be incumbent on us as fans to up our own game as well. The "I'm not giving another dime" crowd is part of the problem here too.

But JMU always treats all its sports equally!!! Glad that argument got thrown out the window here.

All sarcasm aside, very happy for Lou and Sean being given this key tool in recruiting. Its a cutthroat business and very small things can be the difference between success and failure. So much depends on luck, I am just excited you guys aren't handicapping yourself in the COA department. The idea of a new convo now doesn't seem so ridiculous. Hope it can get done.

(06-17-2016 10:16 AM)jmu98 Wrote:  

(06-17-2016 09:58 AM)JMU08 Wrote:  So does this work out to around 5.2k per scholarship?

I believe it is actually approximately $4465. Their are 13 scholarships in men's bball and 15 in women's bball.

DNR article says $4200 per person

http://www.dnronline.com/article/jmu_offers_coa

Pleasantly surprised that JMU got this right.
Basketball is the only sport that needs COA to avoid a recruiting disadvantage. Hopefully in the near future football will need this to compete in their new conference.

I think I'm most blown away by the fact that JMU didn't kowtow to the "everyone gets a trophy" crowd by unnecessarily awarding COA to every sport.

JMU didn't get anything right, it reacted and was essentially forced into submission reluctantly.

We waited until one of the greatest coaches in the history of our University left town after practically begging for COA.

(06-19-2016 07:59 AM)Dadgum Wrote:  JMU didn't get anything right, it reacted and was essentially forced into submission reluctantly.

We waited until one of the greatest coaches in the history of our University left town after practically begging for COA.

I was wondering how long it would take to turn this decision on its head.

(06-19-2016 08:09 AM)Longhorn Wrote:  

(06-19-2016 07:59 AM)Dadgum Wrote:  JMU didn't get anything right, it reacted and was essentially forced into submission reluctantly.

We waited until one of the greatest coaches in the history of our University left town after practically begging for COA.

I was wondering how long it would take to turn this decision on its head.

So this is what JMU fans have come to? Celebrating a common sense decision that should have been done over a year ago? Cool!

(06-19-2016 09:44 AM)HolyCityDuke Wrote:  

(06-19-2016 08:09 AM)Longhorn Wrote:  

(06-19-2016 07:59 AM)Dadgum Wrote:  JMU didn't get anything right, it reacted and was essentially forced into submission reluctantly.

We waited until one of the greatest coaches in the history of our University left town after practically begging for COA.

I was wondering how long it would take to turn this decision on its head.

So this is what JMU fans have come to? Celebrating a common sense decision that should have been done over a year ago? Cool!

Be the change.

(06-19-2016 05:40 PM)GaryMatthews Wrote:  

(06-19-2016 09:44 AM)HolyCityDuke Wrote:  

(06-19-2016 08:09 AM)Longhorn Wrote:  

(06-19-2016 07:59 AM)Dadgum Wrote:  JMU didn't get anything right, it reacted and was essentially forced into submission reluctantly.

We waited until one of the greatest coaches in the history of our University left town after practically begging for COA.

I was wondering how long it would take to turn this decision on its head.

So this is what JMU fans have come to? Celebrating a common sense decision that should have been done over a year ago? Cool!

Be the change.

Can someone confirm what recruiting class was the first to be eligible under the recently adopted COA guidelines adopted (forced) upon us by the P5 schools?

A reality check seems to be in order. I think (at most) we're talking about 1 recruiting class in basketball, and taking the time to determine how to fund this initiative without reliance of student fees is to be applauded. Making one non-athlete group of students pay COA for a select few would be outrageous.

But by all means, continuing to bash JMU for doing something right, and in a timely manner.

(06-19-2016 08:58 PM)Longhorn Wrote:  

(06-19-2016 05:40 PM)GaryMatthews Wrote:  

(06-19-2016 09:44 AM)HolyCityDuke Wrote:  

(06-19-2016 08:09 AM)Longhorn Wrote:  

(06-19-2016 07:59 AM)Dadgum Wrote:  JMU didn't get anything right, it reacted and was essentially forced into submission reluctantly.

We waited until one of the greatest coaches in the history of our University left town after practically begging for COA.

I was wondering how long it would take to turn this decision on its head.

So this is what JMU fans have come to? Celebrating a common sense decision that should have been done over a year ago? Cool!

Be the change.

Can someone confirm what recruiting class was the first to be eligible under the recently adopted COA guidelines adopted (forced) upon us by the P5 schools?

A reality check seems to be in order. I think (at most) we're talking about 1 recruiting class in basketball, and taking the time to determine how to fund this initiative without reliance of student fees is to be applauded. Making one non-athlete group of students pay COA for a select few would be outrageous.

But by all means, continuing to bash JMU for doing something right, and in a timely manner.

You might not like the way he made his statement, but JMU's decision was very reactionary. Their lack of commitment to COA's previous to this announcement was something Kenny publicly criticized upon his departure.

I am excited JMU has come to this decision but we need to start leading instead of following if we are to become this national model Alger keeps talking about.

(06-19-2016 10:13 PM)DolleyMadison Wrote:  

(06-19-2016 08:58 PM)Longhorn Wrote:  

(06-19-2016 05:40 PM)GaryMatthews Wrote:  

(06-19-2016 09:44 AM)HolyCityDuke Wrote:  

(06-19-2016 08:09 AM)Longhorn Wrote:  

I was wondering how long it would take to turn this decision on its head.

So this is what JMU fans have come to? Celebrating a common sense decision that should have been done over a year ago? Cool!

Be the change.

Can someone confirm what recruiting class was the first to be eligible under the recently adopted COA guidelines adopted (forced) upon us by the P5 schools?

A reality check seems to be in order. I think (at most) we're talking about 1 recruiting class in basketball, and taking the time to determine how to fund this initiative without reliance of student fees is to be applauded. Making one non-athlete group of students pay COA for a select few would be outrageous.

But by all means, continuing to bash JMU for doing something right, and in a timely manner.

You might not like the way he made his statement, but JMU's decision was very reactionary. Their lack of commitment to COA's previous to this announcement was something Kenny publicly criticized upon his departure.

I am excited JMU has come to this decision but we need to start leading instead of following if we are to become this national model Alger keeps talking about.

Nonsense. It was a rational and reasoned decision. There was nothing "reactionary" about it other than what all non P5 programs are being forced to do.

It's time people on this board grew up and realized JMU is not a member of a P5, and never will be.

(06-17-2016 06:54 PM)ParentofJMUMRDs Wrote:  The whole COA discussion got me thinking a bit as to what the costs would be for COA for all sports. Went to the Web and looked up the number of scholarships that are allowed for the sports that are played at JMU. JMU sponsors 6 sports for men and 11 for women. The COA for the 28 mens and womens basketball scholarships (13 men, 15 women) was announced at a cost of $125000. This works out to a cost per scholarship of about $4465.

Men

Football (FCS) 63
Baseball 11.7
Golf 4.5
Tennis 4.5
Soccer 9.9

Total (excluding MBB) 93.6

Women

Softball 12
Lacrosse 12
Field Hockey 12
Tennis 8
Soccer 14
Golf 6
Volleyball 12
Swim/Diving 14
Cross Country/Track & Field 18

Total (Excluding WBB) 108


Total scholarships for all mens and womens sports excluding MBB and WBB is 201.6. Total scholarships including basketball would be 229.6. Since JMU fully funds all sports scholarships these would be the actual numbers each year give or take a few. At a per scholarship cost of $4465 each the total for COA for all sports in addition to MBB and WBB would be $900,144 per year. Adding the COA for basketball of $125000 would bring the total COA for all sports to $1,025,144 per year. Not a small chunk of change.

So as we can see the COA for all sports would require a considerable increase in donations. Starting with MBB and WBB is a good move as that is where we are seeing the biggest impact from other schools in recruiting. I would think that as time goes by and funding raising for COA increases we will see other sports added.

Interesting numbers to say the least.

Hope everyone finds this of some interest.

Brian

No it's not a small chunk of change (statement regarding the bold above). I'm now sort of questioning why we have opted for such a high dollar amount. Being completely honest, I was actually thinking around $2.5K - $3K would have worked better only due to the high figure putting another road block to ever becoming FBS. Nevertheless, our MBB program now needs to step up to the plate and win baby win.

The amount is already established as part of the budgetary guidance provided publicly on our websites. The athletic department doesnt just pick a number. There is data behind it to reach this number.

(06-19-2016 11:25 PM)Longhorn Wrote:  

(06-19-2016 10:13 PM)DolleyMadison Wrote:  

(06-19-2016 08:58 PM)Longhorn Wrote:  

(06-19-2016 05:40 PM)GaryMatthews Wrote:  

(06-19-2016 09:44 AM)HolyCityDuke Wrote:  So this is what JMU fans have come to? Celebrating a common sense decision that should have been done over a year ago? Cool!

Be the change.

Can someone confirm what recruiting class was the first to be eligible under the recently adopted COA guidelines adopted (forced) upon us by the P5 schools?

A reality check seems to be in order. I think (at most) we're talking about 1 recruiting class in basketball, and taking the time to determine how to fund this initiative without reliance of student fees is to be applauded. Making one non-athlete group of students pay COA for a select few would be outrageous.

But by all means, continuing to bash JMU for doing something right, and in a timely manner.

You might not like the way he made his statement, but JMU's decision was very reactionary. Their lack of commitment to COA's previous to this announcement was something Kenny publicly criticized upon his departure.

I am excited JMU has come to this decision but we need to start leading instead of following if we are to become this national model Alger keeps talking about.

Nonsense. It was a rational and reasoned decision. There was nothing "reactionary" about it other than what all non P5 programs are being forced to do.

It's time people on this board grew up and realized JMU is not a member of a P5, and never will be.

P5 instituted COA's...then all of the G5 schools...then a lot of mid-major/non-football schools...then some of the schools in the CAA made plans to do so...then JMU did it. JMU made a rational and reasoned decisions after reacting to other schools making the commitment first.

No where in my statement did a launch personal attacks and nowhere did I insinuate JMU's desire to be a P5 school. Furthermore, I have seen no comments from anyone expressing frustration with JMU because we have not aligned ourselves with P5 programs.

Leave the name calling and hyperboles at the door and let's try to engage in some level headed discussions...

(06-20-2016 09:06 AM)DolleyMadison Wrote:  

(06-19-2016 11:25 PM)Longhorn Wrote:  

(06-19-2016 10:13 PM)DolleyMadison Wrote:  

(06-19-2016 08:58 PM)Longhorn Wrote:  

(06-19-2016 05:40 PM)GaryMatthews Wrote:  Be the change.

Can someone confirm what recruiting class was the first to be eligible under the recently adopted COA guidelines adopted (forced) upon us by the P5 schools?

A reality check seems to be in order. I think (at most) we're talking about 1 recruiting class in basketball, and taking the time to determine how to fund this initiative without reliance of student fees is to be applauded. Making one non-athlete group of students pay COA for a select few would be outrageous.

But by all means, continuing to bash JMU for doing something right, and in a timely manner.

You might not like the way he made his statement, but JMU's decision was very reactionary. Their lack of commitment to COA's previous to this announcement was something Kenny publicly criticized upon his departure.

I am excited JMU has come to this decision but we need to start leading instead of following if we are to become this national model Alger keeps talking about.

Nonsense. It was a rational and reasoned decision. There was nothing "reactionary" about it other than what all non P5 programs are being forced to do.

It's time people on this board grew up and realized JMU is not a member of a P5, and never will be.

P5 instituted COA's...then all of the G5 schools...then a lot of mid-major/non-football schools...then some of the schools in the CAA made plans to do so...then JMU did it. JMU made a rational and reasoned decisions after reacting to other schools making the commitment first.

No where in my statement did a launch personal attacks and nowhere did I insinuate JMU's desire to be a P5 school. Furthermore, I have seen no comments from anyone expressing frustration with JMU because we have not aligned ourselves with P5 programs.

Leave the name calling and hyperboles at the door and let's try to engage in some level headed discussions...

Yup. Our President had a firm stance against it and then reacted when he had to.

(06-19-2016 08:58 PM)Longhorn Wrote:  

(06-19-2016 05:40 PM)GaryMatthews Wrote:  

(06-19-2016 09:44 AM)HolyCityDuke Wrote:  

(06-19-2016 08:09 AM)Longhorn Wrote:  

(06-19-2016 07:59 AM)Dadgum Wrote:  JMU didn't get anything right, it reacted and was essentially forced into submission reluctantly.

We waited until one of the greatest coaches in the history of our University left town after practically begging for COA.

I was wondering how long it would take to turn this decision on its head.

So this is what JMU fans have come to? Celebrating a common sense decision that should have been done over a year ago? Cool!

Be the change.

Can someone confirm what recruiting class was the first to be eligible under the recently adopted COA guidelines adopted (forced) upon us by the P5 schools?

A reality check seems to be in order. I think (at most) we're talking about 1 recruiting class in basketball, and taking the time to determine how to fund this initiative without reliance of student fees is to be applauded. Making one non-athlete group of students pay COA for a select few would be outrageous.

But by all means, continuing to bash JMU for doing something right, and in a timely manner.

FWIW - It would've been (was?) ok to skip one random recruiting class. We could normally survive that pretty easily, however not the upcoming recruiting class where we are replacing 8 scholarships. We had to put Lou in a position to get the best possible recruits for this class or we would have set his time as coach on a path towards failure before it even began. Especially, when we are trying to fundraise the new convo. Especially when our performance in all sports is being monitored as JMU is considered for any potential openings in FBS conferences. Success in basketball is the easiest way, through sports, to garner national attention.

(06-20-2016 09:06 AM)DolleyMadison Wrote:  

(06-19-2016 11:25 PM)Longhorn Wrote:  

(06-19-2016 10:13 PM)DolleyMadison Wrote:  

(06-19-2016 08:58 PM)Longhorn Wrote:  

(06-19-2016 05:40 PM)GaryMatthews Wrote:  Be the change.

Can someone confirm what recruiting class was the first to be eligible under the recently adopted COA guidelines adopted (forced) upon us by the P5 schools?

A reality check seems to be in order. I think (at most) we're talking about 1 recruiting class in basketball, and taking the time to determine how to fund this initiative without reliance of student fees is to be applauded. Making one non-athlete group of students pay COA for a select few would be outrageous.

But by all means, continuing to bash JMU for doing something right, and in a timely manner.

You might not like the way he made his statement, but JMU's decision was very reactionary. Their lack of commitment to COA's previous to this announcement was something Kenny publicly criticized upon his departure.

I am excited JMU has come to this decision but we need to start leading instead of following if we are to become this national model Alger keeps talking about.

Nonsense. It was a rational and reasoned decision. There was nothing "reactionary" about it other than what all non P5 programs are being forced to do.

It's time people on this board grew up and realized JMU is not a member of a P5, and never will be.

P5 instituted COA's...then all of the G5 schools...then a lot of mid-major/non-football schools...then some of the schools in the CAA made plans to do so...then JMU did it. JMU made a rational and reasoned decisions after reacting to other schools making the commitment first.

No where in my statement did a launch personal attacks and nowhere did I insinuate JMU's desire to be a P5 school. Furthermore, I have seen no comments from anyone expressing frustration with JMU because we have not aligned ourselves with P5 programs.

Leave the name calling and hyperboles at the door and let's try to engage in some level headed discussions...

Dolly - we all get it and most of us agree with you. I applaud your attempt at rationalizing with LH, but, as you know, it's not worth it. Your posts are always spot on though, so keep 'em coming!

One question I have re COA is that of the current members of the mens and womens team, will they qualify for it or is it only available to those who start in the fall of 2016?

Anyone know? I have not been able to puzzle this out.

Brian

Doesn't start until 2017-2018 season. Assuming all scholarship players on the team at that time will receive it.

Quote: Beginning in the 2017-18 academic year, James Madison will pay cost-of-attendance stipends to its scholarship men’s and women’s basketball players, the university announced in a press release Friday.

Quote:While disappointed that JMU’s current scholarship basketball players would not receive the stipends in 2016-17, Kent – one of seven seniors on Rowe’s club – said he was “glad that we finally got it for our program.”

Does it matter why JMU committed to COA? I'm just happy that they did in time to impact the 2017-18 recruiting efforts. It's a relatively small step (financially) but an important step towards where we want to be.

It's good that folks on here continue to provide balance by challenging the direction and admin- it will help us get to where we need to be but sometimes I think you gripe just to gripe (some of which took place on Father's Day for crying out loud).