Chris Kingston leaving

[jpfalcon09]

Thomas Schmeltz @Thomas_Schmeltz

Sources tell me that #BGSU AD Chris Kingston is leaving the school. Expect a university announcement shortly.

Chris is taking on the Vice President role with Learfield Sports. Kind of a surprising move, but obviously thank him for all he's done...he will be missed. I wonder if Kit Hughes gets promoted or they look outside the university.

BG link: http://www.bgsufalcons.com/news/2016/4/ ... ector.aspx" target="_blank

[Flipper]

F**k!!!...We are truly becoming "Up and Out State". I wonder how long it will be before someone hires Coach Turner away...

[jpfalcon09]

Ryan Frakes @RFrakes

Not surprised at all that AD Chris Kingston left BG. I tried to tell everyone that department is a mess right now.

IMO, Kingston's support staff at BG was about as poor as you could possibly put together.

Interesting takes there...

[factman]

It really is time to hire someone, maybe even an alumni, that wants to be here long term, who in turn, will hire other people who want to be here long term. I am REAL tired of the revolving door in the athletic department!

[pdt1081]

As far as hockey is concerned, this is about as bad of a time to be without an AD as there is. Was really hoping Kingston would stick around at least for the next round of realignment. Hopefully they allow Bergeron to make decisions on the future of BG's hockey conference options.

[It's the Journey...]

Ryan Frakes @RFrakes

Not surprised at all that AD Chris Kingston left BG. I tried to tell everyone that department is a mess right now.

IMO, Kingston's support staff at BG was about as poor as you could possibly put together.

Interesting takes there...

I have heard some of the same things. I tried to post before but I think something went wrong. I think Chris Kingston was a great hire on the heels of the Greg Christopher mess, but we can do much better. I would advocate for someone with Falcon DNA. It is time we turned more of a focus on fan development. This department has turned many average fans off and it shows. There are people out there who are average fans and have money to donate but will not simply because they are treated poorly. That must change. We need someone who will come in, take time to get to know the University, department, fans, etc and then act. I want to see #TalonsUp replaced with #RollAlong and #ForwardFalcons because those are phrases that Falcons from 50 years ago will identify with. I want an AD who will advance our traditions, not replace them with their own. Our uniqueness as a department will bring in dollars and create a national identity. Trying to look like any other mid major program will not. I hope Kit and Lauren Ashman are interested in the big chair but only if their vision is right.

[hammb]

I think Kingston has done a pretty good job with coaching hires since he got here.

I've always enjoyed how willing he is to interact with somebody such as me, just a Joe Schmo fan who gives the bare minimum to maintain my seats at the Stroh Center.

Those things being said, I still always feel like the Athletic department is piss poorly run, and the even staff(s) do their very best to make the gameday experiences as horrid as absolutely possible time and time again. Obviously those things fall on the people well below the Athletic Director, but we need an AD who can change things. The concession issues at most venues, the traffic/parking management for hoops this year was probably the worst I've ever seen at a sporting event, etc, etc. There are always a billion issues at every event (I only really attend Hoops & Football, occasionally hockey), that make me say, "Is this a D1 university or a poorly run HS event?"

The biggest thing any AD will do is hire coaches and ensure the department runs smoothly, stays in good academic standing, and wins games. But I'd like to see somebody come in here and put some focus on making the game day experience worthwhile...because all too often I feel like it's a chore to attend BG sports events.

[factman]

The person that is in charge of most of what you mentioned, has been here WAY too long!

[Schadenfreude]

I want to see #TalonsUp replaced with #RollAlong and #ForwardFalcons because those are phrases that Falcons from 50 years ago will identify with. I want an AD who will advance our traditions, not replace them with their own.

Good point. #TalonsUp is about as cookie cutter as it gets.

[threestooges]

...Kit ...

[hammb]

I want to see #TalonsUp replaced with #RollAlong and #ForwardFalcons because those are phrases that Falcons from 50 years ago will identify with. I want an AD who will advance our traditions, not replace them with their own.

Good point. #TalonsUp is about as cookie cutter as it gets.

Double Good Point. The Talons up thing is one of the most mind bogglingly stupid "marketing phrases" I can remember. I've never been a fan of any of their manufactured crap, but I think I like TalonsUp least of all.

[Flipper]

#talonsup isn't even unique...at least one other school uses it.

[Dayons_Den]

Interesting, I wish him the best.

I loved his energy and his hires seem to be solid.

Being so far away from the day to day I can't speak to those below him in the department.

Wonder what "type" of AD we'll get next- finance guy, chearleader guy, XsOs guy?

[Schadenfreude]

This is that scary moment when a university president -- many of them who know little about athletic departments -- try to find a great athletic director.

I am encouraged that I saw President Mazey at the Purdue football game last fall. At a minimum, that suggests she will take this decision seriously.

[jpfalcon09]

This is that scary moment when a university president -- many of them who know little about athletic departments -- try to find a great athletic director.

I am encouraged that I saw President Mazey at the Purdue football game last fall. At a minimum, that suggests she will take this decision seriously.

President Mazey is very passionate about BG athletics so I feel confident that the search for the next AD will be thorough and I expect it to come from outside the current staff.