June 6, 2007

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio (BGSUFalcons.com) - Each week, Bowling Green State University Assistant Vice President/Director of Athletics Greg Christopher answers questions that have been submitted to BGSUFalcons.com. Here is the latest installment ...

Q: Are we really going to play Boise State in the future? I think the home game with Boise has now been moved twice ... why?
Jack from Indianapolis

Moving the Boise State football game and adding Michigan State were part of a larger scheduling puzzle that involved virtually all MAC teams. The unbalanced conference schedule with many schools playing five non conference games is evidence of the broader challenges. The overall series with Boise State was preserved and the Broncos will play in The Doyt in 2011. Looking ahead, our non-conference schedule is now being planned with some games set 10 years out. The longer range advance planning will help prevent future issues.

BGSU's women's programs finished second in the Jacoby Trophy standings

Q: There has been talk of a new convocation center for many years. BGSU has one of the worst basketball facilities in the MAC -- where do we stand on getting a new arena?
Bill in Toledo

When I arrived last August, there were a number of moving parts re: future facility ideas. The first step was to hit the pause button and assess where we stand compared to other peer institutions, determine true needs and priorities, and develop a comprehensive plan to address all of our facility deficiencies.

The Facility Master Plan (FMP) is almost finished, and we should have a completed report for the public sometime in the fall. Undoubtedly, plans to address our hockey, basketball and volleyball facility challenges will be at the forefront of the FMP.

Our choices regarding Anderson and the Ice Arena fall on a continuum. At one end, we could build a single arena that would address all of our issues -- a mini-Schottenstein Center, so to speak. This would include a conversion arena, practice courts, additional ice for the community and lockers, offices, etc. Of course, this is the most expensive option as well -- likely approaching $100 million.

At the other end of the continuum, we could elect to put band-aids on both arenas. Basic structural and physical plant fixes to Anderson and the Ice Arena could keep both facilities going for another decade or more. This is the cheapest choice for BGSU, as we could probably take care of the basics at both Anderson and the Ice Arena for less than $12 million.

There are obviously a number of choices in between those two polar ends. Over the last several months we have engaged coaches, the university administration, outside voices and many others to check the feasibility and pros/cons of all the options.

As we pull everything together, we'll be in a position to move decisively later this year. It's time for BGSU take action re: Anderson and the Ice Arena.

Q: Where did BGSU end up in this year's MAC all-sports competitions?
Paul in Michigan

The MAC gives two trophies annually for overall success in men's and women's sports. The 12 schools earn points based on where their teams finish in the conference standings, which are then divided by the number of sports that school sponsors (as a side note, hockey is not included in the mix because it is not a MAC sport). Both awards are named for former Mid-American Conference commissioners.

The Reese Trophy is given to the best men's athletic program, and the Jacoby Trophy is given to the best women's athletic program.

On the men's side, BGSU finished last for the second consecutive year. Over the last five years, our average finish in the Reese Trophy standings has been 11th. Central Michigan won this year's Reese Trophy, followed by Kent State, Eastern Michigan and Akron.

Collectively, our women had a terrific year, finishing second in the Jacoby Trophy standings. It was the highest finish in recent years for BGSU, as our five-year average for the Jacoby Trophy is seventh. Ohio won the Jacoby Trophy, BGSU was second, followed by Kent State and Miami.

Winning the Reese and Jacoby Trophies is an important priority for BGSU Athletics. Bowling Green last won the Reese Trophy in 1995 and the Jacoby Trophy in 1994. Returning BGSU to a broad-based level of excellence is essential as we strive to be the best in all respects.

Complete details on the Reese and Jacoby Trophies can be found via THIS LINK at the MAC web site.