Fire Larry Lyons

[gobirds85]

Becoming a research school and adding medicine, law, or engineering would help a ton too. It's not just basketball and football.

This will not happen. illinoy has too many springfield types in their back pocket and won't allow it. Add to that the fact that there is no funding for such a move. The state of Illinois is #2 in the country for high school students jumping the border and going out of state. We have too many universities now and we are witnessing what Bowman, a few years ago, called "right sizing". Some of our state universities are becoming smaller. He included SIUC, NIU, WIU, and EIU.


It really isn't just about sports but they do play a YUGE role in the decision making process of some students. My daughter had three friends who are attending alabama. Any guesses as to why? In these cases, the tail wags the dog.

 

[bb fan]

Gee, another fire somebody discussion. Shocking.

Yep, it hurts bad losing a game the way we did last night. Being there was even more "special".

We have some posters here who will cut everything down no matter what, but really, the frustration for most everybody comes down to one fact. No NCAA bids for Men's our basketball in two decades. That's what I think. I could make a solid case for the overall success of our athletics department over the last 5 - 10 years. I will go there if somebody wants me to. But that does not address the lack of bids. So for me, the real question is what have we specifically done or not done, or done wrong that has resulted in this lack of getting the NCAA tourney?

A couple of NCAA tourney appearances, and this angst does not occur. In fact, I think you would find the overall tenor towards athletics at ISU totally different.

 

[ricohill]

Gee, another fire somebody discussion. Shocking.

Yep, it hurts bad losing a game the way we did last night. Being there was even more "special".

We have some posters here who will cut everything down no matter what, but really, the frustration for most everybody comes down to one fact. No NCAA bids for Men's our basketball in two decades. That's what I think. I could make a solid case for the overall success of our athletics department over the last 5 - 10 years. I will go there if somebody wants me to. But that does not address the lack of bids. So for me, the real question is what have we specifically done or not done, or done wrong that has resulted in this lack of getting the NCAA tourney?

A couple of NCAA tourney appearances, and this angst does not occur. In fact, I think you would find the overall tenor towards athletics at ISU totally different.

What has the athletic department done to be successful?

Since Lyons took over name his accomplishments. Has he raised money to build anything? Has attendance gone up? Has fundraising? Is the fan experience better?

 

[bb fan]

Again, if you want me defend Lyons, I could regarding his tenure, I can go there.

But what is it that he specifically should have done to get us an NCAA bid or two?

 

[ricohill]

Again, if you want me defend Lyons, I could regarding his tenure, I can go there.

But what is it that he specifically done to get us an NCAA bid or two?

I would love to hear a defense of Lyons.

 

[gobirds85]

I’m off to get some popcorn. This could be fun.

 

[ricohill]

I’m off to get some popcorn. This could be fun.

Same here. I want to honestly know what Larry has done to be successful. He makes over $200,000 so this topic should be fair game.

 

[ISU FAN 1]

It’s more complicated than discrediting Lyons for the MBB program being in the crapper, and crediting him for volleyball success. On a micro level, the department can claim some successes. But the big picture has been a failure under Lyons direction, unless nepotism is the measuring stick. Lyons destroyed his credibility by having Jared and Ivanka on the payroll.

 

[Birdman07]

Gee, another fire somebody discussion. Shocking.

Yep, it hurts bad losing a game the way we did last night. Being there was even more "special".

We have some posters here who will cut everything down no matter what,

This seems to be the whole conversation in the week I've been here. More doom and gloom than positivity. Can't say I blame them. This team is probably not going to win 15 games. Besides one good half season with Muller at the helm what has anyone at any level of the athletic department done in the last 6.5 years? 5.5/6.5 years haven't been very good.

 

[ricohill]

It’s more complicated than discrediting Lyons for the MBB program being in the crapper, and crediting him for volleyball success. On a micro level, the department can claim some successes. But the big picture has been a failure under Lyons direction, unless nepotism is the measuring stick. Lyons destroyed his credibility by having Jared and Ivanka on the payroll.

They did get a free wedding until someone called him out for it....

 

[radik]

Gee, another fire somebody discussion. Shocking.

Yep, it hurts bad losing a game the way we did last night. Being there was even more "special".

We have some posters here who will cut everything down no matter what, but really, the frustration for most everybody comes down to one fact. No NCAA bids for Men's our basketball in two decades. That's what I think. I could make a solid case for the overall success of our athletics department over the last 5 - 10 years. I will go there if somebody wants me to. But that does not address the lack of bids. So for me, the real question is what have we specifically done or not done, or done wrong that has resulted in this lack of getting the NCAA tourney?

A couple of NCAA tourney appearances, and this angst does not occur. In fact, I think you would find the overall tenor towards athletics at ISU totally different.

It would need to be a few tourney appearances before the angst leaves . Personally speaking, I am not sure how I would feel if THIS team was the one to make the tourney. Given the mental strength demonstrated, it would most likely be a one round embarrassment, perhaps even complete with some 'we have finally arrived' trip antics vs. studying for the game. I highly doubt they would give us something positive to remember.

Bottom line, I would have loved to have Paris/Tony, Jackie, or Osiris/Dinma lead our team back to the promised land. Yarbourough and his band of merry men? Hate to say it, but I am not sure how much I want to see that now.

 

[bb fan]

OK, I am gonna make a case for Lyons. Before I get started, I am not saying he should be admin of the decade, or even year. I am throwing out some stuff as to why our University prez supports him. Why saying trashy things like our athletics department is a "dumpster fire" is just mean, baseless, insulting and classless.

So, let's see. Lyons came up with the financing plan, and saw through the $25 million funding and execution of Hancock 2.0. While we are on capital developments, He put together the $3 million dollar plan for Duffy Bass Field. He has figured out how to finance several other capital projects like new dugouts for softball, several locker room projects, new lighting, new scoreboards and ribbons for RA. And now, he engineered the financing plan for a $6 million lower bowl renovation of Redbird Arena to be completed this summer. Now some you slammers will try to pick this apart, but you have no idea whatsoever how immensely difficult it is to get anything $$$ done in this horribly dysfunctional state. How every capital project gets tons of $$$ add-ons and requirements piled on by the state, and how they hold up everything in tons of meaningless red tape. The DD's won't like to hear this, but Lyons actually has a national rep for finance accumen and getting projects done, and has excelled way past most athletics departments in this regard. He balances the budgets and is known for being able to deliver a solid bang for the buck. If you don't think this is a big deal, look at some of the other U's budgets, like SIU. Many presidents would love to have a chief athletics officer that takes care of the books and gets projects done as Lyons does.I invite you to point to other U's that have had as much capital project success.

Taking a look at performance on the field and court, His football program has gone to a national championship game. First one ever. Men's basketball won the Valley title just two seasons ago, the first in several years, winning a program record 28 games. His coach was pick COY. Volleyball, soccer and softball has all won conference championships during the Lyons tenure. NCAA appearances and two programs have NCAA wins. We have had several T and F all conference performers and NCAA national qualifiers.

Academically, we continue to increase GPAs. Football had the highest AP in the conference. Deans list qualifiers are at an all time high. From a compliance standpoint, Lyons has kept every program away from NCAA penalties, sanctions, and virtually any issues. It has been that way a long time, and Lyons has played a big role in that.

I find most interesting the critism here of Lyon's promotional accumen, I have asked many time without ever a reply. What is it that he, or our department isn't doing in this regard? I go to a lot of sports events of all types, at all levels. We do anything and that's being done out there. We work hard at this. We win many awards, every year on video production (which I think is some of the best in the country). Our game production is excellent. All and area that Lyons had done a terrific job of funding and producing. Our social media strategies is also award winning. OK, somebody said have ticket sales gone up. Folks, please, you have absolutely no clue if you are not aware of what's happening with this everywhere. And what an immense challenge it is everywhere to increase gate revenues. But we have. Lyons put together the Learfield deal, which is already out performing projections.

Now keep in mind, all of this has been done without getting an NCAA bid in two decades. So we are back to my original point. The real root of the frustration. I posted once before, our basketball program probably has the best record and attendance, and overall basketball revenue than any program not getting that all important NCAA bid this century. Which may be Lyons' biggest accomplishment of all. Because it is those NCAA tourney experiences that really push a program forward. Somebody groused about fundraising. Again, it's getting in the dance that really pushes that forward. Is Lyons the most personable guy? A real go get'em gladhander. Probably not. Maybe not his strongest quality. Like I said at the very beginning, there are always plusses and minuses. But the alumni like going to those NCAA tourney games. That's where a lot of those deals are done. But we have not been there for Lyons and his team to get this done. I do think we have made some excellent gains in this area of late. I think you will hear more soon.

We have had some successful, entertaining teams. I think we have a competent, caring, and hard working athletics admin team. There is always more that can be done. I am not satisfied, and I know they are not either. Dr,. Dietz is not not satisfied or complacent either. But I know that Lyons and has team has his support. But folks, some of the garbage you are posting here is just wrong. It's unfair.

You can always, and I know you will pick apart and select stuff you want to grouse about. And that's fine. What you need to do is figure out how the heck we can finally get that freaking NCAA bid for men's basketball. Which again, takes us back to the beginning. The main frustration. OK, I killed too many pixels here. You come up with the ideas to get us to the big dance. That is the real, critical, missing ingredient.

 

[Brick]

OK, I am gonna make a case for Lyons. Before I get started, I am not saying he should be admin of the decade, or even year. I am throwing out some stuff as to why our University prez supports him. Why saying trashy things like our athletics department is a "dumpster fire" is just mean, baseless, insulting and classless.

So, let's see. Lyons came up with the financing plan, and saw through the $25 million funding and execution of Hancock 2.0. While we are on capital developments, He put together the $3 million dollar plan for Duffy Bass Field. He has figured out how to finance several other capital projects like new dugouts for softball, several locker room projects, new lighting, new scoreboards and ribbons for RA. And now, he engineered the financing plan for a $6 million lower bowl renovation of Redbird Arena to be completed this summer. Now some you slammers will try to pick this apart, but you have no idea whatsoever how immensely difficult it is to get anything $$$ done in this horribly dysfunctional state. How every capital project gets tons of $$$ add-ons and requirements piled on by the state, and how they hold up everything in tons of meaningless red tape. The DD's won't like to hear this, but Lyons actually has a national rep for finance accumen and getting projects done, and has excelled way past most athletics departments in this regard. He balances the budgets and is known for being able to deliver a solid bang for the buck. If you don't think this is a big deal, look at some of the other U's budgets, like SIU. Many presidents would love to have a chief athletics officer that takes care of the books and gets projects done as Lyons does.I invite you to point to other U's that have had as much capital project success.

Taking a look at performance on the field and court, His football program has gone to a national championship game. First one ever. Men's basketball won the Valley title just two seasons ago, the first in several years, winning a program record 28 games. His coach was pick COY. Volleyball, soccer and softball has all won conference championships during the Lyons tenure. NCAA appearances and two programs have NCAA wins. We have had several T and F all conference performers and NCAA national qualifiers.

Academically, we continue to increase GPAs. Football had the highest AP in the conference. Deans list qualifiers are at an all time high. From a compliance standpoint, Lyons has kept every program away from NCAA penalties, sanctions, and virtually any issues. It has been that way a long time, and Lyons has played a big role in that.

I find most interesting the critism here of Lyon's promotional accumen, I have asked many time without ever a reply. What is it that he, or our department isn't doing in this regard? I go to a lot of sports events of all types, at all levels. We do anything and that's being done out there. We work hard at this. We win many awards, every year on video production (which I think is some of the best in the country). Our game production is excellent. All and area that Lyons had done a terrific job of funding and producing. Our social media strategies is also award winning. OK, somebody said have ticket sales gone up. Folks, please, you have absolutely no clue if you are not aware of what's happening with this everywhere. And what an immense challenge it is everywhere to increase gate revenues. But we have. Lyons put together the Learfield deal, which is already out performing projections.

Now keep in mind, all of this has been done without getting an NCAA bid in two decades. So we are back to my original point. The real root of the frustration. I posted once before, our basketball program probably has the best record and attendance, and overall basketball revenue than any program not getting that all important NCAA bid this century. Which may be Lyons' biggest accomplishment of all. Because it is those NCAA tourney experiences that really push a program forward. Somebody groused about fundraising. Again, it's getting in the dance that really pushes that forward. Is Lyons the most personable guy? A real go get'em gladhander. Probably not. Maybe not his strongest quality. Like I said at the very beginning, there are always plusses and minuses. But the alumni like going to those NCAA tourney games. That's where a lot of those deals are done. But we have not been there for Lyons and his team to get this done. I do think we have made some excellent gains in this area of late. I think you will hear more soon.

We have had some successful, entertaining teams. I think we have a competent, caring, and hard working athletics admin team. There is always more that can be done. I am not satisfied, and I know they are not either. Dr,. Dietz is not not satisfied or complacent either. But I know that Lyons and has team has his support. But folks, some of the garbage you are posting here is just wrong. It's unfair.

You can always, and I know you will pick apart and select stuff you want to grouse about. And that's fine. What you need to do is figure out how the heck we can finally get that freaking NCAA bid for men's basketball. Which again, takes us back to the beginning. The main frustration. OK, I killed too many pixels here. You come up with the ideas to get us to the big dance. That is the real, critical, missing ingredient.

Excellent analysis!

 

[SgtHulka]

OK, I am gonna make a case for Lyons. Before I get started, I am not saying he should be admin of the decade, or even year. I am throwing out some stuff as to why our University prez supports him. Why saying trashy things like our athletics department is a "dumpster fire" is just mean, baseless, insulting and classless.

So, let's see. Lyons came up with the financing plan, and saw through the $25 million funding and execution of Hancock 2.0. While we are on capital developments, He put together the $3 million dollar plan for Duffy Bass Field. He has figured out how to finance several other capital projects like new dugouts for softball, several locker room projects, new lighting, new scoreboards and ribbons for RA. And now, he engineered the financing plan for a $6 million lower bowl renovation of Redbird Arena to be completed this summer. Now some you slammers will try to pick this apart, but you have no idea whatsoever how immensely difficult it is to get anything $$$ done in this horribly dysfunctional state. How every capital project gets tons of $$$ add-ons and requirements piled on by the state, and how they hold up everything in tons of meaningless red tape. The DD's won't like to hear this, but Lyons actually has a national rep for finance accumen and getting projects done, and has excelled way past most athletics departments in this regard. He balances the budgets and is known for being able to deliver a solid bang for the buck. If you don't think this is a big deal, look at some of the other U's budgets, like SIU. Many presidents would love to have a chief athletics officer that takes care of the books and gets projects done as Lyons does.I invite you to point to other U's that have had as much capital project success.

Taking a look at performance on the field and court, His football program has gone to a national championship game. First one ever. Men's basketball won the Valley title just two seasons ago, the first in several years, winning a program record 28 games. His coach was pick COY. Volleyball, soccer and softball has all won conference championships during the Lyons tenure. NCAA appearances and two programs have NCAA wins. We have had several T and F all conference performers and NCAA national qualifiers.

Academically, we continue to increase GPAs. Football had the highest AP in the conference. Deans list qualifiers are at an all time high. From a compliance standpoint, Lyons has kept every program away from NCAA penalties, sanctions, and virtually any issues. It has been that way a long time, and Lyons has played a big role in that.

I find most interesting the critism here of Lyon's promotional accumen, I have asked many time without ever a reply. What is it that he, or our department isn't doing in this regard? I go to a lot of sports events of all types, at all levels. We do anything and that's being done out there. We work hard at this. We win many awards, every year on video production (which I think is some of the best in the country). Our game production is excellent. All and area that Lyons had done a terrific job of funding and producing. Our social media strategies is also award winning. OK, somebody said have ticket sales gone up. Folks, please, you have absolutely no clue if you are not aware of what's happening with this everywhere. And what an immense challenge it is everywhere to increase gate revenues. But we have. Lyons put together the Learfield deal, which is already out performing projections.

Now keep in mind, all of this has been done without getting an NCAA bid in two decades. So we are back to my original point. The real root of the frustration. I posted once before, our basketball program probably has the best record and attendance, and overall basketball revenue than any program not getting that all important NCAA bid this century. Which may be Lyons' biggest accomplishment of all. Because it is those NCAA tourney experiences that really push a program forward. Somebody groused about fundraising. Again, it's getting in the dance that really pushes that forward. Is Lyons the most personable guy? A real go get'em gladhander. Probably not. Maybe not his strongest quality. Like I said at the very beginning, there are always plusses and minuses. But the alumni like going to those NCAA tourney games. That's where a lot of those deals are done. But we have not been there for Lyons and his team to get this done. I do think we have made some excellent gains in this area of late. I think you will hear more soon.

We have had some successful, entertaining teams. I think we have a competent, caring, and hard working athletics admin team. There is always more that can be done. I am not satisfied, and I know they are not either. Dr,. Dietz is not not satisfied or complacent either. But I know that Lyons and has team has his support. But folks, some of the garbage you are posting here is just wrong. It's unfair.

You can always, and I know you will pick apart and select stuff you want to grouse about. And that's fine. What you need to do is figure out how the heck we can finally get that freaking NCAA bid for men's basketball. Which again, takes us back to the beginning. The main frustration. OK, I killed too many pixels here. You come up with the ideas to get us to the big dance. That is the real, critical, missing ingredient.

Can he break down a 1\3\1 defense or improve a players free throw %?

 

[CaliRdBrd]

OK, I am gonna make a case for Lyons. Before I get started, I am not saying he should be admin of the decade, or even year. I am throwing out some stuff as to why our University prez supports him. Why saying trashy things like our athletics department is a "dumpster fire" is just mean, baseless, insulting and classless.

So, let's see. Lyons came up with the financing plan, and saw through the $25 million funding and execution of Hancock 2.0. While we are on capital developments, He put together the $3 million dollar plan for Duffy Bass Field. He has figured out how to finance several other capital projects like new dugouts for softball, several locker room projects, new lighting, new scoreboards and ribbons for RA. And now, he engineered the financing plan for a $6 million lower bowl renovation of Redbird Arena to be completed this summer. Now some you slammers will try to pick this apart, but you have no idea whatsoever how immensely difficult it is to get anything $$$ done in this horribly dysfunctional state. How every capital project gets tons of $$$ add-ons and requirements piled on by the state, and how they hold up everything in tons of meaningless red tape. The DD's won't like to hear this, but Lyons actually has a national rep for finance accumen and getting projects done, and has excelled way past most athletics departments in this regard. He balances the budgets and is known for being able to deliver a solid bang for the buck. If you don't think this is a big deal, look at some of the other U's budgets, like SIU. Many presidents would love to have a chief athletics officer that takes care of the books and gets projects done as Lyons does.I invite you to point to other U's that have had as much capital project success.

Taking a look at performance on the field and court, His football program has gone to a national championship game. First one ever. Men's basketball won the Valley title just two seasons ago, the first in several years, winning a program record 28 games. His coach was pick COY. Volleyball, soccer and softball has all won conference championships during the Lyons tenure. NCAA appearances and two programs have NCAA wins. We have had several T and F all conference performers and NCAA national qualifiers.

Academically, we continue to increase GPAs. Football had the highest AP in the conference. Deans list qualifiers are at an all time high. From a compliance standpoint, Lyons has kept every program away from NCAA penalties, sanctions, and virtually any issues. It has been that way a long time, and Lyons has played a big role in that.

I find most interesting the critism here of Lyon's promotional accumen, I have asked many time without ever a reply. What is it that he, or our department isn't doing in this regard? I go to a lot of sports events of all types, at all levels. We do anything and that's being done out there. We work hard at this. We win many awards, every year on video production (which I think is some of the best in the country). Our game production is excellent. All and area that Lyons had done a terrific job of funding and producing. Our social media strategies is also award winning. OK, somebody said have ticket sales gone up. Folks, please, you have absolutely no clue if you are not aware of what's happening with this everywhere. And what an immense challenge it is everywhere to increase gate revenues. But we have. Lyons put together the Learfield deal, which is already out performing projections.

Now keep in mind, all of this has been done without getting an NCAA bid in two decades. So we are back to my original point. The real root of the frustration. I posted once before, our basketball program probably has the best record and attendance, and overall basketball revenue than any program not getting that all important NCAA bid this century. Which may be Lyons' biggest accomplishment of all. Because it is those NCAA tourney experiences that really push a program forward. Somebody groused about fundraising. Again, it's getting in the dance that really pushes that forward. Is Lyons the most personable guy? A real go get'em gladhander. Probably not. Maybe not his strongest quality. Like I said at the very beginning, there are always plusses and minuses. But the alumni like going to those NCAA tourney games. That's where a lot of those deals are done. But we have not been there for Lyons and his team to get this done. I do think we have made some excellent gains in this area of late. I think you will hear more soon.

We have had some successful, entertaining teams. I think we have a competent, caring, and hard working athletics admin team. There is always more that can be done. I am not satisfied, and I know they are not either. Dr,. Dietz is not not satisfied or complacent either. But I know that Lyons and has team has his support. But folks, some of the garbage you are posting here is just wrong. It's unfair.

You can always, and I know you will pick apart and select stuff you want to grouse about. And that's fine. What you need to do is figure out how the heck we can finally get that freaking NCAA bid for men's basketball. Which again, takes us back to the beginning. The main frustration. OK, I killed too many pixels here. You come up with the ideas to get us to the big dance. That is the real, critical, missing ingredient.

I’m not qualified to speak against, or in favor of, Lyons, so I stay away from that topic, but you laid out a helluva case for the good he has done.
Impressive.

 

[ricohill]

OK, I am gonna make a case for Lyons. Before I get started, I am not saying he should be admin of the decade, or even year. I am throwing out some stuff as to why our University prez supports him. Why saying trashy things like our athletics department is a "dumpster fire" is just mean, baseless, insulting and classless.

So, let's see. Lyons came up with the financing plan, and saw through the $25 million funding and execution of Hancock 2.0. While we are on capital developments, He put together the $3 million dollar plan for Duffy Bass Field. He has figured out how to finance several other capital projects like new dugouts for softball, several locker room projects, new lighting, new scoreboards and ribbons for RA. And now, he engineered the financing plan for a $6 million lower bowl renovation of Redbird Arena to be completed this summer. Now some you slammers will try to pick this apart, but you have no idea whatsoever how immensely difficult it is to get anything $$$ done in this horribly dysfunctional state. How every capital project gets tons of $$$ add-ons and requirements piled on by the state, and how they hold up everything in tons of meaningless red tape. The DD's won't like to hear this, but Lyons actually has a national rep for finance accumen and getting projects done, and has excelled way past most athletics departments in this regard. He balances the budgets and is known for being able to deliver a solid bang for the buck. If you don't think this is a big deal, look at some of the other U's budgets, like SIU. Many presidents would love to have a chief athletics officer that takes care of the books and gets projects done as Lyons does.I invite you to point to other U's that have had as much capital project success.

Taking a look at performance on the field and court, His football program has gone to a national championship game. First one ever. Men's basketball won the Valley title just two seasons ago, the first in several years, winning a program record 28 games. His coach was pick COY. Volleyball, soccer and softball has all won conference championships during the Lyons tenure. NCAA appearances and two programs have NCAA wins. We have had several T and F all conference performers and NCAA national qualifiers.

Academically, we continue to increase GPAs. Football had the highest AP in the conference. Deans list qualifiers are at an all time high. From a compliance standpoint, Lyons has kept every program away from NCAA penalties, sanctions, and virtually any issues. It has been that way a long time, and Lyons has played a big role in that.

I find most interesting the critism here of Lyon's promotional accumen, I have asked many time without ever a reply. What is it that he, or our department isn't doing in this regard? I go to a lot of sports events of all types, at all levels. We do anything and that's being done out there. We work hard at this. We win many awards, every year on video production (which I think is some of the best in the country). Our game production is excellent. All and area that Lyons had done a terrific job of funding and producing. Our social media strategies is also award winning. OK, somebody said have ticket sales gone up. Folks, please, you have absolutely no clue if you are not aware of what's happening with this everywhere. And what an immense challenge it is everywhere to increase gate revenues. But we have. Lyons put together the Learfield deal, which is already out performing projections.

Now keep in mind, all of this has been done without getting an NCAA bid in two decades. So we are back to my original point. The real root of the frustration. I posted once before, our basketball program probably has the best record and attendance, and overall basketball revenue than any program not getting that all important NCAA bid this century. Which may be Lyons' biggest accomplishment of all. Because it is those NCAA tourney experiences that really push a program forward. Somebody groused about fundraising. Again, it's getting in the dance that really pushes that forward. Is Lyons the most personable guy? A real go get'em gladhander. Probably not. Maybe not his strongest quality. Like I said at the very beginning, there are always plusses and minuses. But the alumni like going to those NCAA tourney games. That's where a lot of those deals are done. But we have not been there for Lyons and his team to get this done. I do think we have made some excellent gains in this area of late. I think you will hear more soon.

We have had some successful, entertaining teams. I think we have a competent, caring, and hard working athletics admin team. There is always more that can be done. I am not satisfied, and I know they are not either. Dr,. Dietz is not not satisfied or complacent either. But I know that Lyons and has team has his support. But folks, some of the garbage you are posting here is just wrong. It's unfair.

You can always, and I know you will pick apart and select stuff you want to grouse about. And that's fine. What you need to do is figure out how the heck we can finally get that freaking NCAA bid for men's basketball. Which again, takes us back to the beginning. The main frustration. OK, I killed too many pixels here. You come up with the ideas to get us to the big dance. That is the real, critical, missing ingredient.

I've read some interesting things on this message board, but this may be my favorite. I don't know if Larry wrote this himself or a family member.

-Hancock 2.0, - Lyons had 0 percent to do with. Bob Donewald has more to do with building Hanock 2.0 than Lyons, since the student fees are the ones that paid to build Redbird Arena

https://www.pantagraph.com/special-section/annualreport/hancock-stadium-to-get-m-renovation/article_8961cdc6-72c1-11e1-8d0f-0019bb2963f4.html

"Funding for the project will come largely from a reallocation of student fees, which will not increase.

The university is also planning on $2.5 million in private contributions to the project. The amount of private gifts and pledges as of late February was $472,500."

https://www.pantagraph.com/sports/college/football/isu-s-hancock-stadium-to-get-million-upgrade/article_7cd25714-e938-11e0-ae62-001cc4c002e0.html

“This project will not trigger a hike in student fees, nor will we ask students to pay any new fees,” he said. “The fees students already pay to support athletics and other campus facilities will be directed toward the Hancock Stadium project.

Bowman acknowledged the retirement of Redbird Arena debt frees up such student fees.”

To say he "Financed" means he couldn't raise the money so the school bailed him out.

Zenger was the one that did the Duffy Bass Field upgrades. https://goredbirds.com/news/2008/7/18/071808aae_985.aspx?path=baseball

Lets look at Lyon's goals when he took over as AD in 2013
https://www.pantagraph.com/sports/college/football/indoor-practice-facility-top-item-on-wish-list-for-illinois/article_e4a9b732-2636-11e3-b265-0019bb2963f4.html

-Indoor Practice Facility
-Horseshoe for Hancock
-New Indoor Track (300 Meters to host meets)
-bump out” entrance for Redbird Arena and a physical location for a Hall of Fame

*I saw on a WSF thing they sent out, we have less than 2 million of a $25 million indoor fieldhouse project raised.

*We've given up on the hoseshoe.

*Without the fieldhouse we can't build an indoor track.

*We can't raise any money for the new ticket entrance at Redbird.

The only reason the lower bowl is getting renovated is because the seats fell apart and paid by bonds. Also, unlike the State Farm Center in Champaign (which is now nice) we are going to only fix up half the arena.

"ISU President Larry Dietz said the renovations originated because the parts needed for the aged seats are not available anymore."

"The renovations include the use of $6.8 million in auxiliary facilities system revenue bonds to replace lower bowl seating areas in Redbird Arena, adding railings and a new private suite."

Once again, no money raised for the project.

He's basically failed at every major goal he had when he started. Football has fallen behind because we can't pay cost of attendance or build state-of-the art facilities. Basketball is a train wreck and he gave Muller $3.6 million for mediocrity.

So he's accomplished nothing major. Can't raise any money and had to bring in Learfield since his family couldn't raise any money.

 

[gobirds85]

OK, I am gonna make a case for Lyons. Before I get started, I am not saying he should be admin of the decade, or even year. I am throwing out some stuff as to why our University prez supports him. Why saying trashy things like our athletics department is a "dumpster fire" is just mean, baseless, insulting and classless.

So, let's see. Lyons came up with the financing plan, and saw through the $25 million funding and execution of Hancock 2.0. While we are on capital developments, He put together the $3 million dollar plan for Duffy Bass Field. He has figured out how to finance several other capital projects like new dugouts for softball, several locker room projects, new lighting, new scoreboards and ribbons for RA. And now, he engineered the financing plan for a $6 million lower bowl renovation of Redbird Arena to be completed this summer. Now some you slammers will try to pick this apart, but you have no idea whatsoever how immensely difficult it is to get anything $$$ done in this horribly dysfunctional state. How every capital project gets tons of $$$ add-ons and requirements piled on by the state, and how they hold up everything in tons of meaningless red tape. The DD's won't like to hear this, but Lyons actually has a national rep for finance accumen and getting projects done, and has excelled way past most athletics departments in this regard. He balances the budgets and is known for being able to deliver a solid bang for the buck. If you don't think this is a big deal, look at some of the other U's budgets, like SIU. Many presidents would love to have a chief athletics officer that takes care of the books and gets projects done as Lyons does.I invite you to point to other U's that have had as much capital project success.

Taking a look at performance on the field and court, His football program has gone to a national championship game. First one ever. Men's basketball won the Valley title just two seasons ago, the first in several years, winning a program record 28 games. His coach was pick COY. Volleyball, soccer and softball has all won conference championships during the Lyons tenure. NCAA appearances and two programs have NCAA wins. We have had several T and F all conference performers and NCAA national qualifiers.

Academically, we continue to increase GPAs. Football had the highest AP in the conference. Deans list qualifiers are at an all time high. From a compliance standpoint, Lyons has kept every program away from NCAA penalties, sanctions, and virtually any issues. It has been that way a long time, and Lyons has played a big role in that.

I find most interesting the critism here of Lyon's promotional accumen, I have asked many time without ever a reply. What is it that he, or our department isn't doing in this regard? I go to a lot of sports events of all types, at all levels. We do anything and that's being done out there. We work hard at this. We win many awards, every year on video production (which I think is some of the best in the country). Our game production is excellent. All and area that Lyons had done a terrific job of funding and producing. Our social media strategies is also award winning. OK, somebody said have ticket sales gone up. Folks, please, you have absolutely no clue if you are not aware of what's happening with this everywhere. And what an immense challenge it is everywhere to increase gate revenues. But we have. Lyons put together the Learfield deal, which is already out performing projections.

Now keep in mind, all of this has been done without getting an NCAA bid in two decades. So we are back to my original point. The real root of the frustration. I posted once before, our basketball program probably has the best record and attendance, and overall basketball revenue than any program not getting that all important NCAA bid this century. Which may be Lyons' biggest accomplishment of all. Because it is those NCAA tourney experiences that really push a program forward. Somebody groused about fundraising. Again, it's getting in the dance that really pushes that forward. Is Lyons the most personable guy? A real go get'em gladhander. Probably not. Maybe not his strongest quality. Like I said at the very beginning, there are always plusses and minuses. But the alumni like going to those NCAA tourney games. That's where a lot of those deals are done. But we have not been there for Lyons and his team to get this done. I do think we have made some excellent gains in this area of late. I think you will hear more soon.

We have had some successful, entertaining teams. I think we have a competent, caring, and hard working athletics admin team. There is always more that can be done. I am not satisfied, and I know they are not either. Dr,. Dietz is not not satisfied or complacent either. But I know that Lyons and has team has his support. But folks, some of the garbage you are posting here is just wrong. It's unfair.

You can always, and I know you will pick apart and select stuff you want to grouse about. And that's fine. What you need to do is figure out how the heck we can finally get that freaking NCAA bid for men's basketball. Which again, takes us back to the beginning. The main frustration. OK, I killed too many pixels here. You come up with the ideas to get us to the big dance. That is the real, critical, missing ingredient.

Well thought out and insightful. Thank you.

A lot of what has been accomplished by this department is what should be accomplished. And for that...golf clap.

His signing of Muller and subsequent “buy out” clause has tied our hands for another few years and his legacy will be tied to the success, or lack of thereof, of our men’s b-ball team.

 

[ISU FAN 1]

It’s unfortunate, but so few couldn’t give a shit about programs that are successful. Unfortunately, it’s really only basketball and football that matter. FWIW, I think the softball team could be really good the next few years, but relatively few will ever actively support them.

 

[gobirds85]

OK, I am gonna make a case for Lyons. Before I get started, I am not saying he should be admin of the decade, or even year. I am throwing out some stuff as to why our University prez supports him. Why saying trashy things like our athletics department is a "dumpster fire" is just mean, baseless, insulting and classless.

So, let's see. Lyons came up with the financing plan, and saw through the $25 million funding and execution of Hancock 2.0. While we are on capital developments, He put together the $3 million dollar plan for Duffy Bass Field. He has figured out how to finance several other capital projects like new dugouts for softball, several locker room projects, new lighting, new scoreboards and ribbons for RA. And now, he engineered the financing plan for a $6 million lower bowl renovation of Redbird Arena to be completed this summer. Now some you slammers will try to pick this apart, but you have no idea whatsoever how immensely difficult it is to get anything $$$ done in this horribly dysfunctional state. How every capital project gets tons of $$$ add-ons and requirements piled on by the state, and how they hold up everything in tons of meaningless red tape. The DD's won't like to hear this, but Lyons actually has a national rep for finance accumen and getting projects done, and has excelled way past most athletics departments in this regard. He balances the budgets and is known for being able to deliver a solid bang for the buck. If you don't think this is a big deal, look at some of the other U's budgets, like SIU. Many presidents would love to have a chief athletics officer that takes care of the books and gets projects done as Lyons does.I invite you to point to other U's that have had as much capital project success.

Taking a look at performance on the field and court, His football program has gone to a national championship game. First one ever. Men's basketball won the Valley title just two seasons ago, the first in several years, winning a program record 28 games. His coach was pick COY. Volleyball, soccer and softball has all won conference championships during the Lyons tenure. NCAA appearances and two programs have NCAA wins. We have had several T and F all conference performers and NCAA national qualifiers.

Academically, we continue to increase GPAs. Football had the highest AP in the conference. Deans list qualifiers are at an all time high. From a compliance standpoint, Lyons has kept every program away from NCAA penalties, sanctions, and virtually any issues. It has been that way a long time, and Lyons has played a big role in that.

I find most interesting the critism here of Lyon's promotional accumen, I have asked many time without ever a reply. What is it that he, or our department isn't doing in this regard? I go to a lot of sports events of all types, at all levels. We do anything and that's being done out there. We work hard at this. We win many awards, every year on video production (which I think is some of the best in the country). Our game production is excellent. All and area that Lyons had done a terrific job of funding and producing. Our social media strategies is also award winning. OK, somebody said have ticket sales gone up. Folks, please, you have absolutely no clue if you are not aware of what's happening with this everywhere. And what an immense challenge it is everywhere to increase gate revenues. But we have. Lyons put together the Learfield deal, which is already out performing projections.

Now keep in mind, all of this has been done without getting an NCAA bid in two decades. So we are back to my original point. The real root of the frustration. I posted once before, our basketball program probably has the best record and attendance, and overall basketball revenue than any program not getting that all important NCAA bid this century. Which may be Lyons' biggest accomplishment of all. Because it is those NCAA tourney experiences that really push a program forward. Somebody groused about fundraising. Again, it's getting in the dance that really pushes that forward. Is Lyons the most personable guy? A real go get'em gladhander. Probably not. Maybe not his strongest quality. Like I said at the very beginning, there are always plusses and minuses. But the alumni like going to those NCAA tourney games. That's where a lot of those deals are done. But we have not been there for Lyons and his team to get this done. I do think we have made some excellent gains in this area of late. I think you will hear more soon.

We have had some successful, entertaining teams. I think we have a competent, caring, and hard working athletics admin team. There is always more that can be done. I am not satisfied, and I know they are not either. Dr,. Dietz is not not satisfied or complacent either. But I know that Lyons and has team has his support. But folks, some of the garbage you are posting here is just wrong. It's unfair.

You can always, and I know you will pick apart and select stuff you want to grouse about. And that's fine. What you need to do is figure out how the heck we can finally get that freaking NCAA bid for men's basketball. Which again, takes us back to the beginning. The main frustration. OK, I killed too many pixels here. You come up with the ideas to get us to the big dance. That is the real, critical, missing ingredient.

I've read some interesting things on this message board, but this may be my favorite. I don't know if Larry wrote this himself or a family member.

-Hancock 2.0, - Lyons had 0 percent to do with. Bob Donewald has more to do with building Hanock 2.0 than Lyons, since the student fees are the ones that paid to build Redbird Arena

https://www.pantagraph.com/special-section/annualreport/hancock-stadium-to-get-m-renovation/article_8961cdc6-72c1-11e1-8d0f-0019bb2963f4.html

"Funding for the project will come largely from a reallocation of student fees, which will not increase.

The university is also planning on $2.5 million in private contributions to the project. The amount of private gifts and pledges as of late February was $472,500."

https://www.pantagraph.com/sports/college/football/isu-s-hancock-stadium-to-get-million-upgrade/article_7cd25714-e938-11e0-ae62-001cc4c002e0.html

“This project will not trigger a hike in student fees, nor will we ask students to pay any new fees,” he said. “The fees students already pay to support athletics and other campus facilities will be directed toward the Hancock Stadium project.

Bowman acknowledged the retirement of Redbird Arena debt frees up such student fees.”

To say he "Financed" means he couldn't raise the money so the school bailed him out.

Zenger was the one that did the Duffy Bass Field upgrades. https://goredbirds.com/news/2008/7/18/071808aae_985.aspx?path=baseball

Lets look at Lyon's goals when he took over as AD in 2013
https://www.pantagraph.com/sports/college/football/indoor-practice-facility-top-item-on-wish-list-for-illinois/article_e4a9b732-2636-11e3-b265-0019bb2963f4.html

-Indoor Practice Facility
-Horseshoe for Hancock
-New Indoor Track (300 Meters to host meets)
-bump out” entrance for Redbird Arena and a physical location for a Hall of Fame

*I saw on a WSF thing they sent out, we have less than 2 million of a $25 million indoor fieldhouse project raised.

*We've given up on the hoseshoe.

*Without the fieldhouse we can't build an indoor track.

*We can't raise any money for the new ticket entrance at Redbird.

The only reason the lower bowl is getting renovated is because the seats fell apart and paid by bonds. Also, unlike the State Farm Center in Champaign (which is now nice) we are going to only fix up half the arena.

"ISU President Larry Dietz said the renovations originated because the parts needed for the aged seats are not available anymore."

"The renovations include the use of $6.8 million in auxiliary facilities system revenue bonds to replace lower bowl seating areas in Redbird Arena, adding railings and a new private suite."

Once again, no money raised for the project.

He's basically failed at every major goal he had when he started. Football has fallen behind because we can't pay cost of attendance or build state-of-the art facilities. Basketball is a train wreck and he gave Muller $3.6 million for mediocrity.

So he's accomplished nothing major. Can't raise any money and had to bring in Learfield since his family couldn't raise any money.

Mic drop. Well played, Rico.

 

[ricohill]

It’s unfortunate, but so few couldn’t give a shit about programs that are successful. Unfortunately, it’s really only basketball and football that matter. FWIW, I think the softball team could be really good the next few years, but relatively few will ever actively support them.

Really the only sport that is successful is Volleyball. Soccer has become average. Softball hasn't been good in a while. Women's basketball is doing ok, but they have played a schedule worse than anything Janko put together.

Also, trying to make an argument that we should be happy that those other sports have success would be like an Alabama fan being happy with a track and field national championship while the football team went 6 and 6. In the real world it is all about Football and Men's Basketball