Read all about it: The latest from yours truly ...

[1987alum]

http://www.ay-ziggy-zoomba.com/articles/1987alum/
A Most Crucial Time ...

[Schadenfreude]

Here is my worry: That many university presidents know about as much about hiring a good athletic director as Homer Simpson knows about nuclear physics.

This is *such* an important potential hiring decision -- and yet, potentially, such a crap shoot.

I respect Dr. Ribeau. He seems to care about the athletic department. He was in Mobile, for instance. And, overall, he's moved BGSU forward. I don't think that's a controversial statement to make.

I guess if I'm Ribeau, I'm already putting together an unofficial advisory committee of people to help me through this, drawing on folks from athletic department (including -- and this is important -- a coach or two), a couple important boosters, a trustee or two, etc.

He needs to get people like that talking about why Krebs has worked out so well here so everyone has a better idea what we are looking for in the next guy.

This is a tough (potential) decision at any university.

[1987alum]

Here is my worry: That many university presidents know about as much about hiring a good athletic director as Homer Simpson knows about nuclear physics.

- - -

I guess if I'm Ribeau, I'm already putting together an unofficial advisory committee of people to help me through this, drawing on folks from athletic department (including -- and this is important -- a coach or two), a couple important boosters, a trustee or two, etc.

He needs to get people like that talking about why Krebs has worked out so well here so everyone has a better idea what we are looking for in the next guy.

This is the point I was trying to make. It's such an important decision and it's easy to pick the wrong person. Of course, you can't afford to take a long time (unless your AD gives you six months warning like OSU).

You spelled out a perfect strategy for getting it done right, but it needs to start now, without the pressure of an actual vacany.

[ffejfalcon]

Well written 87. I always enjoying your columns.

Sounds like you are certain Krebs is gone. I totally agree with you on nurturing our momentum. It will be paramount to our continued success. If we neglect it, we'll be back to the Kent State levels in football, the UAF levels in hockey and the Buffalo levels in hoops (although I think Buffalo has a decent hoops team for the first time in MANY years).

[Schadenfreude]

we'll be back to the Kent State levels in football

2000 excepted, I'm not sure we were ever that bad.

[Falconfreak90]

we'll be back to the Kent State levels in football

2000 excepted, I'm not sure we were ever that bad.

And in 2000, we lost 5 or 6 games in the 4th quarter. BG could have easily been 6-5 or 7-4.

But I agree...BG has never been on the level of Kent in football....very few teams have.

Great read Karl....I think Dr Ribeau is an EXCELLENT President and smart enough to see the writing on the wall. This is a very critical time indeed.

[BG EV]

Ribeau hired Krebs and Paul was the only real candidate at the time.

[1987alum]

Ribeau hired Krebs and Paul was the only real candidate at the time.

I submit that there's a lot more at stake this time, although there should also be a lot more interest in the position.

[Schadenfreude]

Ribeau hired Krebs and Paul was the only real candidate at the time.

Good point.

Maybe Dr. Ribeau will do all right.

[JoeFalcon]

Krebs told a story in a Sport Management class a few years ago about Ribeau's courtship of him. He took Krebs out to dinner with him thinking he was there in a advisory role to recommend potential condidates. At some point, Ribeau informed him that HE was the top (and only) candidate they were pursuing and Krebs was flattered with the interest. Dr. Ribeau then put on the full court press. Krebs said he was weighing three offers at the time: BG, Miami (Ohio) and Texas Tech. BG was the choice because of his previous connections, the commitment of Ribeau and the potential that existed to be the preemminent program in the conference.

He has proven to be a tremendous asset to the department . His hires across all sports are producing major turnaround and/or championships. As a byproduct of this, fundraising has flourished and needed facility upgrades have occured as a result. He also has an excellent staff around him. Falcon Club director Jane Myers has tremendous relationships with alums/donors and was instrumental in securing the funds for the hockey arena expansion even before Paluch began the program's turnaround in the W/L column.

A potential in-house replacement could be current Associate AD Scott Seeliger, an ace fundraiser and fomer assistant football coach at BG.

[UK Peregrine]

Great story JoeFalcon. Thanks for sharing.

[BGDrew]

It says something when your department of admissions lists one of the reasons for high enrollment is the success of your football team.

[1987alum]

Krebs told a story in a Sport Management class a few years ago about Ribeau's courtship of him. He took Krebs out to dinner with him thinking he was there in a advisory role to recommend potential condidates. At some point, Ribeau informed him that HE was the top (and only) candidate they were pursuing and Krebs was flattered with the interest. Dr. Ribeau then put on the full court press. Krebs said he was weighing three offers at the time: BG, Miami (Ohio) and Texas Tech. BG was the choice because of his previous connections, the commitment of Ribeau and the potential that existed to be the preemminent program in the conference.

He has proven to be a tremendous asset to the department . His hires across all sports are producing major turnaround and/or championships. As a byproduct of this, fundraising has flourished and needed facility upgrades have occured as a result. He also has an excellent staff around him. Falcon Club director Jane Myers has tremendous relationships with alums/donors and was instrumental in securing the funds for the hockey arena expansion even before Paluch began the program's turnaround in the W/L column.

A potential in-house replacement could be current Associate AD Scott Seeliger, an ace fundraiser and fomer assistant football coach at BG.

Awesome insight.

BTW, I like Scott Seeliger a lot. Not sure of his management skills, but he's great with people. I can see how he'd be great at fundraising.

[transfer2BGSU]

It says something when your department of admissions lists one of the reasons for high enrollment is the success of your football team.

All of those appearances on national television definitely help in getting our name out.

THEN you have to get them to visit the campus.

BGSU has many things going for it - great academics, great faculty and staff, great students, great alums, and great scholarships just to name a few things. If a student will visit the campus, we have a great opportunity to get them to enroll.

That's one reason the coaches like to bring in recruits on game days (whether its football or basketball). let them see that atmosphere. Let them see the beauty of the campus. Let them soak in the collegiate atmosphere and experience.

[Falconfreak90]

Krebs told a story in a Sport Management class a few years ago about Ribeau's courtship of him. He took Krebs out to dinner with him thinking he was there in a advisory role to recommend potential condidates. At some point, Ribeau informed him that HE was the top (and only) candidate they were pursuing and Krebs was flattered with the interest. Dr. Ribeau then put on the full court press. Krebs said he was weighing three offers at the time: BG, Miami (Ohio) and Texas Tech. BG was the choice because of his previous connections, the commitment of Ribeau and the potential that existed to be the preemminent program in the conference.

He has proven to be a tremendous asset to the department . His hires across all sports are producing major turnaround and/or championships. As a byproduct of this, fundraising has flourished and needed facility upgrades have occured as a result. He also has an excellent staff around him. Falcon Club director Jane Myers has tremendous relationships with alums/donors and was instrumental in securing the funds for the hockey arena expansion even before Paluch began the program's turnaround in the W/L column.

A potential in-house replacement could be current Associate AD Scott Seeliger, an ace fundraiser and fomer assistant football coach at BG.

Awesome insight.

BTW, I like Scott Seeliger a lot. Not sure of his management skills, but he's great with people. I can see how he'd be great at fundraising.

I think Seeliger would be an excellent choice.