Interview with Dr. Proenza

[ZachTheZip]

http://www.cleveland.com/sports/college/in...t_the_evol.html

An interesting read with some interesting questions.

[Dr Z]

I was less impressed with the article. I wish I learned something.

PD: Jim Tressel, how is that tracking.

LP: "Superbly. Jim, I know many (in the media) don't want to understand he is really turning to a different area in his career, to return to what he wanted to do originally, which was to be an educator. In many ways he has always been. I am just delighted. The ideas he is bringing forth as we talk about increasing student success. Designing the Akron experience. Focusing on the whole spectrum, from attracting students here, to seeing they are successful here to seeing that they become an alumnus. The ideas are bubbling forth and he's just been here officially, a few days and formally a little more than a month."

I would love to hear just one of those ideas. EA should have been more specific with his question.

[lance99]

Here is the item that I came away two things during this interview when asked about conference realignment:

So it has been a joy, a pleasure, a sense of accomplishment over the last 14 years (as president) to have it seen as an exceptional place. Both academically, and increasingly in terms of athletics.

That first part is either a outright sales pitch, of a farewell statement

"And we were delighted when Terry (Bowden) identified himself as wanting to come here. And we're working with Dennis Mitchell so he can have continued success, and Jodie Kest (women's basketball) is coming along. So we want to certainly be in contention.

This part is interesting. Dr. P. in a roundabout way was saying that even he wants out of the MAC, and is shopping/ being approached with some options.

[akzipper]

I don't really think either one even hints at us leaving the MAC, nor does it seem like he wants to get out?

[tbozeglav]

what is the fascination with leaving the MAC? I know the conference isnt great and we could certainly be in a better conference that gives more sports a chance to succeed, but at what point did leaving one of the few remaining stable conferences at a time where schools are playing musical chairs with conferences become a rational expectation? I would much prefer to be somewhere consistent and stable and be great there than jump ship for somewhere with too many question marks and pull a Marshall

[zestycoyote]

what is the fascination with leaving the MAC? I know the conference isnt great and we could certainly be in a better conference that gives more sports a chance to succeed, but at what point did leaving one of the few remaining stable conferences at a time where schools are playing musical chairs with conferences become a rational expectation? I would much prefer to be somewhere consistent and stable and be great there than jump ship for somewhere with too many question marks and pull a Marshall

Regardless of what some people on this board think, we're a long, LONG way from having to think about a conference change. By the time it's even a possibility, the conferences will have settled down. Also, I think it's entirely likely that the bowl system will be gone by then.

[Dave in Green]

@UAzipsMan, the discussion about UA moving up to a more prestigious conference has been going on a long time. It's a common discussion point on all sports forums for all schools that aspire to higher things. Who doesn't want to improve their status? Obviously it becomes a more timely discussion when so many other schools are switching conferences and when so many conferences are looking at adding new schools.

Bottom line to me is that you move to a new conference when the right opportunity arises where the benefits outweigh the risks. That time may be when no one else is doing it or when everyone else is doing it. I can't think of any time when it shouldn't be discussed as an option.