Read the "announcement" regarding the projects. Thank you to the Nelson's for their gifts and commitments.

That said.... STF -- you really need to funnel funds appropriately. The Chick Evans Fieldhouse, if you didn't know (and maybe you didn't because it's a big part of Huskie history, so why would you) is close to the dorms, and on most underclassmen's walk to the academic buildings daily. It is prime real estate on campus. It SHOULD HAVE BEEN the location of the new basketball arena when the convo was built instead. To use that building for 4 or 5 indoor tennis courts (which apparently are to be used by the tennis teams? not even available for the students at large, or the community?) to use that valuable real estate for such a restrictive use is just unfathomable. I am sure there are other adjectives as well.

STF, if I may offer some advice. Focus is necessary to accomplish anything of value. I believe you were given some title that reflects a high level position in the university. Not mere athletic director, but rather VP of something or other. So, one question: How does building 5 indoor tennis courts for use by a select handful of students a few days a year right in the middle of campus -- how does that benefit the university? Additionally, how else could that money have been invested? What return do you expect from that investment in 5 tennis courts? What alternative investments did you consider?

I assume STF will say that the courts were a result of a restricted gifts specifically for that purpose. That is no answer. Your job, as Sr. VP of whatever, with the accompanying paycheck, is to do what is best for the university. So, I ask, are 5 indoor tennis courts for restricted and limited use on prime campus real estate really the best for the university?

Your job is not to be an "order taker" who just accepts generous donors' money. Your job should be to envision great things and then find/ discover/ unearth/ or create individuals who you can get to see that vision with you and can invest in it.

NIU does not have, never has had, and likely never will have a bottomless pot of money to spend on anything, much less athletics. A FOCUSED approach to best allocating available scarce resources is what is required. I am afraid Mr. Frazier has never understood that.

(04-05-2022 10:10 AM)chihuskie Wrote:  Read the "announcement" regarding the projects. Thank you to the Nelson's for their gifts and commitments.

That said.... STF -- you really need to funnel funds appropriately. The Chick Evans Fieldhouse, if you didn't know (and maybe you didn't because it's a big part of Huskie history, so why would you) is close to the dorms, and on most underclassmen's walk to the academic buildings daily. It is prime real estate on campus. It SHOULD HAVE BEEN the location of the new basketball arena when the convo was built instead. To use that building for 4 or 5 indoor tennis courts (which apparently are to be used by the tennis teams? not even available for the students at large, or the community?) to use that valuable real estate for such a restrictive use is just unfathomable. I am sure there are other adjectives as well.

STF, if I may offer some advice. Focus is necessary to accomplish anything of value. I believe you were given some title that reflects a high level position in the university. Not mere athletic director, but rather VP of something or other. So, one question: How does building 5 indoor tennis courts for use by a select handful of students a few days a year right in the middle of campus -- how does that benefit the university? Additionally, how else could that money have been invested? What return do you expect from that investment in 5 tennis courts? What alternative investments did you consider?

I assume STF will say that the courts were a result of a restricted gifts specifically for that purpose. That is no answer. Your job, as Sr. VP of whatever, with the accompanying paycheck, is to do what is best for the university. So, I ask, are 5 indoor tennis courts for restricted and limited use on prime campus real estate really the best for the university?

Your job is not to be an "order taker" who just accepts generous donors' money. Your job should be to envision great things and then find/ discover/ unearth/ or create individuals who you can get to see that vision with you and can invest in it.

NIU does not have, never has had, and likely never will have a bottomless pot of money to spend on anything, much less athletics. A FOCUSED approach to best allocating available scarce resources is what is required. I am afraid Mr. Frazier has never understood that.

So it was STF's fault that the Convo Center was built where it is now? That is almost as ludicrous as blaming Cary Groth for the engineering mistakes for the Convo Center.

The only thing the AD is responsible for is a wish list( New baseball stadium, amenities etc.)and fundraising money for that wishlist. That wish list besides the demands for Athletics Administration and being responsible for X number of student athletes and sport programs is what his job is.

He is not responsible for location, feasibility studies, engineering specs, community planning etc.of new projects.

I understand that STF is not in a favored light on this board and some of the reasons why is his fault. But let's not blame his for situations that were clearly out of his control.

(04-05-2022 10:35 AM)Schaefer Beer Wrote:  

(04-05-2022 10:10 AM)chihuskie Wrote:  Read the "announcement" regarding the projects. Thank you to the Nelson's for their gifts and commitments.

That said.... STF -- you really need to funnel funds appropriately. The Chick Evans Fieldhouse, if you didn't know (and maybe you didn't because it's a big part of Huskie history, so why would you) is close to the dorms, and on most underclassmen's walk to the academic buildings daily. It is prime real estate on campus. It SHOULD HAVE BEEN the location of the new basketball arena when the convo was built instead. To use that building for 4 or 5 indoor tennis courts (which apparently are to be used by the tennis teams? not even available for the students at large, or the community?) to use that valuable real estate for such a restrictive use is just unfathomable. I am sure there are other adjectives as well.

STF, if I may offer some advice. Focus is necessary to accomplish anything of value. I believe you were given some title that reflects a high level position in the university. Not mere athletic director, but rather VP of something or other. So, one question: How does building 5 indoor tennis courts for use by a select handful of students a few days a year right in the middle of campus -- how does that benefit the university? Additionally, how else could that money have been invested? What return do you expect from that investment in 5 tennis courts? What alternative investments did you consider?

I assume STF will say that the courts were a result of a restricted gifts specifically for that purpose. That is no answer. Your job, as Sr. VP of whatever, with the accompanying paycheck, is to do what is best for the university. So, I ask, are 5 indoor tennis courts for restricted and limited use on prime campus real estate really the best for the university?

Your job is not to be an "order taker" who just accepts generous donors' money. Your job should be to envision great things and then find/ discover/ unearth/ or create individuals who you can get to see that vision with you and can invest in it.

NIU does not have, never has had, and likely never will have a bottomless pot of money to spend on anything, much less athletics. A FOCUSED approach to best allocating available scarce resources is what is required. I am afraid Mr. Frazier has never understood that.

So it was STF's fault that the Convo Center was built where it is now? That is almost as ludicrous as blaming Cary Groth for the engineering mistakes for the Convo Center.

The only thing thing the AD is responsible for is a wish list( New baseball stadium, amenities etc.)and fundraising money for that wishlist. That iis out outside of Atlectics Administration and being responsible for X number of student athletes and sport programs.

They are not responsible for location, feasibility studies, engineering specs, community planning etc.)

I understand that STF is not in a favored light on this board and some of the reasons why is his fault. But let's not blame his for situations that were clearly out of his control.

Can you imagine the bellyaching that would ensue had the university built the arena in the location of the fieldhouse and had no space for parking because there's no where to expand the footprint of that location?

(04-05-2022 10:43 AM)Big Red Wrote:  

(04-05-2022 10:35 AM)Schaefer Beer Wrote:  

(04-05-2022 10:10 AM)chihuskie Wrote:  Read the "announcement" regarding the projects. Thank you to the Nelson's for their gifts and commitments.

That said.... STF -- you really need to funnel funds appropriately. The Chick Evans Fieldhouse, if you didn't know (and maybe you didn't because it's a big part of Huskie history, so why would you) is close to the dorms, and on most underclassmen's walk to the academic buildings daily. It is prime real estate on campus. It SHOULD HAVE BEEN the location of the new basketball arena when the convo was built instead. To use that building for 4 or 5 indoor tennis courts (which apparently are to be used by the tennis teams? not even available for the students at large, or the community?) to use that valuable real estate for such a restrictive use is just unfathomable. I am sure there are other adjectives as well.

STF, if I may offer some advice. Focus is necessary to accomplish anything of value. I believe you were given some title that reflects a high level position in the university. Not mere athletic director, but rather VP of something or other. So, one question: How does building 5 indoor tennis courts for use by a select handful of students a few days a year right in the middle of campus -- how does that benefit the university? Additionally, how else could that money have been invested? What return do you expect from that investment in 5 tennis courts? What alternative investments did you consider?

I assume STF will say that the courts were a result of a restricted gifts specifically for that purpose. That is no answer. Your job, as Sr. VP of whatever, with the accompanying paycheck, is to do what is best for the university. So, I ask, are 5 indoor tennis courts for restricted and limited use on prime campus real estate really the best for the university?

Your job is not to be an "order taker" who just accepts generous donors' money. Your job should be to envision great things and then find/ discover/ unearth/ or create individuals who you can get to see that vision with you and can invest in it.

NIU does not have, never has had, and likely never will have a bottomless pot of money to spend on anything, much less athletics. A FOCUSED approach to best allocating available scarce resources is what is required. I am afraid Mr. Frazier has never understood that.

So it was STF's fault that the Convo Center was built where it is now? That is almost as ludicrous as blaming Cary Groth for the engineering mistakes for the Convo Center.

The only thing thing the AD is responsible for is a wish list( New baseball stadium, amenities etc.)and fundraising money for that wishlist. That iis out outside of Atlectics Administration and being responsible for X number of student athletes and sport programs.

They are not responsible for location, feasibility studies, engineering specs, community planning etc.)

I understand that STF is not in a favored light on this board and some of the reasons why is his fault. But let's not blame his for situations that were clearly out of his control.

Can you imagine the bellyaching that would ensue had the university built the arena in the location of the fieldhouse and had no space for parking because there's no where to expand the footprint of that location?

The Convo was built because students wanted more parking, so the university decided to give it to them WAY out west and built the convo, at least that's what we were told as students.

(04-05-2022 11:15 AM)UnknownScout Wrote:  

(04-05-2022 10:43 AM)Big Red Wrote:  

(04-05-2022 10:35 AM)Schaefer Beer Wrote:  

(04-05-2022 10:10 AM)chihuskie Wrote:  Read the "announcement" regarding the projects. Thank you to the Nelson's for their gifts and commitments.

That said.... STF -- you really need to funnel funds appropriately. The Chick Evans Fieldhouse, if you didn't know (and maybe you didn't because it's a big part of Huskie history, so why would you) is close to the dorms, and on most underclassmen's walk to the academic buildings daily. It is prime real estate on campus. It SHOULD HAVE BEEN the location of the new basketball arena when the convo was built instead. To use that building for 4 or 5 indoor tennis courts (which apparently are to be used by the tennis teams? not even available for the students at large, or the community?) to use that valuable real estate for such a restrictive use is just unfathomable. I am sure there are other adjectives as well.

STF, if I may offer some advice. Focus is necessary to accomplish anything of value. I believe you were given some title that reflects a high level position in the university. Not mere athletic director, but rather VP of something or other. So, one question: How does building 5 indoor tennis courts for use by a select handful of students a few days a year right in the middle of campus -- how does that benefit the university? Additionally, how else could that money have been invested? What return do you expect from that investment in 5 tennis courts? What alternative investments did you consider?

I assume STF will say that the courts were a result of a restricted gifts specifically for that purpose. That is no answer. Your job, as Sr. VP of whatever, with the accompanying paycheck, is to do what is best for the university. So, I ask, are 5 indoor tennis courts for restricted and limited use on prime campus real estate really the best for the university?

Your job is not to be an "order taker" who just accepts generous donors' money. Your job should be to envision great things and then find/ discover/ unearth/ or create individuals who you can get to see that vision with you and can invest in it.

NIU does not have, never has had, and likely never will have a bottomless pot of money to spend on anything, much less athletics. A FOCUSED approach to best allocating available scarce resources is what is required. I am afraid Mr. Frazier has never understood that.

So it was STF's fault that the Convo Center was built where it is now? That is almost as ludicrous as blaming Cary Groth for the engineering mistakes for the Convo Center.

The only thing thing the AD is responsible for is a wish list( New baseball stadium, amenities etc.)and fundraising money for that wishlist. That iis out outside of Atlectics Administration and being responsible for X number of student athletes and sport programs.

They are not responsible for location, feasibility studies, engineering specs, community planning etc.)

I understand that STF is not in a favored light on this board and some of the reasons why is his fault. But let's not blame his for situations that were clearly out of his control.

Can you imagine the bellyaching that would ensue had the university built the arena in the location of the fieldhouse and had no space for parking because there's no where to expand the footprint of that location?

The Convo was built because students wanted more parking, so the university decided to give it to them WAY out west and built the convo, at least that's what we were told as students.

Are you saying the demand was "more parking" and in response, the university built an arena to go with the parking lot?

Either way, tear down the fieldhouse and there's your parking. But I'm sure many on this board would oppose that too.

Wasn't Eddie Williams heavily involved with some of these facility disasters during this period?

GO HUSKIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(04-05-2022 11:18 AM)Big Red Wrote:  

(04-05-2022 11:15 AM)UnknownScout Wrote:  

(04-05-2022 10:43 AM)Big Red Wrote:  

(04-05-2022 10:35 AM)Schaefer Beer Wrote:  

(04-05-2022 10:10 AM)chihuskie Wrote:  Read the "announcement" regarding the projects. Thank you to the Nelson's for their gifts and commitments.

That said.... STF -- you really need to funnel funds appropriately. The Chick Evans Fieldhouse, if you didn't know (and maybe you didn't because it's a big part of Huskie history, so why would you) is close to the dorms, and on most underclassmen's walk to the academic buildings daily. It is prime real estate on campus. It SHOULD HAVE BEEN the location of the new basketball arena when the convo was built instead. To use that building for 4 or 5 indoor tennis courts (which apparently are to be used by the tennis teams? not even available for the students at large, or the community?) to use that valuable real estate for such a restrictive use is just unfathomable. I am sure there are other adjectives as well.

STF, if I may offer some advice. Focus is necessary to accomplish anything of value. I believe you were given some title that reflects a high level position in the university. Not mere athletic director, but rather VP of something or other. So, one question: How does building 5 indoor tennis courts for use by a select handful of students a few days a year right in the middle of campus -- how does that benefit the university? Additionally, how else could that money have been invested? What return do you expect from that investment in 5 tennis courts? What alternative investments did you consider?

I assume STF will say that the courts were a result of a restricted gifts specifically for that purpose. That is no answer. Your job, as Sr. VP of whatever, with the accompanying paycheck, is to do what is best for the university. So, I ask, are 5 indoor tennis courts for restricted and limited use on prime campus real estate really the best for the university?

Your job is not to be an "order taker" who just accepts generous donors' money. Your job should be to envision great things and then find/ discover/ unearth/ or create individuals who you can get to see that vision with you and can invest in it.

NIU does not have, never has had, and likely never will have a bottomless pot of money to spend on anything, much less athletics. A FOCUSED approach to best allocating available scarce resources is what is required. I am afraid Mr. Frazier has never understood that.

So it was STF's fault that the Convo Center was built where it is now? That is almost as ludicrous as blaming Cary Groth for the engineering mistakes for the Convo Center.

The only thing thing the AD is responsible for is a wish list( New baseball stadium, amenities etc.)and fundraising money for that wishlist. That iis out outside of Atlectics Administration and being responsible for X number of student athletes and sport programs.

They are not responsible for location, feasibility studies, engineering specs, community planning etc.)

I understand that STF is not in a favored light on this board and some of the reasons why is his fault. But let's not blame his for situations that were clearly out of his control.

Can you imagine the bellyaching that would ensue had the university built the arena in the location of the fieldhouse and had no space for parking because there's no where to expand the footprint of that location?

The Convo was built because students wanted more parking, so the university decided to give it to them WAY out west and built the convo, at least that's what we were told as students.

Are you saying the demand was "more parking" and in response, the university built an arena to go with the parking lot?

Either way, tear down the fieldhouse and there's your parking. But I'm sure many on this board would oppose that too.

I don't remember all the details, but students wanted more campus parking and administration wanted a new arena, so they compromised and got both.

(04-05-2022 10:43 AM)Big Red Wrote:  

(04-05-2022 10:35 AM)Schaefer Beer Wrote:  

(04-05-2022 10:10 AM)chihuskie Wrote:  Read the "announcement" regarding the projects. Thank you to the Nelson's for their gifts and commitments.

That said.... STF -- you really need to funnel funds appropriately. The Chick Evans Fieldhouse, if you didn't know (and maybe you didn't because it's a big part of Huskie history, so why would you) is close to the dorms, and on most underclassmen's walk to the academic buildings daily. It is prime real estate on campus. It SHOULD HAVE BEEN the location of the new basketball arena when the convo was built instead. To use that building for 4 or 5 indoor tennis courts (which apparently are to be used by the tennis teams? not even available for the students at large, or the community?) to use that valuable real estate for such a restrictive use is just unfathomable. I am sure there are other adjectives as well.

STF, if I may offer some advice. Focus is necessary to accomplish anything of value. I believe you were given some title that reflects a high level position in the university. Not mere athletic director, but rather VP of something or other. So, one question: How does building 5 indoor tennis courts for use by a select handful of students a few days a year right in the middle of campus -- how does that benefit the university? Additionally, how else could that money have been invested? What return do you expect from that investment in 5 tennis courts? What alternative investments did you consider?

I assume STF will say that the courts were a result of a restricted gifts specifically for that purpose. That is no answer. Your job, as Sr. VP of whatever, with the accompanying paycheck, is to do what is best for the university. So, I ask, are 5 indoor tennis courts for restricted and limited use on prime campus real estate really the best for the university?

Your job is not to be an "order taker" who just accepts generous donors' money. Your job should be to envision great things and then find/ discover/ unearth/ or create individuals who you can get to see that vision with you and can invest in it.

NIU does not have, never has had, and likely never will have a bottomless pot of money to spend on anything, much less athletics. A FOCUSED approach to best allocating available scarce resources is what is required. I am afraid Mr. Frazier has never understood that.

So it was STF's fault that the Convo Center was built where it is now? That is almost as ludicrous as blaming Cary Groth for the engineering mistakes for the Convo Center.

The only thing thing the AD is responsible for is a wish list( New baseball stadium, amenities etc.)and fundraising money for that wishlist. That iis out outside of Atlectics Administration and being responsible for X number of student athletes and sport programs.

They are not responsible for location, feasibility studies, engineering specs, community planning etc.)

I understand that STF is not in a favored light on this board and some of the reasons why is his fault. But let's not blame his for situations that were clearly out of his control.

Can you imagine the bellyaching that would ensue had the university built the arena in the location of the fieldhouse and had no space for parking because there's no where to expand the footprint of that location?

1. The Rec center did not exist at the time. 2. "Remote parking" is always an option. Somehow in the 80's we got 6,000 people in there and there was no "belly aching" that I heard of.

To Shaefer--- where did I say the location of the convo was STF's fault? If that bothers you, take that sentence out of my post-- read the rest, and then respond. The post was about STF's leadership. You are correct that he did not site the convo. But he IS siting an indoor tennis facility at the field house. Maybe we can discuss the merits of that? Or should we just accept it as unquestionable? "Cuz if STF responds to no one, then NIU athletics is in a heap of trouble. I would prefer to opine and question rather than not question which is a short step from ignore.

BTW, I specifically said that STF is pulling down a salary as VP of someting or other. He is MORE THAN Athletic Director and is being paid to be more. So, your statement that the AD is only responsible for this or that also misses the point. HE IS NOT AD. He is VP and AD. So, he needs to fulfill his role. Do his full job.

(04-05-2022 12:35 PM)UnknownScout Wrote:  

(04-05-2022 11:18 AM)Big Red Wrote:  

(04-05-2022 11:15 AM)UnknownScout Wrote:  

(04-05-2022 10:43 AM)Big Red Wrote:  

(04-05-2022 10:35 AM)Schaefer Beer Wrote:  So it was STF's fault that the Convo Center was built where it is now? That is almost as ludicrous as blaming Cary Groth for the engineering mistakes for the Convo Center.

The only thing thing the AD is responsible for is a wish list( New baseball stadium, amenities etc.)and fundraising money for that wishlist. That iis out outside of Atlectics Administration and being responsible for X number of student athletes and sport programs.

They are not responsible for location, feasibility studies, engineering specs, community planning etc.)

I understand that STF is not in a favored light on this board and some of the reasons why is his fault. But let's not blame his for situations that were clearly out of his control.

Can you imagine the bellyaching that would ensue had the university built the arena in the location of the fieldhouse and had no space for parking because there's no where to expand the footprint of that location?

The Convo was built because students wanted more parking, so the university decided to give it to them WAY out west and built the convo, at least that's what we were told as students.

Are you saying the demand was "more parking" and in response, the university built an arena to go with the parking lot?

Either way, tear down the fieldhouse and there's your parking. But I'm sure many on this board would oppose that too.

I don't remember all the details, but students wanted more campus parking and administration wanted a new arena, so they compromised and got both.

Facilities (The Rec Center, the Convo, ) were built with no strategic planning. We all know that. Is that trend continuing? I don't know. But that use of the field house certainly does raise some questions in my mind.

(04-05-2022 12:50 PM)chihuskie Wrote:  

(04-05-2022 10:43 AM)Big Red Wrote:  

(04-05-2022 10:35 AM)Schaefer Beer Wrote:  

(04-05-2022 10:10 AM)chihuskie Wrote:  Read the "announcement" regarding the projects. Thank you to the Nelson's for their gifts and commitments.

That said.... STF -- you really need to funnel funds appropriately. The Chick Evans Fieldhouse, if you didn't know (and maybe you didn't because it's a big part of Huskie history, so why would you) is close to the dorms, and on most underclassmen's walk to the academic buildings daily. It is prime real estate on campus. It SHOULD HAVE BEEN the location of the new basketball arena when the convo was built instead. To use that building for 4 or 5 indoor tennis courts (which apparently are to be used by the tennis teams? not even available for the students at large, or the community?) to use that valuable real estate for such a restrictive use is just unfathomable. I am sure there are other adjectives as well.

STF, if I may offer some advice. Focus is necessary to accomplish anything of value. I believe you were given some title that reflects a high level position in the university. Not mere athletic director, but rather VP of something or other. So, one question: How does building 5 indoor tennis courts for use by a select handful of students a few days a year right in the middle of campus -- how does that benefit the university? Additionally, how else could that money have been invested? What return do you expect from that investment in 5 tennis courts? What alternative investments did you consider?

I assume STF will say that the courts were a result of a restricted gifts specifically for that purpose. That is no answer. Your job, as Sr. VP of whatever, with the accompanying paycheck, is to do what is best for the university. So, I ask, are 5 indoor tennis courts for restricted and limited use on prime campus real estate really the best for the university?

Your job is not to be an "order taker" who just accepts generous donors' money. Your job should be to envision great things and then find/ discover/ unearth/ or create individuals who you can get to see that vision with you and can invest in it.

NIU does not have, never has had, and likely never will have a bottomless pot of money to spend on anything, much less athletics. A FOCUSED approach to best allocating available scarce resources is what is required. I am afraid Mr. Frazier has never understood that.

So it was STF's fault that the Convo Center was built where it is now? That is almost as ludicrous as blaming Cary Groth for the engineering mistakes for the Convo Center.

The only thing thing the AD is responsible for is a wish list( New baseball stadium, amenities etc.)and fundraising money for that wishlist. That iis out outside of Atlectics Administration and being responsible for X number of student athletes and sport programs.

They are not responsible for location, feasibility studies, engineering specs, community planning etc.)

I understand that STF is not in a favored light on this board and some of the reasons why is his fault. But let's not blame his for situations that were clearly out of his control.

Can you imagine the bellyaching that would ensue had the university built the arena in the location of the fieldhouse and had no space for parking because there's no where to expand the footprint of that location?

1. The Rec center did not exist at the time. 2. "Remote parking" is always an option. Somehow in the 80's we got 6,000 people in there and there was no "belly aching" that I heard of.

To Shaefer--- where did I say the location of the convo was STF's fault? If that bothers you, take that sentence out of my post-- read the rest, and then respond. The post was about STF's leadership. You are correct that he did not site the convo. But he IS siting an indoor tennis facility there. Maybe we can discuss the merits of that? Or should we just accept it as unquestionable? "Cuz if STF responds to no one, then NIU athletics is in a heap of trouble. I would prefer to opine and question rather than not question which is a short step from ignore.

Is there a new Rec Center?

Because I was at NIU before the Convo was built and we had a Rec Center. Even called it the Rec Center.

(04-05-2022 12:50 PM)chihuskie Wrote:  

(04-05-2022 10:43 AM)Big Red Wrote:  

(04-05-2022 10:35 AM)Schaefer Beer Wrote:  

(04-05-2022 10:10 AM)chihuskie Wrote:  Read the "announcement" regarding the projects. Thank you to the Nelson's for their gifts and commitments.

That said.... STF -- you really need to funnel funds appropriately. The Chick Evans Fieldhouse, if you didn't know (and maybe you didn't because it's a big part of Huskie history, so why would you) is close to the dorms, and on most underclassmen's walk to the academic buildings daily. It is prime real estate on campus. It SHOULD HAVE BEEN the location of the new basketball arena when the convo was built instead. To use that building for 4 or 5 indoor tennis courts (which apparently are to be used by the tennis teams? not even available for the students at large, or the community?) to use that valuable real estate for such a restrictive use is just unfathomable. I am sure there are other adjectives as well.

STF, if I may offer some advice. Focus is necessary to accomplish anything of value. I believe you were given some title that reflects a high level position in the university. Not mere athletic director, but rather VP of something or other. So, one question: How does building 5 indoor tennis courts for use by a select handful of students a few days a year right in the middle of campus -- how does that benefit the university? Additionally, how else could that money have been invested? What return do you expect from that investment in 5 tennis courts? What alternative investments did you consider?

I assume STF will say that the courts were a result of a restricted gifts specifically for that purpose. That is no answer. Your job, as Sr. VP of whatever, with the accompanying paycheck, is to do what is best for the university. So, I ask, are 5 indoor tennis courts for restricted and limited use on prime campus real estate really the best for the university?

Your job is not to be an "order taker" who just accepts generous donors' money. Your job should be to envision great things and then find/ discover/ unearth/ or create individuals who you can get to see that vision with you and can invest in it.

NIU does not have, never has had, and likely never will have a bottomless pot of money to spend on anything, much less athletics. A FOCUSED approach to best allocating available scarce resources is what is required. I am afraid Mr. Frazier has never understood that.

So it was STF's fault that the Convo Center was built where it is now? That is almost as ludicrous as blaming Cary Groth for the engineering mistakes for the Convo Center.

The only thing thing the AD is responsible for is a wish list( New baseball stadium, amenities etc.)and fundraising money for that wishlist. That iis out outside of Atlectics Administration and being responsible for X number of student athletes and sport programs.

They are not responsible for location, feasibility studies, engineering specs, community planning etc.)

I understand that STF is not in a favored light on this board and some of the reasons why is his fault. But let's not blame his for situations that were clearly out of his control.

Can you imagine the bellyaching that would ensue had the university built the arena in the location of the fieldhouse and had no space for parking because there's no where to expand the footprint of that location?

1. The Rec center did not exist at the time. 2. "Remote parking" is always an option. Somehow in the 80's we got 6,000 people in there and there was no "belly aching" that I heard of.

To Shaefer--- where did I say the location of the convo was STF's fault? If that bothers you, take that sentence out of my post-- read the rest, and then respond. The post was about STF's leadership. You are correct that he did not site the convo. But he IS siting an indoor tennis facility at the field house. Maybe we can discuss the merits of that? Or should we just accept it as unquestionable? "Cuz if STF responds to no one, then NIU athletics is in a heap of trouble. I would prefer to opine and question rather than not question which is a short step from ignore.

BTW, I specifically said that STF is pulling down a salary as VP of someting or other. He is MORE THAN Athletic Director and is being paid to be more. So, your statement that the AD is only responsible for this or that also misses the point. HE IS NOT AD. He is VP and AD. So, he needs to fulfill his role. Do his full job.

77,
Reread your first paragraph which you are addressing to STF, it very much says that that the Fieldhouse is where the Convo should have been built. Am I interpreting your statement wrong? If you said that statement in general, what is STF supposed to do about it?

As far as the Fieldhouse/Tennis courts, what would have been a better option? The tennis team had to go to Rockford for home games because the Fieldhouse had 3 courts when you needed to have 4 per NCAA rules for matches.The cheapest way to solve the problem was to get a 4th court in the Fieldhouse.


Also, as VP, what is his job role outside of Athletics? Should he set the curriculum for the Business College? Should he make up the budget for all of NIU so he can submit it to the state? There are alot of people at NIU with the VP title as well as their "head of" job title, how come they are not called on the carpet for not doing their job?

I am not a STF fan, but I do think he has done some good also. You can put my vote as a "meh". All i am trying to say is criticize STF for what he has control of, but don't criticize him for issues that he has no control over...when in fact the other VP'S that are earning just as much as Fraser are probably the ones that have control over some of the issues that you are disappointed in.

(04-05-2022 12:56 PM)Big Red Wrote:  

(04-05-2022 12:50 PM)chihuskie Wrote:  

(04-05-2022 10:43 AM)Big Red Wrote:  

(04-05-2022 10:35 AM)Schaefer Beer Wrote:  

(04-05-2022 10:10 AM)chihuskie Wrote:  Read the "announcement" regarding the projects. Thank you to the Nelson's for their gifts and commitments.

That said.... STF -- you really need to funnel funds appropriately. The Chick Evans Fieldhouse, if you didn't know (and maybe you didn't because it's a big part of Huskie history, so why would you) is close to the dorms, and on most underclassmen's walk to the academic buildings daily. It is prime real estate on campus. It SHOULD HAVE BEEN the location of the new basketball arena when the convo was built instead. To use that building for 4 or 5 indoor tennis courts (which apparently are to be used by the tennis teams? not even available for the students at large, or the community?) to use that valuable real estate for such a restrictive use is just unfathomable. I am sure there are other adjectives as well.

STF, if I may offer some advice. Focus is necessary to accomplish anything of value. I believe you were given some title that reflects a high level position in the university. Not mere athletic director, but rather VP of something or other. So, one question: How does building 5 indoor tennis courts for use by a select handful of students a few days a year right in the middle of campus -- how does that benefit the university? Additionally, how else could that money have been invested? What return do you expect from that investment in 5 tennis courts? What alternative investments did you consider?

I assume STF will say that the courts were a result of a restricted gifts specifically for that purpose. That is no answer. Your job, as Sr. VP of whatever, with the accompanying paycheck, is to do what is best for the university. So, I ask, are 5 indoor tennis courts for restricted and limited use on prime campus real estate really the best for the university?

Your job is not to be an "order taker" who just accepts generous donors' money. Your job should be to envision great things and then find/ discover/ unearth/ or create individuals who you can get to see that vision with you and can invest in it.

NIU does not have, never has had, and likely never will have a bottomless pot of money to spend on anything, much less athletics. A FOCUSED approach to best allocating available scarce resources is what is required. I am afraid Mr. Frazier has never understood that.

So it was STF's fault that the Convo Center was built where it is now? That is almost as ludicrous as blaming Cary Groth for the engineering mistakes for the Convo Center.

The only thing thing the AD is responsible for is a wish list( New baseball stadium, amenities etc.)and fundraising money for that wishlist. That iis out outside of Atlectics Administration and being responsible for X number of student athletes and sport programs.

They are not responsible for location, feasibility studies, engineering specs, community planning etc.)

I understand that STF is not in a favored light on this board and some of the reasons why is his fault. But let's not blame his for situations that were clearly out of his control.

Can you imagine the bellyaching that would ensue had the university built the arena in the location of the fieldhouse and had no space for parking because there's no where to expand the footprint of that location?

1. The Rec center did not exist at the time. 2. "Remote parking" is always an option. Somehow in the 80's we got 6,000 people in there and there was no "belly aching" that I heard of.

To Shaefer--- where did I say the location of the convo was STF's fault? If that bothers you, take that sentence out of my post-- read the rest, and then respond. The post was about STF's leadership. You are correct that he did not site the convo. But he IS siting an indoor tennis facility there. Maybe we can discuss the merits of that? Or should we just accept it as unquestionable? "Cuz if STF responds to no one, then NIU athletics is in a heap of trouble. I would prefer to opine and question rather than not question which is a short step from ignore.

Is there a new Rec Center?

Because I was at NIU before the Convo was built and we had a Rec Center. Even called it the Rec Center.

I was there when the Rec.Center first opened. We called the place the Carpet of Death because of all the injuries that were happening on the carpeted floor.

(04-05-2022 12:54 PM)chihuskie Wrote:  

(04-05-2022 12:35 PM)UnknownScout Wrote:  

(04-05-2022 11:18 AM)Big Red Wrote:  

(04-05-2022 11:15 AM)UnknownScout Wrote:  

(04-05-2022 10:43 AM)Big Red Wrote:  Can you imagine the bellyaching that would ensue had the university built the arena in the location of the fieldhouse and had no space for parking because there's no where to expand the footprint of that location?

The Convo was built because students wanted more parking, so the university decided to give it to them WAY out west and built the convo, at least that's what we were told as students.

Are you saying the demand was "more parking" and in response, the university built an arena to go with the parking lot?

Either way, tear down the fieldhouse and there's your parking. But I'm sure many on this board would oppose that too.

I don't remember all the details, but students wanted more campus parking and administration wanted a new arena, so they compromised and got both.

Facilities (The Rec Center, the Convo, ) were built with no strategic planning. We all know that. Is that trend continuing? I don't know. But that use of the field house certainly does raise some questions in my mind.

I'd help STF pack his office today if he got another job. But, the location of the convo is not his doing and it actually does make a lot of sense.

The convo happened because it was designed as a multipurpose community facility. It isn't just a "basketball stadium." While it certainly hasn't lived up to the expectations, it does receive usage of that sort. There are high school graduations held there. It has hosted concerts. There have been trade shows. Those uses require a great deal of parking.

Where Chick Evans sits, there is zero opportunity for additional parking. And, I doubt the footprint of the convo would actually fit on that site, even if the existing parking lot was used.

When Chick Evans was filled to 6600 people, a lot of those were students who walked to the game. If you were a non-student interested in a game, parking was an issue. The convo seats 9000-ish (from memory). That doesn't work at the location of Chick Evans.

In a time where NIU doesn't have much funds, why in the world would you tear down a solid building like Chick Evans? Repurposing it is the smart thing to do.

And, going back to when the convo was constructed, if you tore down Chick Evans to build it, where would all those sports play for the two plus years of demo and construction when you had no facility?

(04-05-2022 10:35 AM)Schaefer Beer Wrote:  

(04-05-2022 10:10 AM)chihuskie Wrote:  Read the "announcement" regarding the projects. Thank you to the Nelson's for their gifts and commitments.

That said.... STF -- you really need to funnel funds appropriately. The Chick Evans Fieldhouse, if you didn't know (and maybe you didn't because it's a big part of Huskie history, so why would you) is close to the dorms, and on most underclassmen's walk to the academic buildings daily. It is prime real estate on campus. It SHOULD HAVE BEEN the location of the new basketball arena when the convo was built instead. To use that building for 4 or 5 indoor tennis courts (which apparently are to be used by the tennis teams? not even available for the students at large, or the community?) to use that valuable real estate for such a restrictive use is just unfathomable. I am sure there are other adjectives as well.

STF, if I may offer some advice. Focus is necessary to accomplish anything of value. I believe you were given some title that reflects a high level position in the university. Not mere athletic director, but rather VP of something or other. So, one question: How does building 5 indoor tennis courts for use by a select handful of students a few days a year right in the middle of campus -- how does that benefit the university? Additionally, how else could that money have been invested? What return do you expect from that investment in 5 tennis courts? What alternative investments did you consider?

I assume STF will say that the courts were a result of a restricted gifts specifically for that purpose. That is no answer. Your job, as Sr. VP of whatever, with the accompanying paycheck, is to do what is best for the university. So, I ask, are 5 indoor tennis courts for restricted and limited use on prime campus real estate really the best for the university?

Your job is not to be an "order taker" who just accepts generous donors' money. Your job should be to envision great things and then find/ discover/ unearth/ or create individuals who you can get to see that vision with you and can invest in it.

NIU does not have, never has had, and likely never will have a bottomless pot of money to spend on anything, much less athletics. A FOCUSED approach to best allocating available scarce resources is what is required. I am afraid Mr. Frazier has never understood that.

So it was STF's fault that the Convo Center was built where it is now? That is almost as ludicrous as blaming Cary Groth for the engineering mistakes for the Convo Center.

The only thing the AD is responsible for is a wish list( New baseball stadium, amenities etc.)and fundraising money for that wishlist. That wish list besides the demands for Athletics Administration and being responsible for X number of student athletes and sport programs is what his job is.

He is not responsible for location, feasibility studies, engineering specs, community planning etc.of new projects.

I understand that STF is not in a favored light on this board and some of the reasons why is his fault. But let's not blame his for situations that were clearly out of his control.

Usually agree but Groth was the project lead on the Convo. If the Indoor track, lighting, seating, etc., she needs to take some of the blame.

I am still miffed at the $500k left on the table by Bud Nagle'sfamily donation for a press box update. You had good seed money.

(04-05-2022 01:54 PM)HuskieJ Wrote:  

(04-05-2022 10:35 AM)Schaefer Beer Wrote:  

(04-05-2022 10:10 AM)chihuskie Wrote:  Read the "announcement" regarding the projects. Thank you to the Nelson's for their gifts and commitments.

That said.... STF -- you really need to funnel funds appropriately. The Chick Evans Fieldhouse, if you didn't know (and maybe you didn't because it's a big part of Huskie history, so why would you) is close to the dorms, and on most underclassmen's walk to the academic buildings daily. It is prime real estate on campus. It SHOULD HAVE BEEN the location of the new basketball arena when the convo was built instead. To use that building for 4 or 5 indoor tennis courts (which apparently are to be used by the tennis teams? not even available for the students at large, or the community?) to use that valuable real estate for such a restrictive use is just unfathomable. I am sure there are other adjectives as well.

STF, if I may offer some advice. Focus is necessary to accomplish anything of value. I believe you were given some title that reflects a high level position in the university. Not mere athletic director, but rather VP of something or other. So, one question: How does building 5 indoor tennis courts for use by a select handful of students a few days a year right in the middle of campus -- how does that benefit the university? Additionally, how else could that money have been invested? What return do you expect from that investment in 5 tennis courts? What alternative investments did you consider?

I assume STF will say that the courts were a result of a restricted gifts specifically for that purpose. That is no answer. Your job, as Sr. VP of whatever, with the accompanying paycheck, is to do what is best for the university. So, I ask, are 5 indoor tennis courts for restricted and limited use on prime campus real estate really the best for the university?

Your job is not to be an "order taker" who just accepts generous donors' money. Your job should be to envision great things and then find/ discover/ unearth/ or create individuals who you can get to see that vision with you and can invest in it.

NIU does not have, never has had, and likely never will have a bottomless pot of money to spend on anything, much less athletics. A FOCUSED approach to best allocating available scarce resources is what is required. I am afraid Mr. Frazier has never understood that.

So it was STF's fault that the Convo Center was built where it is now? That is almost as ludicrous as blaming Cary Groth for the engineering mistakes for the Convo Center.

The only thing the AD is responsible for is a wish list( New baseball stadium, amenities etc.)and fundraising money for that wishlist. That wish list besides the demands for Athletics Administration and being responsible for X number of student athletes and sport programs is what his job is.

He is not responsible for location, feasibility studies, engineering specs, community planning etc.of new projects.

I understand that STF is not in a favored light on this board and some of the reasons why is his fault. But let's not blame his for situations that were clearly out of his control.

Usually agree but Groth was the project lead on the Convo. If the Indoor track, lighting, seating, etc., she needs to take some of the blame.

So an AD needs to have building engineers' licence and degree also? The design, engineering,and construction was all handled by the State of Illinois in Springfield. Do you really think they are going to put a person with no construction experience as project lead of a multi-million dollar building project? Come on!

Talking about fundraising, UIC announced that it has exceeded its $750 million fund raising goal 5 months ahead of schedule. A total of almost $774 million was committed. The campaign was launched in 2017.


IGNITE: The Campaign for UIC, the most ambitious fundraising effort in the university’s 163-year history, has exceeded its $750 million goal more than five months ahead of schedule. While the campaign’s official end is June 30, 2022, a total of almost $774 million has already been committed as of April 1.

Regarding Hot Dogs, We need those Costco size hotdogs at the games! I mean I always get those at Costco and feel like I am getting a better value than a regular hotdog which is probably only costs a few cents more.

Regarding the Convocation Center, it was build with future growth in mind. In comparison to other universities, it really is not that far for a walk.

It may seem far because they need to add sculptures and better landscaping while you are walking there to look at and around the building.

Graduation will have much better photo-ops if they add more NIU and inspirational sculptures and ivy landscaping around the Convocation center for graduates to take pictures by and post on social media for such a grand occasion as a college graduation.

(04-05-2022 02:39 PM)HUSKiESbelieve Wrote:  Regarding Hot Dogs, We need those Costco size hotdogs at the games! I mean I always get those at Costco and feel like I am getting a better value than a regular hotdog which is probably only costs a few cents more.

Regarding the Convocation Center, it was build with future growth in mind. In comparison to other universities, it really is not that far for a walk.

It may seem far because they need to add sculptures and better landscaping while you are walking there to look at and around the building.

Graduation will have much better photo-ops if they add more NIU and inspirational sculptures and ivy landscaping around the Convocation center for graduates to take pictures by and post on social media for such a grand occasion as a college graduation.

Just think how much nicer the sculptures and landscaping would be while walking to a Huskie game at the Convo Center while eating a Costco sized hot dog.

(04-05-2022 01:32 PM)Schaefer Beer Wrote:  

(04-05-2022 12:56 PM)Big Red Wrote:  

(04-05-2022 12:50 PM)chihuskie Wrote:  

(04-05-2022 10:43 AM)Big Red Wrote:  

(04-05-2022 10:35 AM)Schaefer Beer Wrote:  So it was STF's fault that the Convo Center was built where it is now? That is almost as ludicrous as blaming Cary Groth for the engineering mistakes for the Convo Center.

The only thing thing the AD is responsible for is a wish list( New baseball stadium, amenities etc.)and fundraising money for that wishlist. That iis out outside of Atlectics Administration and being responsible for X number of student athletes and sport programs.

They are not responsible for location, feasibility studies, engineering specs, community planning etc.)

I understand that STF is not in a favored light on this board and some of the reasons why is his fault. But let's not blame his for situations that were clearly out of his control.

Can you imagine the bellyaching that would ensue had the university built the arena in the location of the fieldhouse and had no space for parking because there's no where to expand the footprint of that location?

1. The Rec center did not exist at the time. 2. "Remote parking" is always an option. Somehow in the 80's we got 6,000 people in there and there was no "belly aching" that I heard of.

To Shaefer--- where did I say the location of the convo was STF's fault? If that bothers you, take that sentence out of my post-- read the rest, and then respond. The post was about STF's leadership. You are correct that he did not site the convo. But he IS siting an indoor tennis facility there. Maybe we can discuss the merits of that? Or should we just accept it as unquestionable? "Cuz if STF responds to no one, then NIU athletics is in a heap of trouble. I would prefer to opine and question rather than not question which is a short step from ignore.

Is there a new Rec Center?

Because I was at NIU before the Convo was built and we had a Rec Center. Even called it the Rec Center.

I was there when the Rec.Center first opened. We called the place the Carpet of Death because of all the injuries that were happening on the carpeted floor.

I have bad knees. Have each pop out and in many times. Wore braces when I played sports. I had it go out on the rug.