Enquirer/Post Football Coverage

[K Stroh]

There have been numerous positive articles this summer regarding Bearcat Football in the Enquirer and Post. Having been critical of those newspapers' bias against UC Football in the past, I consider their coverage the past several months to be a significant change.

QUESTION: Is this because (A) Bearcat Football is on the rise (i.e. Rutgers win and new exciting offensive-minded HC) OR (b) the changes made by the Athletic Department administration, such as the new SID, etc.?

I lean more towards (B). IMO, Bearcat Football has had a good product to sell for several years, but was undersold. I give a lot of the credit to AD Thomas and his staff for their efforts. When a group of alumni met with AD Thomas last fall and discussed Bearcat Football coverage, he asked us to be patient because due to the timing of his hire, the football marketing campaign could not be fully developed for the 2006 season. He promised changes for 2007. It appears he has delivered. I look forward to seeing the increased coverage and promotion of Bearcat Football continuing.

Go Cats!

[bearcatd]

I think local journalists have easier access to BK. This could be due to BK's personality and to a more open door policy by the new Athletic Administration. BK has also been on some national shows recently. In addition to being a coach, he's also a good salesman.

[Rickriot]

Their tone has drastically changed, especially the Enquirer. I believe just this year Koch referred to the programs inability to get top notch recruits had the program "spinning their wheels." There seems to be a direct correlation to ticket sales/recruiting hype/media coverage. Any one area seems to affect the other two.

[jon b]

I think local journalists have easier access to BK. This could be due to BK's personality and to a more open door policy by the new Athletic Administration. BK has also been on some national shows recently. In addition to being a coach, he's also a good salesman.

I agree about MT and BK. MT has done a great job seeing that the marketing is done better. Using 1530 Homer is brilliant. Mo and Lance HAVE to talk football and when they start, the others feel compelled to join in.

I also think BK is a big reason even though Dantonio was part media friendly. The difference is BK is naturally friendly. Try to walk down a hallway and get past him without him saying hello. It is easier to get past a Wal-Mart greeter. BK has a natural gift of being likable. I am sure some of his players might view it differently because you can also see how "strong" willed he is.