Wanless interview about WAC on Fargo Radio

[Siouxfan]

Terry was interviewed on a Fargo radio station by Dan Hammer (UND's play-by-play announcer) about Sac's chances of going to the WAC.

http://www.740thefan.com/uploads/Sacramento State Athletic Director Terry Wanless.mp3

 

[SDHornet]

Great find SF. Wanless kept it close to the vest as far as the aspirations of Sac State. Wanless definitely sounds like he is well involved in this aspect and has a good idea about the various scenarios that can play out with WAC expansion. It definitely feels like he is on top of the ball on this one.

"...at the end of the day for me, it's what is an advantage of for our student athletes and our alumni. Can we reasonably say this can be a positive experience for both groups. If you can answer yes to those then you move forward." Wanless during the interview.

 

[footballnow]

He sounds like he feels it would be something that would benefit the overall athletic program not just football. I believe that we are one of the top 4 candidates to move. Plus, I BELIEVE WE WANT IT.

 

[SactoHornetAlum]

I can guarantee our student-athletes want it (they always want to play the best competition, ask anyone of them), the student body wants it and the alums definitely want it because it improves the value of our degrees.

Terry, you just answered your own questions. NOW is the time to move forward.

 

[footballnow]

I put this link on the griz site to see the reaction from thier side. Last I checked they had 95 views but no reply's. They absolutely hate that we are being mentioned as a possible WAC member. It's the most arrogant fan base I've ever seen.

 

[Green Cookie Monster]

NOW is the time to move forward.

You can send your check to 6000 J Street, C/o Terry Wanless. :lol:

Has anyone outside of Fresno really heard or know where Fresno is or what it is without its football program? Same for Boise. If the City of Sacramento really wants to portray itself as a destination city worthy of grander aspirations and stature why not invest in making Sacramento a name that people recognize nationwide? A FBS program that is competitive, plays in nice facilities and is on TV nationwide will draw a better type of student and tourist. Too bad the city and county are broke. I could easily see them assisting in the construction afterall they will benefit too through exposure, hotels, restaurants, etc. Many examples of a successful city/university marriage...Houston, Louisville, Cincinnati, Memphis, Tulsa, Miami.....The UFL can actually be a big benefit as it will bring exposure and hopefully they will thrive and can provide additional money for upgrades.

How much money is required to actually break ground? I am sure bonds can be issued once a downpayment is available.

 

[Green Cookie Monster]

from a UND fan who seems to be in the know on eGriz...
http://www.egriz.com/grizboard/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=43812


"What's interesting is that Wanless states that the WAC may likely go to 12 teams over time, and have a championship game. That means 4 or 5 more WAC slots may be available over the next decade. With La Tech almost certainly leaving, and the MWC possibly losing more than Utah (like BYU and Colorado St to the Big 12 in several years), it is possible the MWC may be stealing even more WAC teams (Fresno and Nevada). As such, it's is not unreasable to believe that there may be several phases of WAC expansion: one or two teams every three to four years.

Montana and Montana State may be brought in as a pair later, once Montana State's stadium is ready and Montana has added their requisite athletic programs.

First additions: Sac and Portland
Second: Montana, Montana St
Third: Cal Poly, UC Davis"

 

[StungAlum]

from a UND fan who seems to be in the know on eGriz...
http://www.egriz.com/grizboard/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=43812


"What's interesting is that Wanless states that the WAC may likely go to 12 teams over time, and have a championship game. That means 4 or 5 more WAC slots may be available over the next decade. With La Tech almost certainly leaving, and the MWC possibly losing more than Utah (like BYU and Colorado St to the Big 12 in several years), it is possible the MWC may be stealing even more WAC teams (Fresno and Nevada). As such, it's is not unreasable to believe that there may be several phases of WAC expansion: one or two teams every three to four years.

Montana and Montana State may be brought in as a pair later, once Montana State's stadium is ready and Montana has added their requisite athletic programs.

First additions: Sac and Portland
Second: Montana, Montana St
Third: Cal Poly, UC Davis"

Sounds pretty reasonable to me.

I can definitely see the WAC expanding in phases, but if this happens, does it mean the end of FCS on the west coast?

 

[Siouxfan]

from a UND fan who seems to be in the know on eGriz...
http://www.egriz.com/grizboard/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=43812


"What's interesting is that Wanless states that the WAC may likely go to 12 teams over time, and have a championship game. That means 4 or 5 more WAC slots may be available over the next decade. With La Tech almost certainly leaving, and the MWC possibly losing more than Utah (like BYU and Colorado St to the Big 12 in several years), it is possible the MWC may be stealing even more WAC teams (Fresno and Nevada). As such, it's is not unreasable to believe that there may be several phases of WAC expansion: one or two teams every three to four years.

Montana and Montana State may be brought in as a pair later, once Montana State's stadium is ready and Montana has added their requisite athletic programs.

First additions: Sac and Portland
Second: Montana, Montana St
Third: Cal Poly, UC Davis"

Sounds pretty reasonable to me.

I can definitely see the WAC expanding in phases, but if this happens, does it mean the end of FCS on the west coast?

I posted that on the eGriz site. Yes, FCS is dying on the West Coast and even is in trouble in the Midwest and Southland. Big Sky schools with severe financial problems that may cause the loss of a team are NAU, EWU, and Idaho St. UNC isn't in great shape. Portland St and Sac St only make sense from a community perspective if they are FBS. The successful FCS programs in Texas (Sam Houston, Texas St) and the startups (Lamar and UTSA) all want to be FBS to be relevant. Louisiana programs may face major financial issues next year.

The only football models that work are DIII non-scholarship and FBS. FCS to work would need to be around 30 scholarships (like DII) depending on the school.

 

[Hornut]

I put this link on the griz site to see the reaction from thier side. Last I checked they had 95 views but no reply's. They absolutely hate that we are being mentioned as a possible WAC member. It's the most arrogant fan base I've ever seen.

Nice post! I completely agree; they are a$$hats.

GO HORNETS!

 

[Green Cookie Monster]

Sounds pretty reasonable to me.

I can definitely see the WAC expanding in phases, but if this happens, does it mean the end of FCS on the west coast?

Yes.

This current vetting is a redefining moment in college football. And indirectly the tennis, volleyball, basketball team of each team within the program will be effected.

State budgets are being slashed drastically at all WAC programs. Hawaii is in fear of having USC back out of its opener with the Warriors because of recent sanctions. This will cost Hawaii $1M in revenue, another blow. If you are not part of the BCS Superconference and it's big tv payout, then you had better regionalize if you want to remain a viable FBS conference. Travel cost via airfare is very expensive for a full conference slate of teams. La Tech has a budget which is the same as Montana: $13M. The State of Louisiana is considering closing 8 state universities. It is unsustainable for them.

Ego's aside, it is time for the WAC to become a very robust and thriving FBS Superconference where FBS football can be enjoyed and travel is greatly reduced benefitting not only the student-athlete but the athletic coffer. Here is my peanut scenario...

Fresno State
San Jose State
Hawaii
Nevada
Idaho
Utah State
New Mexico State

Sacramento State(2011)
Montana(2014)
Cal Poly(2014)
Portland State(2011)
UC davis(2018), it will take that long because of the environmental impact report findings and continual mitigation

So essentially at that point there will be no FCS teams in California or Oregon anymore. The Big Sky will survive with Montana State taking the chair that Montana vacated as bully to teams who are comfortble with the FCS level and ability of football. Look for SUU and UND to be added, maybe USDakota too. Not sure what USan Diego will do longterm, but it doesnt bode well.