Athletics will tell us what they want us to know when they want us to know it. That's their attitude. That said, I don't think it's really the fans' fault, and I certainly cannot blame Monty for low attendance. Except for the $$ people, athletics does not reach out to students, we "basic" alumni or the community. You have to donate through the HAF before they acknowledge your existence. Northern needs an "outreach" sort of program. I'm not sure how they do that. It just doesn't seem to be in their "corporate" DNA.

A lot of people complain that Monty hasn't done a whole lot with 9 years, but how do you do that at NIU with no support? Perhaps a recruiting stance like THammock ... Chicago metro first, then expanding outward. THammock is all abourt recruit, recruit, recruit. He and his staff get out to the high schools and junior colleges (obviously, not now). It seems to me this is more critical with a smaller squad.

He has one more year on his contract (June 30, 2021), but I'd say with another winning season, give him an extension. Not 2-3 years, but one at a time. At a school like NIU, you don't throw out what success you've had to start all over unless there is no step-up from the past season.

That's just imo.