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A rather disparaging answer for that last question. I didn't want to believe we have the worst athletic budget in all the Mac but now we have confirmation. Ugh

Q: Why do you always complain at costs in your responses? You seem like you can't do your job without an unlimited budget.
Chris in Bowling Green

A: I was aware of BGSU's budget situation when I arrived in 2006. Characterizing my remarks/message as cost complaints isn't accurate - but I am direct and to-the-point on our budget and competitive situation. It's our collective choice (the university and fans/alumni) on where BGSU Athletics will be positioned in the future. Over the last decade, our budget has slipped to the bottom part of the MAC. Similarly, our overall department competitive balance within the MAC has also fallen. I believe that resources and being positioned to compete for championships are tied together. That said, there are a number of variables and you can't simply pour money at the issue.

Ultimately, three things attract the best student-athletes: (1) quality coaches that are committed to teaching and developing young men and women; (2) quality facilities that don't have any major deficiencies; and (3) operating budgets that allow teams to compete at an appropriate level within their conference.

While we strive to improve in the classroom and in the standings, we will always represent BGSU in the first-class manner.

"Bottom part" does not necessarily mean "worst". No wonder your glass is endlessly half-empty.

Is it really a surprise that we're on the low end of the MAC in budget? And I firmly believe the fundraising efforts GC has spearheaded in his time here will lead to income that will raise us up again. We may never be the richest team in the MAC, but we're on the way up.

When I read the question to Mr. Christopher I thought this attack was unwarranted. Unfortunately the economics at BG is an issue and with the facilities in need of attention and college tuition going up the athletic department is going to need to pu$h more. I would guess 75% of college athletic departments feel pinched at any given time as other programs increase coaching salaries, build new facilities and provide additional opportunities for students-athletes.

FalconTurf wrote:When I read the question to Mr. Christopher I thought this attack was unwarranted. Unfortunately the economics at BG is an issue and with the facilities in need of attention and college tuition going up the athletic department is going to need to pu$h more. I would guess 75% of college athletic departments feel pinched at any given time as other programs increase coaching salaries, build new facilities and provide additional opportunities for students-athletes.

I agree, FT. I thought this guy's question was out of line...considering GC has only been here for 18 months or so. Krebs didn't exactly fill the coffers when he was here.

FWIW, I think GC's efforts have been outstanding so far. Let the man do his job as I'm sure we'll all be pretty happy with his work.

I really liked Christopher's answer. It shows that as much time as he spends on fundraising he does realize that money spent does not equate to a winning organization.

Point 1 - Our coaches have done good things. Louis Orr has already proven to be a very good hire, and he's only been here 2/3 of one season. Curt Miller has been one of the best coaches in BG history since taking over the women's basketball program. I know that many of you have a problem with Gregg Brandon, but our football team has been winning every year he's been here except 2006. Although I'm still not totally sold on Scott Paluch, there's no debate over the hockey team's resurgence in 2007-08. And I know our volleyball coach (forget her name) has done a phenomenal job as well for many years. As far as coaches go, BG does pretty well.

Point 2 - The construction of the Sebo Athletic Center has definitely helped this campus by giving student-athletes a place all their own, while reducing the strain on the rec center. And the facilities are going to become even greater with the new Convo Center going up in 2010-2011, and the upcoming renovations to BG Ice Arena. Yes our facilities aren't great compared to BCS schools, but for our level they aren't bad. Although Anderson Arena really needs to go. Bad.

Point 3 - If our operating budget is the lowest in the MAC, then maybe we're losing on this point. But given how competitive our teams are, I'd be shocked to find us spending less money overall than the likes of Buffalo or Eastern Michigan. If we are, then evidently those two schools are just throwing their money away seeing as they suck at virtually every visible sport there is. Maybe we could use some more money to spend on athletics, but I'd rather be the fiscally conservative school that succeeds based on good coaching and facilities, than the free-spending school that sucks.

I agree, Chris from BG needs to chill out. For the most part, he has done a good job as AD. I have not heard him complain at all.