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Drakey wrote:But why did Hartzel ever leave UNI? I never understood that decision. So he could referee basketball games? He did a great job at UNI. Maybe he would take it as a short term project. WAs he a UNI alum?

He is an alum, and played baseball at UNI. He left because there was pressure to kill the baseball program and he just wasn't going to do that. He made some great hires and put UNI on the right course, but he also wasn't real tight on his money control and we were struggling with budget issues in a big way at the same time Iowa and to a lesser extent, Iowa State, started cashing in on their $$$ conference affiliations. There was a power struggle with control over athletics within the university as well (such as our Fine Arts Department taking over ticketing at one point) that also led to his ouster.

Good guy. I think he could do good things for basketball-would have tons of connections. I don't know how many former Drake players are in coaching ranks right now, I remember Justin Ohl was on staff for quite a while but not sure others.

Steve Alford may be available soon.

Loyola's in the midst of rebuilding after being a wasteland for most of the past 30 years.

Hartzell actually interviewed with Loyola before they made the decision to hire Steve Watson out of St. Bonaventure. Since his hire we've taken some significant steps forward. Tier 3 tourney or not winning (and paying for) the CBI was a huge step for our basketball program; and it seems like our recruiting has sky rocketed since he came on board as well (I'm not sure if this is extra funding, or pure luck). There's been a clear push to reach out to the local community and reconnect with alumni. From about 1990-2012 the program had literally no identity and thus very few fans; so we are missing a big donor base is missing that most schools would seem to have. He also recently announced plans are in the works for an indoor practice facility on some podcast (posted on the Rambler board).

Along with this our Men's Volleyball Team won their second consecutive National Title; and our Men's Soccer team recently won the regular season title for soccer and made it to the second round of the tourney; as well as our women making the conference title game last season.

Main point is I've felt the pain you're feeling. If Drake can hire the right people though a complete tear down and rebuild is possible.

Step 1 of a successful Drake rebuild is changing divisions.

unipanther99 wrote:Steve Alford may be available soon.

Oh really?

Cdizzle wrote:Step 1 of a successful Drake rebuild is changing divisions.

Why?

Drakey wrote:

Cdizzle wrote:Step 1 of a successful Drake rebuild is changing divisions.

Why?

Because the makings of a successful DI program does not exist at Drake in the current athletics environment.

And what doesn't exist other than a competent AD?

Drakey wrote:And what doesn't exist other than a competent AD?

A university with the resources or desire to have successful Division I athletics.

So, I guess. A president that cares. Fans that care. Fans at all. Facilities. Money. Coaches.

Basically, make a list of all the things you would want if you were going to run a successful DI program. Drake has exactly zero of those things.

Whoa, Giac resigns?