Email from O'Day about the WAC, BSC & More.

[Harm]

I used to work at the U, and I still know those whom are still employed there, as well as host them over weekends etc....I know of what I speak. Take it or leave it, quite frankly it really doesn't matter. The issue is still going to turn out the same way... and that's all I'm saying concerning quality info or sources... :twisted:

unless something completely out of the blue is discovered the issue is moot.

 

[Tokyogriz]

lol well I hope your right. Saying you used to work at the school puts you slightly ahead of players mysterious conversations with anonomous people.

To be honest all this debate etc is probably a moot point. If the info, numbers, etc have already been crunched debated and thought through by the powers that be it would seem the decision is made to move up. Seems pretty clear that UM will be offered by the WAC and will then propose a move to the BOR. Will the BOR just flat out say no is unclear, can they even just say no and thats that is also a little unclear atm to me since UM does decide how to spend the money once it comes to the school.

 

[Cats2506]

doesnt the BOR meet this week?
does UM have a proposal for consideration?

 

[fencer24]

Could they without an official invite?

 

[Cats2506]

I just thought that if it is a done deal like some on here say that they would be getting the BOR approval, if they only have 60 days you would think that they wouldn't want to wait another month for the next meeting so that if the BOR requested some more info they would still be alright.

 

[Tokyogriz]

Think Cats2505 was infering that the BOR will not hold scheduled meetings at times that are convienient for UMs timetable that they have to move up.

If the BOR dont have pre scheduled meetings then the anti move crowd is infering that we cant move up because the BOR will ignore us and the WAC will need answers before the BORs next meeting.

Pretty weak IMO as the BOR does not live in a vacuum and I cant imagine they would not schedule a special session to discuss a critical issue to our univeristy.

 

[kemajic]

Bowl qualifications may be adjusted to add losers:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100929/ap_on_sp_co_ne/fbc_bowl_dilemma

So, considering that there won't even be enough teams with winning records, they should let 5 win teams into some bowl systems. Sounds like a pretty high quality operation that demands the utmost excellence from its teams.

Not unlike FCS taking 20 playoff teams when there were never 16 that could contend....

 

[kemajic]

And the State support that still exists goes directly to the University, not to the AD. The University admin. decides what to do with AD budgets, not the State. O'Day gave the data; MSU has to direct more to the AD, because they do not generate nearly the revenue that UM does. Even this institutional support is funny money made to look larger than it is. It includes scholarships booked at full cost including out-of-state tuitions, when they are purely incremental to the University.

Another bit of info that ties into this. One of O'Day's responses to how poor the KPAX telecasts were, was that they would be improved in the short term, but within 2 years it would be a moot point.

Adding two sports to move up is not an issue, because they have to be added anyhow, both women's, to get into Title IX compliance. They will not cost as much as the status quo group would have you believe.

The decision has been made. O'Day is beginning the change management process; that's what this is. He is progarammed by the consultants, who were retained more for the change management than for the decision-making. They will do their best to retain the whining status quo group....

Good grief! Whittled down to almost nothing? As is if it were $10. Guys. Get a grip. The Fy09 general fund budget for all schools, that's the "almost nothing" to which you're referring, was about $134 million. All funds was roughly $341 million. The $16 million athletics budget at UM isn't couch cushion money, but it isn't a bank breaker either.

The AD budget, which is about $13 MM, has only $1+ MM of institutional support and that is inflated. The BOR also knows how much the UM AD funds programs outside the AD. They will hear of its potential to do even more. I would be surprised if they haven't already given the go-ahead. They care little how UM divides up its money; that's what a President and admin. are for.

 

[mtgrizrule]

Sources or not, I think the writing is on the wall. It looks to me this move is a done deal, other than making it official.

FWIW, I heard from 2 people (not egrizzers), one very good source, and 1 that is right about 2/3 of the time. Both tell me, either 2012 or 2013 we are WAC. They could not tell me specifics on the deal, but WAC is making it as attractive and beneficial as it ever will be for us. We are going to receive lots of help financially to make this a worthwhile gamble. As for the BOR, neither told me any information as to how they come into play, but the wheels are turning.

Depending on how the BOR comes into play will determine what it is announced when. If it goes well and accordingly, official information likely to be after college football season is finished.

I am not saying this 100%, but do trust one source a lot. One has led me on falsehoods a few times. We will see though. If, my information happens to be wrong, I will apologize, and leave it that. I am sure Harm will likely do the same. It is likely a done deal though, and just a matter of time.

As for PR, not sure who has told him what or he is getting his information later than normal, but would not be surprised if he in time acknowledges this too, or maybe disappear in lieu of a few others get some information before him. In PR's defense he does often get accurate information that a lot of us do not often get before hand. I do know he has more contacts than I though, and sounds like harm does as well. I very seldom hear from those I know tied to the university (not current employees or athletes).

I will leave it at that. Cannot say more at this point, and think I have gotten as much information as I can get at this stage. Again, the outcome as a lot to do with the BOR outcome. I honestly do not know who is thinking what or how they are leaning, and will not know. If it does not happen though it will likely be what will be used to fall back on, which makes sense.

 

[FCS Go!]

.... WAC is making it as attractive and beneficial as it ever will be for us. We are going to receive lots of help financially to make this a worthwhile gamble.

I would think that the WAC would be offering UM just about anything and everything right now. Mtgrizrule should be right in that, whatever the details turn out to be, this should be as close to "free" as the Griz will ever get.

Anyone care to speculate what the financial help might be?
-buyout of BSC exit fee
-no entrance fee
-immediate full revenue sharing
-option to show all games on TV unless they are already on "national TV" (I don't hold out much hope for continued ESPN support).
-guaranteed full home game slate from the WAC during the transition period
-guarantee that Griz-Cat can continue (the new Western State ).

 

[Tokyogriz]

Have a feeling you might not be too far off.

 

[mtgrizrule]

Another thing I am thinking about here, which might upset a few Griz fans. Is it possible or likely the BOR set financial restraints on the GRIZ if we exceed a certain profit or whatever, that we give so much $$$ toward bettering the other Montana schools, including MSU?

Also to help fund this for the GRIZ and eventually MSU, could some funding for other Montana schools be cut in terms of athletic funding?

 

[Grizzlies1982]

....and, the status quo group will enjoy Division 1 football after they join in the celebration of being able to see their team compete in a real college football environment..

Spanky, O'Day's comments sure sound like he decided to move. As to be able to compete in a "real college football environment". Yes, I'll enjoy attending the Rose Bowl too. Maybe we can get seats next to one another. I'll be the guy wearing a Griz shirt.

I will be there in Pasadena when we get the invite. Just have not bought my ticket... nor joined "the movement" yet. Still waiting for someone to "Show Me The Money". So although O'Day made his decision, I still have not heard O'Day state how in the world he is going to pay for it. Regardless, the real question is has the new University President made his decision yet? That will be the only decision which matters. :ugeek:

 

[mtgrizrule]

....and, the status quo group will enjoy Division 1 football after they join in the celebration of being able to see their team compete in a real college football environment..

Spanky, O'Day's comments sure sound like he decided to move. As to be able to compete in a "real college football environment". Yes, I'll enjoy attending the Rose Bowl too. Maybe we can get seats next to one another. I'll be the guy wearing a Griz shirt.

I will be there in Pasadena when we get the invite. Just have not bought my ticket... nor joined "the movement" yet. Still waiting for someone to "Show Me The Money". So although O'Day made his decision, I still have not heard O'Day state how in the world he is going to pay for it. Regardless, the real question is has the new University President made his decision yet? That will be the only decision which matters. :ugeek:

I think you can figure that one out. Is it ironic or coincidental this is coming to the forefront of reality as Dennison exits and a new president comes in? I think it is more than coincidental. After all, prior to Dennison's announcement the study nor the possibility of moving was taboo. :thumb:

You decide from there.

 

[Tokyogriz]

Another thing I am thinking about here, which might upset a few Griz fans. Is it possible or likely the BOR set financial restraints on the GRIZ if we exceed a certain profit or whatever, that we give so much $$$ toward bettering the other Montana schools, including MSU?

Also to help fund this for the GRIZ and eventually MSU, could some funding for other Montana schools be cut in terms of athletic funding?

My understanding is that the BOR sets how much money the University gets. Then that lump sum is divided up by the admins themselves at the uiversity. Hard to see how the BOR could dictate policy on how the money from ticket sales etc at UM is distrubted at um, much less demand it be given to MSU or any other state institution.

 

[Grizzlies1982]

Another thing I am thinking about here, which might upset a few Griz fans. Is it possible or likely the BOR set financial restraints on the GRIZ if we exceed a certain profit or whatever, that we give so much $$$ toward bettering the other Montana schools, including MSU?

Also to help fund this for the GRIZ and eventually MSU, could some funding for other Montana schools be cut in terms of athletic funding?

My understanding is that the BOR sets how much money the University gets. Then that lump sum is divided up by the admins themselves at the uiversity. Hard to see how the BOR could dictate policy on how the money from ticket sales etc at UM is distrubted at um, much less demand it be given to MSU or any other state institution.

Tokyo, you are correct. The Board of Regents don't set athletic budgets. Northern or Western might need to drop football some day, but it would have to be their own decision. Further, any funds saved would still remain within those units who dropped their programs.

Mtgrizrule, I also think you are correct about the timing of all this. Yet... I haven't heard how a potential extra $1,000,000 or so in FBS revenue is going to cover the extra FBS expense of $5,000,000 or so which is needed Each & Every YEAR. Again, I suspect you're right, just haven't heard this key question addressed by anyone.

 

[mtgrizrule]

I do not how much $$$$ we will be helped with, or what the WAC is offering. Just have heard it is the best offer we have been made or ever will be. What that entails, no idea yet. Doubt If i will know more before rest of us. But am pretty sure we are moving on with a damn good offer.

 

[griz4life]

The AD budget, which is about $13 MM, has only $1+ MM of institutional support and that is inflated. The BOR also knows how much the UM AD funds programs outside the AD. They will hear of its potential to do even more. I would be surprised if they haven't already given the go-ahead. They care little how UM divides up its money; that's what a President and admin. are for.

Total revenue from all sources for Fy09 was $16.6 million. Total expenses were $17.3 million. On the expenses side it's suggested there's a shortage of $353,779, but that's because of a decision the previous year to raise the rent athletics pays on facilities. The cash shortage is really a one-time loss on paper created by a management decision. When the final numbers were presented to the Regents, the MUS actually had a $1.2 million surplus of revenue with $1.1 million coming from the University of Montana-Missoula. http://www.mus.edu/board/meetings/2010/Jan2010/FY09_MUS_Athletic_Reports_Memo.pdf

Here's the link to the financials.
http://www.mus.edu/board/meetings/2010/Jan2010/FY09_Athletic_Income_Details-By_Campus.htm

If you click on the links at the top of the page you get the financials for each school. There are some very interesting differences between Montana and Montana State expenses starting with game expenses, facilities/rental costs, sport camps, and other operating expenses.
On the revenue side, royalties from advertizing and sponsorship directed to athletics, as well as indirect facility/admin support and direct institutional support are pretty telling, to name just a couple significant differences.

Another interesting tidbit, at UM the graduate rate among athletes is better than the rate among the general student population. At Montana State that is not true.

 

[PlayerRep]

That's a blatant lie. The financials accessed by this link (and also posted in the above post) show Direct Institutional Support to UM athletics of $4,530,017. They also show Indirect Facilties and Administrative Support of $1,138,353. I'm not sure what's in the latter number.

http://www.mus.edu/board/meetings/2010/Jan2010/FY09_Athletic_Income_Details-By_Campus.htm

 

[wbtfg]

Clearly, O'Day has made up his mind. I would tend to believe that his opinion carries a lot of weight with the new Pres as well as with the BOR.

It's looking like this may be the final year for the Griz in the BSC, and possibly the last Cat/Griz game for a while. Too bad we have to break up the 4th oldest rivalry game west of the Mississippi (this year wiill be the 110th meeting). The last time MSU and UM did not play in a season was in 1945, when it was suspended for a few years due to WWII...will be sad to see that end.