ok we have a little thing coming up here.
your question may or may not be used. ( not my choice)
Do you have any questions for our new Athletic Director ?
- With most of the playing facilities new or recently updated, one of the things that is lacking at SIU is dedicated practice facility, specifically an indoor practice facility (Ill St. just recently broke ground on theirs). Are their fundraising plans for SIU to build one in the near future?
- What are your biggest concerns with the massive shift with conference realignment? Have there been discussions about how we might need to react if the Power conferences break away (e.g. integrating with the group of five conferences)?
That is a solid start
How has NIL affected recruiting and keeping kids at a level like the MVC?
We know that there is an SIU collective specifically for football. What is happening with other sports, specifically men's basketball?
I know you can't speak specifically for the MVC but do you see other teams possibly being added in the near future?
Why are so many MVC teams, including SIU, still scheduling non-DI opponents in basketball instead of scheduling more home-and-homes with other midmajors? (You're welcome, Spike!)
What is your assessment of the fundraising landscape and challenges at SIU after several months on the job?
Beatles or Stones?
I feel like this is a critical question right here. He better not go political and say both
More importantly...Quatro's or Pag's???
- With most of the playing facilities new or recently updated, one of the things that is lacking at SIU is dedicated practice facility, specifically an indoor practice facility (Ill St. just recently broke ground on theirs). Are their fundraising plans for SIU to build one in the near future?
- What are your biggest concerns with the massive shift with conference realignment? Have there been discussions about how we might need to react if the Power conferences break away (e.g. integrating with the group of five conferences)?
I, also, think an indoor multipurpose practice facility that can accommodate the field sports (football, soccer, baseball) and track is sorely needed.
@salukis60 it hasn't been publicized much, but baseball and softball do share an indoor facility. They have since Rhodes took over as baseball coach. It is in a corner on the back side of the Rec Center. Used to be basketball courts. They have hitting cages, can take infield and pitch. Pretty good sized. Just FYI for all.
@salukis60 it hasn't been publicized much, but baseball and softball do share an indoor facility. They have since Rhodes took over as baseball coach. It is in a corner on the back side of the Rec Center. Used to be basketball courts. They have hitting cages, can take infield and pitch. Pretty good sized. Just FYI for all.
Good info. Didn’t know about that. We need one for our main sport!
@salukis60 it hasn't been publicized much, but baseball and softball do share an indoor facility. They have since Rhodes took over as baseball coach. It is in a corner on the back side of the Rec Center. Used to be basketball courts. They have hitting cages, can take infield and pitch. Pretty good sized. Just FYI for all.
Great info thanks Mike. I still feel like football/soccer needs something, would you agree? It also feels odd our basketball team doesn't have a practice facility. Do they use the Banterra Center for everything? Seems small time for a program that we all hope can get back to a consistent winner. I know during our recent decade and a half struggle, things have been pretty difficult with funding (lack of attendance in most sports, COVID, shrinking donor base, etc.), but to me raising money is the single most important part of any AD's job at this level, once you have coaches in place that you feel can be successful (which SIU seems to have for their main sports). It helps with retention of coaches as they become successful, attracting top talent with our facilities, etc.
I really do think we have come a long way on the facilities front, but with Football's resurgence (save for this last season) and basketball on the rise (assuming we keep this momentum going), and baseball with an amazing turn around, now seems to be the time to capitalize! If Mullins and company are able to get SIU back in the big dance, watch out! People may start throwing money at you!
1. What FBS schools are being contacted to fill future voids within the football schedule? I do believe that 2025 lacks an all important foe of this caliber. An opponent SIU Football can bus to, and fans can drive to fairly easily makes the most sense. BYU is gonna be difficult for most fans.
2. Towson has experienced strong basketball seasons over its history. Based on your prior time there, is it possible a Home/Away could be scheduled with SIU? Much better than D2 opponents.
Thank you kindly for your response.
GO DAWGS!!!
