BGSU Board of Trustees
Bowling Green State University
Bowling Green, Ohio 46403
Dear Esteemed Board Member:
I would like to introduce myself; I am Shawn and am a season ticket holder for football and hockey. I am also a member of the Falcon Club, Bowling Green (BG) undergrad alum and a graduate student at BG’s Graduate College. A typical commute from my home to BG events is over an hour in each direction, and I am devoted to attending all of my classes and sporting events I support. I have thoroughly enjoyed the many events at the school over the years and have introduced numerous clients, family, and friends to BG athletics. This is a great tradition in my family and I thank Bowling Green State University (BGSU) for this.
Unfortunately, I am writing in regards to the rumors of the elimination of our hockey program. More than likely this is probably due to the economic conditions the school currently faces. It is understandable to identify options and programs that eliminate expense to “shore up” budgets and finances. What is not understandable is why the hockey program is being considered for elimination?
As you are aware, the hockey program has a great tradition and history at BG. From the start of the hockey program in 1968, this university has enjoyed its only NCAA national championship, numerous NCAA tournament appearances, 5 CCHA tournament championships and many CCHA conference championships. Furthermore, BG Hockey individual player accomplishments include 2 Hobey Baker Award winners, numerous Olympians, All-Americans, and Coach/Player of the Year awards. From a sports perspective, the individual and team awards speak volumes, as well as the number of BG hockey players who have taken their skill to the professional level and demonstrated success. Academically speaking, the GPA average of all players on the hockey team is typically among the highest of all sports at BG. These successes at any other school would establish a sports program such as this as being “untouchable”.
Based on the academic and award accomplishments that our BG hockey team has demonstrated, this program should be the most supported program at our university by our university. These accomplishments have put BG on the sports world “map”; and in many regions of the United States, what BG is known for. Hockey consistently attracts a fair-sized crowd, typically 40-60% capacity of the ice arena, with better success for the big-name teams (e.g. University of Michigan, Notre Dame, etc...). Furthermore the hockey program allows a school the size of BG compete with bigger schools, opportunities for nation-wide television exposure, and an identity and tradition that is not duplicated by other sports.
Facilities should not be an excuse considering the success of the 2 basketball teams playing in an old arena as well as the hockey team. BG can attract good student athletes, and with good coaching, they will perform well. Too much focus has been placed on the facilities for basketball and football, but yet hockey typically garners the most television exposure. Furthermore, the condition of the ice arena is embarrassing considering the history and tradition of the hockey program and the consistent use by the community. No other sports facility on campus is used as much as the ice arena and no other facility is ignored as much as well. The condition of this building falls on previous administrations and also on the current one if nothing is done. A combination of public and private donation could solve this easily, if proper leadership is utilized to drive this.
With this letter, I am urging you to not eliminate the hockey program. There is no reason that this should be under consideration when comparing the pros and cons. Past decisions to support, or not support the program have led to the current condition of the ice arena and hockey program. Now is the time to establish a new legacy for yourself and current administration. Are you willing to make the necessary changes to the ice arena and program to allow these to succeed, or make a knee-jerk decision and eliminate these and alienate BG athletics supporters?
Could you imagine the success of the hockey program if the university supported this on a similar level as football or basketball?
Sincerely,
Shawn
Disturbing letter to editor
My apologies to anyone who's tried to contact me this weekend, as I've been busy the past couple of days. I'm really excited to see the unified effort that has been put forth. As of this post, we have 6,687 members from the nation and world on the group. From what I've heard a lot of former players have taken initiative in taking things to the administration. In my opinion, we need to be allied in our case and work as a team. If anyone can just keep me updated so I can pass the message on to the group we could do something huge here.
Check out our new BGSU hockey site: http://www.bgsuhockey.com
Dude's an ass. But he makes some brilliant points!Warthog wrote:Check out the third one, written by some jackass.
(Written by Tony Gaver )
"I don't believe I can name a coach, anywhere, anytime, anyhow, who did it better than Doyt Perry."
-1955 BG Assistant Bo Schembechler
BGSUsports.com - Where ESPN.com goes for BG history.
-1955 BG Assistant Bo Schembechler
BGSUsports.com - Where ESPN.com goes for BG history.
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Dirty Hobbit
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- Posts: 4
- Joined: Fri Feb 01, 2008 11:22 am
