(08-08-2021 08:28 AM)emu79 Wrote: Which brings me to our current AD. Two major goals for Scott I believe were fund raising and overseeing facility improvements like the SPAC. I'm not privy to all the workings but I believe the Game Above has funded several areas. I would call that solid progress. Getting the SPAC paid off would allow us to move what was a phase II or III I can't remember dealing with a remodeling of the football stadium and different track configurations. Losing the guarantees from 2020 was a major blow. In order to keep the momentum going you need success on the field and on the court. Castro needs a break through season but women's basketball is not a major revenue sport. Chris Creighton's contract ends I believe in 2022. Chris Creighton has been the face of EMU sports and changing its perception and honestly probably the reason more than a few EMU alums have opened their checkbooks. To do the things we need to do football's program needs to continue. Will it be with Chris Creighton or not? I don't know. Stan Heath I think we can agree was a solid hire by Scott. Unlike many here I don't see a one year turnaround this coming season. Stan and his staff are solid basketball people and I think the 2022 recruiting class will be key for him. I also think Stan at least in the 2021 class took a longer view than some of his instant transfer turnarounds MAC coaches. Hopefully men's basketball revenues increase. Lots of challenges ahead for EMU athletics. I am beginning to warm up to Scott's handling of his job.
GameAbove has contributed less to SAPC than many think. Fund raising has been better than most think. EMU Athletics should be proud of the job they've done.
I'll be honest I've never asked about how long EMU Athletics has to pony up their promised funds to pay off the SAPC. I believe it has been reported that EMU athletics is responsible for 12M and the university the rest. Remember that the SAPC was part of a bond issue. The EMU athletics payments might be tied to the maturity of the bond issue. I don't know.
I assume the next big item is the field in Rynearson which includes the track unless it is re-located.
I do NOT know (and haven't asked) if the U will pay for new turf. My recollection, maybe faulty, is that the football field is a maintenance expense of EMU athletics. I've followed two re-do (from AstroTurf to FieldTurf and then the gray FieldTurf).
This is different than the new lights which we got during Heather's tenure (she told me that lights are a U. maintenance item).
I assume that the football field and decision on the track is the next biggie for Scott. When will it be made? I have no idea.
Then maybe a new press box. The cost of a new press box will be 8-figures. UMass spent I believe 10 -12M a number of years ago. It might cost 15 - 20M today.
As far as coaches, I'm very happy with our revenue sports coaches. Creighton is a G5 gem and Heath could be a rising star in D-I MBB. Castro has his program headed up.