UNDvince97-01

"Grad school". Corralling livestock 501. Pretty advanced stuff there.

Dont think he's Stefan Logan. He had a decent NFL career. However, if he is I would be ecstatic.

My ice cream is too cold...

Morton officially applied and interviewed.

We are losing battles in recruiting because of a lack of Phase II progress. Recruits dont like what they see at Memorial Stadium. As Ira stated, Phase II is definitively on Kennedy's radar for the near future. He understands it. We need it. It has to be completed within the next 5 years. I believe it will be.....because of Mike Mannausau. Looking to make a difference? All dollars count.

What in the hell are you talking about?

You can probably plan on 30 million.

We disagree.

I disagree. With the exception of the NCHC, which I cant say for sure, Faison was FORCED to do most everything else. Kennedy and Schafer were the ones doing his job for him. Kennedy specifically gave directives on the Summit/MVFC and the budget cuts, which Faison should have proactively been in front of on his own. Football alums were told by Faison that the Summit/MVFC had no interest in having UND in their conference.That was all Kennedy's doing. Kennedy arrives on campus and magically the tone changes within the next 6-9 months for the Summit/MVFC? He was a hindrance more than anything regarding the conference move. His hyper-delegation of duties and responsibilities were another big problem. Repeatedly falling asleep in important administrative meetings was another. Faison fell short in so many areas and basically just coasted when he was allowed to. It's no coicidence that Faison was forced out when he was. Kennedy had seen and had enough in a very short time period.

Faison was horrible in my opinion and held UND back relative to what it was capable of. That's my opinion. There's a reason he was fired. I think Chaves will be much, much better and I am looking forward to seeing what he can accomplish, if nothing else from a personality and relationship standpoint. Lets move on from Faison.

I dug through the archives recently on that topic as well. Opinions probably changed by many. To be fair, I think this hire is much, much better. I hope it is.

That was my point to the post.

All fair points. I would like to add that I personally know many prominent donors who love Mike and felt like he was ready for a chance at the job.

I didnt misread anything. The context of your argument evolved since I first quoted your post.

It doesnt matter what you or I think about your perceived "impulsivity" of donors. It's not your money to give, it's theirs. They do what they want with it on their own terms. We agree that the face of the department can make a difference in whether or not a donor gives money. Your original post questioned why MM would make a difference in that regard. We have concluded that it could be the difference for many.

Ok, agreed.... So will you retract this part then?:

What a great argument being had here...

Really? You don't think leadership within the athletic department has anything to do with donors' willingness to give large amounts of money? If a donor doesnt believe in the leader, then there can and will be hesitancy. Haven't you stated your feelings on Faison specifically regarding that? In fact, I think we have been on the same page that way. Donors may have been holding back because of him, although I cant say for sure. I'm not saying that if Mannausau was named the AD that the project is a done deal within a few weeks. Only that the face of the franchise (UND Athletics) can be the deciding factor for many in making big money donations. My preference was for Mannausau, and I believe he had the highest ceiling for UND at this moment and time. However, Chaves is more than qualified and I can certainly understand and respect how the decision was made to hire him. IF the consolation prize for myself and others is to have Chaves as the AD with Mannausau being "upped" as his deputy and external ops guy (fundraising etc) while he gets his feet wet and gains experience to be ready for the next time around, then I'd say I'm ok with that. The biggest question is: is Mannausau OK with that? Losing him altogether would be the worst case scenario for UND. Good luck to Bill Chaves. I obviously hope for nothing but the best for him and the future success of UND Athletics. Let's get stuff done.

Fyp

Jacob Eason is heading back home to play for the Washington Huskies.

This should be good...

"I told you so"? Told me what? Thoughtful post.

I dont know because I'm not there in the forums and havent seen them in person or heard their visions. I also don't know what Kennedy wants in an Athletic Director. Two huge variables. If you are in GF, maybe go to Mannausau's public forum today and listen to his vision and plan. THEN come back and tell us he's crap.