University of Richmond Athletics
Ask the AD!
March 23, 2005
UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND, Va. -
Jim,
The Board of Trustees just voted for UR's football program to join or transfer to the CAA beginning in 2007. From all indications we looked at the Patriot League a few years back and decided our current affiliation was excellent and a couple of weeks ago we did the same. Two things - do we as a university research other leagues as a norm or were these two instances special? Second, why, if you can answer this, was this latest situation kept quiet or private so long?
Thanks,
Rick
Richmond
Rick:
Thanks for your email and interest in our football program.
As you have seen in recent history, the landscape of Division I college athletics is ever-changing. Conference realignment seems to occur literally on an annual basis - at all levels. From the ACC and the Big East to the Atlantic 10 and Conference USA, changes occur swiftly and are often times dramatic.
Conference affiliation plays a vital role in, among other things, athletic department revenue, bids to post season tournaments, scheduling and television opportunities.
Because of this, it is in the best interest of our University to constantly be monitoring and researching our affiliations. This doesn't necessarily mean we are actively pursuing other options, but we need to be aware of what's out there, and what other schools and conferences are thinking and doing.
Such was the case with our recent analysis of Patriot League football. Most agenda items that come before the Board of Trustees are handled internally. As Athletic Director, I was kept informed of the discussions and asked to participate to offer analysis and information - as was head football coach Dave Clawson.
In addition, we wanted to remain respectful to the Atlantic 10, which still operates our football conference, and to the Colonial Athletic Association, which has not made any formal announcement that it would begin sponsoring a Division I-AA football conference. With that in mind, we made little or no comment about our discussions with the board, even after the story became public. Once the Board voted, and the results were announced, we discussed the situation with members of the local media.
Certainly, we are encouraged by the interest taken in Richmond football as a result of these discussions. We hope to use this as a springboard for the future of Spider football and we will actively be pursuing renewed support for our program, this year's team, and for an on-campus facility.
Jim