Troy University Athletics
Athletic Director Forum - Conference Alignment and Program Evaluation
12/2/2012 8:16:00 PM | General
Athletic Director Forum - Dec. 2, 2012
Conference Alignment and Program Evaluation
Let me apologize up front about the tardiness of this latest AD Forum. The last two weeks have been action packed with a variety of items. I am now two full months into my tenure at Troy, and I become more excited, optimistic and certain of the future success of Trojan Athletics. This success is not going to just fall in our lap, as there will be opportunities and obstacles along the path. We must stay focused on the end goal of raising the level of success of Troy Athletics on a conference, regional and national level.
Speaking of conferences, the last week has given us more conference realignment, which was triggered by Maryland and Rutgers bolting from their respective current conferences (ACC and Big East) to the Big Ten. These moves caused the domino effect of Tulane and East Carolina joining the Big East, and subsequently Middle Tennessee State and Florida Atlantic leaving our league to join Conference USA. All of this has caused the following questions:
1) Will there be more movement in conference realignment?
2) Will there be further change in the makeup of Sun Belt Conference (SBC)?
3) What impact will this have on Troy and the SBC?
4) What are we doing to position Troy to get an invitation to another league?
Here are my answers, as best as I can answer today:
1) Absolutely. I think there will be several more changes until there are in my estimation four "Super Conferences" made up of 16-20 teams each that will replace what are currently known as the BCS leagues. As a result of this, there will be further movement in leagues such as Conference USA and the SBC.
2) Yes. With the departure of MTSU and FAU that leaves us with eight football playing teams, which means if you play everyone once you would only have seven league games. From a football scheduling perspective, this would leave the SBC members short one football game. While some have mentioned current FBS schools New Mexico State and Idaho, I believe two institutions from the FCS ranks, Appalachian State and Georgia Southern, would fit well in our league and make a whole lot more geographical sense.
3) As mentioned in answer number two above, this realignment will certainly produce some new conference members for us. In addition, depending on the timing of the MTSU and FAU departures, we face the possibility of having to get one more non-conference football game for 2013 to complete our schedule. I am taking a proactive approach to this and have already had contingent conversations with several other institutions that may have availability next season.
4) There are several things that we are doing to raise the level of success of Troy Athletics such as:
- Facility improvements
- Growing attendance through emphasis on customer service and a positive game day experience
- Increasing exposure through website enhancements, greater distribution of Troy licensed merchandise and apparel, and utilizing new media to reach a broader base of fans
- Winning on the fields of play
All of these things will increase the likelihood of interest from another league. We will certainly monitor the collegiate environment and explore, entertain and evaluate potential opportunities that arise. Our evaluation will boil down to what is best for the long-term growth and sustainability of Troy Athletics on a conference, regional and national level. We are currently proud and committed members of the Sun Belt Conference, but I would not be doing my job if I were not constantly working towards putting Troy Athletics in the best possible position for growth and success.
Certainly a successful football program has been and will continue to be the cornerstone for Troy Athletics. None of us would define either the 2011 or 2012 football seasons as successful as a whole. Certainly we had highlights, such as the victory over Navy, but our expectation is to compete for a conference championship and participate in a bowl. I can assure you that Coach Blakeney and I are evaluating all aspects of our program in an all-out effort to restore the success in football that Trojan fans expect. I also know that our returning football student-athletes have already started offseason workouts with a motivation to win. We will not be complacent with mediocrity and the lack of success it brings.
I speak for all of our Troy student-athletes, coaches and staff by saying how appreciative we are for your continued and generous support of Trojan Athletics.
Have a great week! GO TROJANS!
John Hartwell
Troy Athletics Director
Athletic Director Update Archive
Nov. 1, 2012
Nov. 11, 2012
Conference Alignment and Program Evaluation
Let me apologize up front about the tardiness of this latest AD Forum. The last two weeks have been action packed with a variety of items. I am now two full months into my tenure at Troy, and I become more excited, optimistic and certain of the future success of Trojan Athletics. This success is not going to just fall in our lap, as there will be opportunities and obstacles along the path. We must stay focused on the end goal of raising the level of success of Troy Athletics on a conference, regional and national level.
Speaking of conferences, the last week has given us more conference realignment, which was triggered by Maryland and Rutgers bolting from their respective current conferences (ACC and Big East) to the Big Ten. These moves caused the domino effect of Tulane and East Carolina joining the Big East, and subsequently Middle Tennessee State and Florida Atlantic leaving our league to join Conference USA. All of this has caused the following questions:
1) Will there be more movement in conference realignment?
2) Will there be further change in the makeup of Sun Belt Conference (SBC)?
3) What impact will this have on Troy and the SBC?
4) What are we doing to position Troy to get an invitation to another league?
Here are my answers, as best as I can answer today:
1) Absolutely. I think there will be several more changes until there are in my estimation four "Super Conferences" made up of 16-20 teams each that will replace what are currently known as the BCS leagues. As a result of this, there will be further movement in leagues such as Conference USA and the SBC.
2) Yes. With the departure of MTSU and FAU that leaves us with eight football playing teams, which means if you play everyone once you would only have seven league games. From a football scheduling perspective, this would leave the SBC members short one football game. While some have mentioned current FBS schools New Mexico State and Idaho, I believe two institutions from the FCS ranks, Appalachian State and Georgia Southern, would fit well in our league and make a whole lot more geographical sense.
3) As mentioned in answer number two above, this realignment will certainly produce some new conference members for us. In addition, depending on the timing of the MTSU and FAU departures, we face the possibility of having to get one more non-conference football game for 2013 to complete our schedule. I am taking a proactive approach to this and have already had contingent conversations with several other institutions that may have availability next season.
4) There are several things that we are doing to raise the level of success of Troy Athletics such as:
- Facility improvements
- Growing attendance through emphasis on customer service and a positive game day experience
- Increasing exposure through website enhancements, greater distribution of Troy licensed merchandise and apparel, and utilizing new media to reach a broader base of fans
- Winning on the fields of play
All of these things will increase the likelihood of interest from another league. We will certainly monitor the collegiate environment and explore, entertain and evaluate potential opportunities that arise. Our evaluation will boil down to what is best for the long-term growth and sustainability of Troy Athletics on a conference, regional and national level. We are currently proud and committed members of the Sun Belt Conference, but I would not be doing my job if I were not constantly working towards putting Troy Athletics in the best possible position for growth and success.
Certainly a successful football program has been and will continue to be the cornerstone for Troy Athletics. None of us would define either the 2011 or 2012 football seasons as successful as a whole. Certainly we had highlights, such as the victory over Navy, but our expectation is to compete for a conference championship and participate in a bowl. I can assure you that Coach Blakeney and I are evaluating all aspects of our program in an all-out effort to restore the success in football that Trojan fans expect. I also know that our returning football student-athletes have already started offseason workouts with a motivation to win. We will not be complacent with mediocrity and the lack of success it brings.
I speak for all of our Troy student-athletes, coaches and staff by saying how appreciative we are for your continued and generous support of Trojan Athletics.
Have a great week! GO TROJANS!
John Hartwell
Troy Athletics Director
Athletic Director Update Archive
Nov. 1, 2012
Nov. 11, 2012
Eric Newell Postgame Press Conference (Louisiana SBC Tournament)
Thursday, May 07
Eric Newell Postgame Press Conference (Coastal Carolina Games Two and Three)
Friday, May 01
Troy at Coastal Carolina Game One Highlights
Friday, May 01
Eric Newell Postgame Press Conference (Coastal Carolina Game One)
Friday, May 01