[qwerty49]

While delving into the college free agent market might lead to marginally improved play next year, we do not actually need to do any of the above, and if we are to actually remain a University who gives a damned about the “student” in “student athlete”, we maybe shouldn’t, even if it leads to a 3-9 rather than a 4-8 record.

BC

Some of this is probably generational, but when I was a student (both undergrad and grad) it mattered to me how well our athletic teams did.  I had lots of friends who played varsity football, basketball, baseball, and tennis.  And they were serious students who contributed a lot to my education outside of the Quad.

I can recall several statements by the previous administrations in recent years that appeared to define our focus as being on world-class research (especially in medicine and health sciences) then on "higher education" (which admittedly is less attractive to donors and grantors.)

I think the undergrad demographics have definitely changed.  In addition to having great academics and extracurriculars, just about every guy in my freshman dorm was an outstanding high school athlete in one sport or another.  The pickup touch football and basketball games outside of Wilbur and the various intramurals were pretty fierce.

I get that values have changed and evolved.  And we don't need to become Florida State.  But we just need to be a bit more flexible and responsive IMHO.

Levin shows signs of being way more enlightened in that regard than MTL/Drell, thankfully.  I think he shares my view that we can have our cake and eat it too.

[qwerty49]

While delving into the college free agent market might lead to marginally improved play next year, we do not actually need to do any of the above, and if we are to actually remain a University who gives a damned about the “student” in “student athlete”, we maybe shouldn’t, even if it leads to a 3-9 rather than a 4-8 record.

BC

Some of this is probably generational, but when I was a student (both undergrad and grad) it mattered to me how well our athletic teams did.  I had lots of friends who played varsity football, basketball, baseball, and tennis.  And they were serious students who contributed a lot to my education outside of the Quad.

I can recall several statements by the previous administrations in recent years that appeared to define our focus as being on world-class research (especially in medicine and health sciences) then on "higher education" (which admittedly is less attractive to donors and grantors.)

I think the undergrad demographics have definitely changed.  In addition to having great academics and extracurriculars, just about every guy in my freshman dorm was an outstanding high school athlete in one sport or another.  The pickup touch football and basketball games outside of Wilbur and the various intramurals were pretty fierce.

I get that values have changed and evolved.  And we don't need to become Florida State.  But we just need to be a bit more flexible and responsive IMHO.

Levin shows signs of being way more enlightened in that regard than MTL/Drell, thankfully.  I think he shares my view that we can have our cake and eat it too.