I get wanting to be FBS as part of a better conference- I would like that as well but how do we fault JMU for spending on facilities upgrades while the FBS/conference part is still being worked on? Is it the sequence that bothers people? The spending in general? Would you rather join a lesser FBS conference just to get in one and JMU have lesser facilities that eventually need to be upgraded?

I'm ok with the way JMU is doing things- clearly they don't like the current options in terms of conference movement so rather then sit on their hands they are improving the facilities that need to be improved in order for those sports and the athletics program as a whole to get to the next level.

It's pretty clear that they are shooting for a few things- success and national level success across all sports regardless of conference and division, bigger crowds/fan interest and facilities that will help with recruiting student athletes, and ultimately a bigger league with schools that have comparable facilities and fan support. I don't need Jeff Bourne to tell me that over and over again. He's going to chose his words carefully to keep his options open.

(06-22-2019 06:54 AM)NJDuke97 Wrote:  I get wanting to be FBS as part of a better conference- I would like that as well but how do we fault JMU for spending on facilities upgrades while the FBS/conference part is still being worked on? Is it the sequence that bothers people? The spending in general? Would you rather join a lesser FBS conference just to get in one and JMU have lesser facilities that eventually need to be upgraded?

I'm ok with the way JMU is doing things- clearly they don't like the current options in terms of conference movement so rather then sit on their hands they are improving the facilities that need to be improved in order for those sports and the athletics program as a whole to get to the next level.

It's pretty clear that they are shooting for a few things- success and national level success across all sports regardless of conference and division, bigger crowds/fan interest and facilities that will help with recruiting student athletes, and ultimately a bigger league with schools that have comparable facilities and fan support. I don't need Jeff Bourne to tell me that over and over again. He's going to chose his words carefully to keep his options open.

I do not disagree, however, I'm of the opinion that constant respectful pressure must be felt by the JMU adminstration to move forward just as has been asked of us, "Be The Change". We should NEVER be willing to settle for less than who we are and more importantly, who we can be.

(06-22-2019 06:54 AM)NJDuke97 Wrote:  I get wanting to be FBS as part of a better conference- I would like that as well but how do we fault JMU for spending on facilities upgrades while the FBS/conference part is still being worked on? Is it the sequence that bothers people? The spending in general? Would you rather join a lesser FBS conference just to get in one and JMU have lesser facilities that eventually need to be upgraded?

I'm ok with the way JMU is doing things- clearly they don't like the current options in terms of conference movement so rather then sit on their hands they are improving the facilities that need to be improved in order for those sports and the athletics program as a whole to get to the next level.

It's pretty clear that they are shooting for a few things- success and national level success across all sports regardless of conference and division, bigger crowds/fan interest and facilities that will help with recruiting student athletes, and ultimately a bigger league with schools that have comparable facilities and fan support. I don't need Jeff Bourne to tell me that over and over again. He's going to chose his words carefully to keep his options open.

I've never read anybody unhappy about JMU building athletic facilities. We want to hear Jeff Bourne tell us what we plan on doing with our awesome facilities. A willingness to listen if somebody calls is a bull**** answer. What are we doing to get a conference invite, monitoring and watching another school jump in line?

ODU alum know their admin is working the AAC to the best of their abilities. What is JMU doing as this UConn change takes place?

(06-22-2019 02:47 PM)Purplehazed Wrote:  

(06-22-2019 06:54 AM)NJDuke97 Wrote:  I get wanting to be FBS as part of a better conference- I would like that as well but how do we fault JMU for spending on facilities upgrades while the FBS/conference part is still being worked on? Is it the sequence that bothers people? The spending in general? Would you rather join a lesser FBS conference just to get in one and JMU have lesser facilities that eventually need to be upgraded?

I'm ok with the way JMU is doing things- clearly they don't like the current options in terms of conference movement so rather then sit on their hands they are improving the facilities that need to be improved in order for those sports and the athletics program as a whole to get to the next level.

It's pretty clear that they are shooting for a few things- success and national level success across all sports regardless of conference and division, bigger crowds/fan interest and facilities that will help with recruiting student athletes, and ultimately a bigger league with schools that have comparable facilities and fan support. I don't need Jeff Bourne to tell me that over and over again. He's going to chose his words carefully to keep his options open.

I've never read anybody unhappy about JMU building athletic facilities. We want to hear Jeff Bourne tell us what we plan on doing with our awesome facilities. A willingness to listen if somebody calls is a bull**** answer. What are we doing to get a conference invite, monitoring and watching another school jump in line?

ODU alum know their admin is working the AAC to the best of their abilities. What is JMU doing as this UConn change takes place?

You really should give yourself a break and give your fellow JMU readers of this board a rest from your constant harangue about what the JMU administration is doing behind the scenes regarding possible conference re-alignment. If I’m JMU’s AD or President I’m certainly not going to play out my private discussions about possible conference changes in public. Honestly, there is no advantage in doing so, and the disadvantages are many, starting with the simple fact it makes your institution look “needy” and desperate, all while making your current conference arrangements awkward (at best).

One last comment, I’m unaware of any official, overt statements by ODU’s administration that they are looking to change conferences. The previous negotiations regarding their jump to CUSA were handled in private, and any speculation about moving to the American is fan talk, not the public position of their AD or President. Unless you can cite specific, documented evidence that ODU’s administration is working on joining the AAC your comment that “ODU alum know...” is complete blarney. The ODU alum know as much as JMU alum know regarding what is happening behind closed doors.

As far as positioning for a conference move I’d say you’ve got the perfect right to argue that you prefer ODU’s strategy (jumping early to FBS and then trying to build a winning program and attendant facilities in football), as opposed to JMU’s strategy, which has been to first build the facilities and enhance the winning tradition of success across the entire range of JMU’s sponsored varsity sports.

Given ODU’s now struggling FB program, weakening attendance, and general mediocrity across the rest of their athletic programs, I’d say JMU’s approach has proven to be the superior decision (at least at this time). Continued harping on the idea that JMU’s future athletic success depends on making public statements regarding potential FBS conference alignments is actually rather silly given the current successes JMU is experiencing. Again, you’ve the right to prefer the ODU (or Liberty) approach, but speaking only for myself, I feel very comfortable with the future direction of JMU athletics.

ODU raised a record $16.1 million in 2018
By Harry Minium

The prospect of a renovated S.B. Ballard football stadium enticed Old Dominion University athletic boosters to donate money in record amounts in 2018.

The Old Dominion Athletic Foundation, ODU’s athletic fundraising organization, raised a record $16.1 million last year, said Jena Virga, senior associate athletic director.

That’s more than the $12.3 million ODAF raised in 2017 and far more than the $9.6 million raised in 2016, Virga said.

The 2018 total is impressive among mid-major schools.
For instance, James Madison University, which has a nationally prominent Football Championship Subdivision program but is otherwise comparable to ODU, raised $4.5 million in 2017-2018 school year.
Central Florida, which has the nation’s most successful mid-major Football Bowl Subdivision program, raised $17.3 million in 2017, the season in which the Knights finished unbeaten and defeated Auburn in the Peach Bowl.
Much of the new money came from alumni and boosters who made donations to help pay for the $67.5 million renovation of Ballard Stadium.

Barry Kornblau, an alumnus from Richmond, donated $3 million to the effort. Dennis Ellmer, a Norfolk native who owns the Priority Automotive chain, also gave $1.5 million to help pay for a luxury club on the stadium’s west side.
President John R. Broderick played a key role in ODAF’s fundraising success. Kornblau and Ellmer said Broderick asked them to donate to the stadium.

The Priority Automotive Club, as the new stadium club will be known, also enticed donors, Virga said.
ODU has 26 luxury suites and 390 loge seats in the north end zone that have been sold out since the University began playing football in 2009. But Ballard Stadium has long been one of the few FBS venues without premium seating on the sidelines.

The General Assembly passed a law in 2015 intended to reduce the percentage of student fees being used to pay for athletics. ODU was given 10 years to get down to 55 percent.

Broderick challenged Athletic Director Wood Selig and ODAF officials at the time to broaden the fundraising base. ODU has more than doubled its fundraising since then.
Selig said ODU met the 55 percent requirement last school year. ODU is renovating Ballard Stadium without raising student fees.
“Our fundraisers have done an amazing job,” Selig said. “But the real credit goes to the local individuals who have stepped up and answered our requests for financial assistance. We’re fortunate to have so much generous support.”
Selig said officials have begun discussing a potential phase 2 of construction. Phase 1 includes the demolition and replacement of the east and west stands, including a new press box, more comfortable seats and upgrades to fan amenities, including restrooms and concessions areas.
ODU did not have the money to upgrade or replace the 5,000 seats in the north end zone. Selig said officials are having informal discussions about when and how to replace them. He said phase 2 would be funded by the private sector.
Selig praised ODAF, which has eight full-time fundraisers compared to the 12 at UCF.
“We’ve got a lot of young fundraisers, but they are hungry and hard-charging and do a great job of telling our story,” he said.
Virga said a series of upset victories by ODU teams also spurred donations. In one of the biggest shockers in college football history, the Monarchs upended No. 13 Virginia Tech in September. The men’s basketball team won at No. 25 Syracuse in December.
ODU’s Olympic sports also did well, with men’s soccer team (a 1-1 tie with No. 1 North Carolina), women’s field hockey (2-1 upset victory at No. 8 Virginia) and wrestling (30-10 upset at No. 11 Northwestern) also having success against Power 5 opponents.
“We want to become a nationally prominent program, and when you have victories against Virginia Tech and Syracuse, it shows our vision can become a reality,” Virga said. “We’re so close, and sometimes resources can make all the difference.”
ODU athletes also had a record year in the classroom, according to a letter Virga sent to ODAF members. In the 2017-2018 school year, more than 35 percent of athletes were on the dean’s list and the cumulative grade-point average for athletes was 3.03, the best ever, she wrote.
“We’re proud of our competitive success on the field,” Virga said. “But we’re most proud of our academic success.”

ODAF is also ahead of schedule on a $40 million fundraising campaign that was part of an overall, $250 million campaign announced two years ago by Broderick.

Turner says ODU has raised $30 million in a little more than two years

(06-24-2019 09:51 AM)Dukeman2 Wrote:  ODU raised a record $16.1 million in 2018
By Harry Minium

The prospect of a renovated S.B. Ballard football stadium enticed Old Dominion University athletic boosters to donate money in record amounts in 2018.

The Old Dominion Athletic Foundation, ODU’s athletic fundraising organization, raised a record $16.1 million last year, said Jena Virga, senior associate athletic director.

That’s more than the $12.3 million ODAF raised in 2017 and far more than the $9.6 million raised in 2016, Virga said.

The 2018 total is impressive among mid-major schools.
For instance, James Madison University, which has a nationally prominent Football Championship Subdivision program but is otherwise comparable to ODU, raised $4.5 million in 2017-2018 school year.
Central Florida, which has the nation’s most successful mid-major Football Bowl Subdivision program, raised $17.3 million in 2017, the season in which the Knights finished unbeaten and defeated Auburn in the Peach Bowl.
Much of the new money came from alumni and boosters who made donations to help pay for the $67.5 million renovation of Ballard Stadium.

Barry Kornblau, an alumnus from Richmond, donated $3 million to the effort. Dennis Ellmer, a Norfolk native who owns the Priority Automotive chain, also gave $1.5 million to help pay for a luxury club on the stadium’s west side.
President John R. Broderick played a key role in ODAF’s fundraising success. Kornblau and Ellmer said Broderick asked them to donate to the stadium.

The Priority Automotive Club, as the new stadium club will be known, also enticed donors, Virga said.
ODU has 26 luxury suites and 390 loge seats in the north end zone that have been sold out since the University began playing football in 2009. But Ballard Stadium has long been one of the few FBS venues without premium seating on the sidelines.

The General Assembly passed a law in 2015 intended to reduce the percentage of student fees being used to pay for athletics. ODU was given 10 years to get down to 55 percent.

Broderick challenged Athletic Director Wood Selig and ODAF officials at the time to broaden the fundraising base. ODU has more than doubled its fundraising since then.
Selig said ODU met the 55 percent requirement last school year. ODU is renovating Ballard Stadium without raising student fees.
“Our fundraisers have done an amazing job,” Selig said. “But the real credit goes to the local individuals who have stepped up and answered our requests for financial assistance. We’re fortunate to have so much generous support.”
Selig said officials have begun discussing a potential phase 2 of construction. Phase 1 includes the demolition and replacement of the east and west stands, including a new press box, more comfortable seats and upgrades to fan amenities, including restrooms and concessions areas.
ODU did not have the money to upgrade or replace the 5,000 seats in the north end zone. Selig said officials are having informal discussions about when and how to replace them. He said phase 2 would be funded by the private sector.
Selig praised ODAF, which has eight full-time fundraisers compared to the 12 at UCF.
“We’ve got a lot of young fundraisers, but they are hungry and hard-charging and do a great job of telling our story,” he said.
Virga said a series of upset victories by ODU teams also spurred donations. In one of the biggest shockers in college football history, the Monarchs upended No. 13 Virginia Tech in September. The men’s basketball team won at No. 25 Syracuse in December.
ODU’s Olympic sports also did well, with men’s soccer team (a 1-1 tie with No. 1 North Carolina), women’s field hockey (2-1 upset victory at No. 8 Virginia) and wrestling (30-10 upset at No. 11 Northwestern) also having success against Power 5 opponents.
“We want to become a nationally prominent program, and when you have victories against Virginia Tech and Syracuse, it shows our vision can become a reality,” Virga said. “We’re so close, and sometimes resources can make all the difference.”
ODU athletes also had a record year in the classroom, according to a letter Virga sent to ODAF members. In the 2017-2018 school year, more than 35 percent of athletes were on the dean’s list and the cumulative grade-point average for athletes was 3.03, the best ever, she wrote.
“We’re proud of our competitive success on the field,” Virga said. “But we’re most proud of our academic success.”

ODAF is also ahead of schedule on a $40 million fundraising campaign that was part of an overall, $250 million campaign announced two years ago by Broderick.

Turner says ODU has raised $30 million in a little more than two years

the article clearly doesn't account for the near $12m raised by JMU to fund the new Convo.....but includes ODU's football fundraising.

skewed story....but typical one for Dukeman to post.

Dukeman is an Odu bot

Dukeman2 is the construction project manager for ODU’s new stadium. He’s roots for Oduh that hard.