UC changes deserve close eye

[MikeInClifton]

Lonnie's latest article (http://news.cincypost.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070406/SPT0201/704060334/1035/SPT).

[mlb]

I have no issue with his changes, as I think the department needed to change. The fact they let the graduation rate misquotes continue on for years, not doing enough to dispell those falsities, etc., showed me that they needed someone new in there that would vehemently stand up for UC and the coaches. The fact that football attendance has wallowed told me they needed someone to come in with some fresh ideas to draw people in (besides just winning).

Having met Mike Waddell I must say that I believe UC athletics are in good hands. His ideas for gaining attendance for football are great. He represents UC very well.

The hiring of all 3 top level coaches have been great, IMO. Yes, as everyone knows, I would rather see Coach Huggins here, but without him I think they got the 2nd best option in Mick Cronin. I think Coach Kelly is great, someone who will really help promote the team with Waddell's ideas. Don't get me wrong, I liked Coach Dantonio, but I think Kelly is the guy needed to really build the attendance because his offensive style should be impressive. From all that I've read it sounds like this new women's coach is good. His wife sounds like she could really bring a lot of credibility to the program as well.

Just because Thomas has hired a lot of MAC people does not mean they are not Big East material or good enough to work at UC. Anytime a CEO (which I consider Thomas to be the CEO of Athletics) comes in to a new job they are going to surround themselves with people they are comfortable with. It is no different in MT's case, and although I feel for the people affected by the changes I'm sure they will land on their feet. This is life, this is business, and people just have to deal with it.

[catswin]

Watching that women's team was torture. I question Wheeler's smarts when he wonders why a coach with a 20+ year record barely over .500 "retires".

As for the changes in the personnel that is fully within Mike Thomas' right to change. I have yet to see anything from my UCATS dealings that I have been unimpressed with. I like the change of not having my basketball tickets tied to buying football. I may buy football, but I want it to be my choice.

Other than that I have no experience in dealing with these people. If our teams win more, I will be happy. Must be that Wheeler was losing some friends in the shuffle. Life goes on baby.