We are actually in agreement on the overall points but I think in disagreement over timeframes. (more inside) -- FORDHAM RAMS FOOTBALL FORUM

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Subject: We are actually in agreement on the overall points but I think in disagreement over timeframes. (more inside)

Author:
DamnRam
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Date Posted: 09:09:39 12/10/04 Fri
In reply to: Rambacker 's message, "DamnRam - You and I agree on just about every issue concerning Fordham Athletics. But you must understand something - our installation of FieldTurf on Coffey Field is a stopgap, temporary measure to stabilize our facilties so we can function at our current level. If we want to be successful in the future, we MUST build a real football stadium and Convocations Center ASAP. Your comments on the board make it seem like these stopgap measures are permament. If they are, we will be an also-ran in sports for many years to come. I hope you realize that." on 20:48:08 12/09/04 Thu

For me 10 years is the short term, especially given the Administration's continuing ambiguity towards and mismanagement of athletics. It will take at least that long for Fordham to build up the fan base and profile that would necessitate a much larger 15K-size facility (to say nothing of the fundraising from the alumni) and by that time the stands, turf, lights, etc. will all be worn and/or outdated, and thus replaceable. Unfortunately our location in expensive NYC and landlocked campus force certain compromises that rural schools don't have to make.

Given our horrible performance in athletics all around, and it pains me to say this, I would have to say we are already an "also-ran" (relative to lots of other schools) in many sports so I look at everything as a fight to be taken seriously from there. A Goodman-type of stadium can only help in that respect but again, I think that it's our small fan base not even filling our small stands, our lack of marketing and PR, our poor scheduling, our institutional ambiguity about sports, our poor image with sports media, etc. that are what's really holding us back.

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I disagree on the timing issue. With a professional AD and staff we can begin promoting properly and combined with a competitve program in football and basketball, get plenty of fans much sooner to games. You get what you wish for - if we make it clear that we don't expect first rate atheltic facilties for 10 years, that's what will happen. If alums make it clear that we want a capital campaign created now for this purpose, we have a good chance of seeing that happen. Let's not lower our expectations. (NT) Rambacker 08:37:03 12/11/04 Sat

It's not a matter of getting what you wish for, it's a matter of getting what we have earned. We only have what 5-6 home games a year, and we don't come close to filling the stands for more than 1 or 2 of those. I think it would take easily 5-10 years to build up the fan base, pack the stands we have, and raise the funds for a new stadium. Given that realistic scenario, during that time we might as well have at least a decent field, lights, and renovated lockerrooms. With our very low giving rate (now down to 13%) the alums have made things crystal clear. (NT) -- DamnRam, 15:37:37 12/11/04 Sat

That's the way Fordham has done it in the past. We will be doing things differently in the future. When the management study is finished, we will be taking action immediately on capital projects. The timeframe can be much faster, and should be if we make it a priority. You'll be surprised how quickly things will happen starting next year. In the interim, I would suggest not adding fuel to the arguments of those who resist positive change. Athletics time has come, and we will see action. Be a believer, not someone willing to wait a decade. (NT) -- Rambacker, 21:04:11 12/11/04 Sat

Your post about expecting quick action doesn't make sense -- DamnRam, 14:04:45 12/12/04 Sun

For several reasons, I won't get into specifics here as far as projected capital planning. Let me just say this - it is important that all alums make their opinions clear if you'd like to see state-of-the-art athletic facilities. It can happen if we work to make it happen. The current capital campaign will be replaced soon by another, which could include athletic facilties. It's up to us. But posting that it can't happen for 10 years is innacurate and detrimental to this effort. (NT) -- Rambacker, 22:33:12 12/12/04 Sun