I.S.U. Athletics+Angie Lansing=Enigma. I've seen first hand just how closed minded they are. The athletic department struts around like they have Ambassador Status. Ex: Did you know that President Bradley installed an elevator that leads to and from the press box. When he goes down to guzzle a beverage he's even able to listen in real time, while traveling down to receive his bourbon. Meanwhile, my children and I risk our lives sitting on rusted rebar. Oh, and they're so desperate they're talking about bringing alcohol into the venues for public consumption. Now your bringing job guy out. When you bring job guy you get security guy involved. All for a couple thousand in liquor sales a year. Simple: Drop football, make basketball your flag ship (Get a reputable Coach with dignity, valor, and class,) and sign Hannah's long term. Hannahs is the only thing ISU has going for it.
Before we get ahead of ourselves, let's remember that President Bradley has overseen the greatest expansion of our University in the last what, 30 years? Enrollment has exploded, which does not happen by accident. Dropping football, which is discussed here and elsewhere with some energy, is not a good idea. A city the size of Terre Haute needs a home football team. We've made incredible leaps in recent years in our football program while continuing to be the school that spends the least on it. I don't know how much money it makes us, but I would guess it helps pay for most of the other sports. Am I wrong? Tell me if I am.
But don't paint President Bradley as being some fat cat that doesn't care about the students or community. I'm sure he could have left on several occasions for greener pastures and has not. Facility upgrades are happening across campus, not to mention brand new residence halls being built and old, dilapidated buildings are being torn down. This university is moving, with gusto, in the right direction and they're doing just about as fast as they can. Basketball should be our flagship without a doubt, it has been (outside of Track and Cross Country) our most successful and storied program, but to drop Football all together is irresponsible and short sighted. Cut all those spots and where are we going to make up the losses in scholarships on the female side of sports? Which teams should we call and inform they no longer have scholarships just so we can remain balanced as per Title 9?
Get a reputable coach? I'm as frustrated as everyone else with Lansing's end of season implosions these last two years, but let's also remember the makeup of the team he's been running post-Odum. He has done incredible things. Falling short of the ultimate goal of any mid-major, the NCAA tournament, sure, but he's not getting fired. And for good reason.
You can be doom and gloom if you want to, but you're ignoring facts. If you are, "risking your lives" as you say, I'd write a letter, make a phone call, or send an email. Posting to a sports forum probably isn't going to change anything. Contacting someone with your concerns might.
