Ask the AD: FCS Football…

Ask the AD question submitted by Barry via CCSUBlueDevils.com:

Question:
Good to have someone of your credential here at CCSU, congratulations. My questions are as follows; At this point in time, does it look like the northern CAA football schools will join the NEC,vs. CCSU joining in with these other teams recreating a new Yankee conference? Would the auto qualifier for playoff be immediate in a new conference–or would there be a few a year wait, to get back to playoffs? Which scenario is more likely? I know your active with NEC board meetings. Obviously, as a parent of a student-athlete, I personally would love to see us step up in competition, and that leads to next question. Are CCSU scholarships for football going to be impacted down or increased going forward?

Answer:
Dear Barry,

Thank for you for your kind words and for your inquiries about FCS Football and our program here at Central.  Before I answer your questions, I would say that it has certainly been an interesting summer in the world of college athletics and conference affiliation.  With two schools shifting from the Big 12 to the Big Ten and Pac-10, two more jumping from the WAC to the Mountain West, and BYU going independent, there has been a significant change in the conference affiliation landscape.  These changes have been Football driven.  As I’m sure was the case at league meetings across the country, particularly with those who sponsor Football, the AD’s in the NEC engaged in serious conversation about a) the potential domino/trickle down effects of these BCS moves at the FCS level  and b) possible proactive strategies to solidify our future position as a viable, competitive FCS Conference.  As AD’s and as a league, it is incumbent upon us to be prepared for what can be a sudden and constantly evolving conference affiliation landscape.

At this time, I do not anticipate that the northern CAA schools ( I assume you refer to UMass, Maine and UNH) will break from their southern CAA brethren.  There is a very long standing tradition and relationship between and amongst those schools that does (as you make reference to) go back to the old Yankee Conference days and I believe those schools, at least for the foreseeable future, will remain committed to the CAA for Football.  With regard to URI, the NEC has engaged in serious discussions with them as a possible 10^th member of our NEC Football Conference.  I think we will achieve some clarity on that topic in the near future.  With this potential for expansion of the NEC and given our access for the league champion to the FCS playoffs by way of automatic qualification, Central is committed to maximizing our growth potential in the NEC.  Our NEC rules currently allow for a maximum of 34 scholarships in the sport of Football.  We are funding our program at that level and have concurrently made great strides in scholarship funding for our women’s programs.

Given these aforementioned scenarios, I think your question about an AQ for a new or re-branded Yankee Conference is mute.  However, as an aside, NCAA rules stipulate that there must be a minimum of 6 schools in a “conference” to be granted Automatic Qualification to any NCAA championship event.  The consideration for that is initially vetted by the respective NCAA Sport Committees and then forwarded to the NCAA Executive Committee for their consideration.

I am excited about the trip to UNH this weekend for the season opener and looking forward to another exciting season of CCSU Football.  I hope to see you there.

Best regards, Paul

Ask the AD: Student Support…

Ask the AD question submitted by Matt via CCSUBlueDevils.com:

Question:
Hey Paul, Congratulations on becoming Athletic Director of CCSU. As a current student at CCSU the last couple of years I have noticed at basketball games the student turnout is less than it was in the past. I know CCSU over the last year has been doing a lot of work to increase student participation in the men’s and women’s basketball games on campus with giving out t shirts, and rally towels. Although I feel that is a step in the right direction I was wondering if anybody is thinking about forming a legitimate student section with special student section t-shirts?? This I think will make students realize that they have to come out and support their teams to help them be successful. Including road games too…for example last season for men’s basketball at the Connecticut 6 tournament in Bridgeport and the game vs. Holy Cross at Mohegan Sun, student participation was at a minimum. Thanks for taking time to respond and good luck this coming school year.

Answer:
Dear Matt,

I am always thrilled to get questions from our students; so thank you for your interest in, and enthusiasm for, Blue Devil Athletics!  You, the students, are a CRITICAL factor in the success of our athletic program.  We want and need your support!  It is very important to me as the Director of Athletics that we continue to work very hard to cultivate student interest in, and attendance at, our contests throughout the year.  There is no substitute for the atmosphere that can be generated by an enthusiastic and passionate student body at a college sporting event.  As important as you and your fellow students are to us, I also believe very strongly that we (Athletics) can and should be a valuable part of campus life and provide a unique opportunity for students.  I believe that our athletic contests can be a valuable venue for students to come together and bond by developing a common sense of spirit, pride and identity about CCSU and Blue Devil Athletics.

We are currently working on several campus marketing initiatives geared toward the campus and our students.  Our efforts in this regard will continue to be a priority as we move forward.  As a matter of fact, we are hosting an event at Arute Field this Friday at 2:30 p.m. as part of Freshmen Orientation activities where we will speak to all incoming students about what it means to be a Blue Devil fan and how important there support is to us.

Matt, I applaud your enthusiasm and welcome your continued input.  Please feel free to come visit with me in person.  I would love to utilize you (and your friends) in our outreach efforts.

Best regards, Paul

Ask the AD: Basketball Facility…

Ask the AD question submitted by Mark via CCSUBlueDevils.com

Question:
Mr. Schlickmann- I’m sure that I’m not the first one to ask you about this but…. Obviously we need an updated basketball arena. It’s also obvious that in these tough economic times the money is just not there. In your opinion, would it be possible to give Detrick gymnasium the ol’ Fenway make-over? I’m sure that there are some creative solutions out there. Maybe we could knock out that far wall and add seating? This would create a horseshoe shaped viewing area while giving the old place more of an “arena” feel to it–and keeping the price-tag fairly low. I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks for your time.

Answer:
Dear Mark,

Thank you for your inquiry.  Your first inclination about not being the first person to inquire about, or express interest in, a new basketball arena is correct.  However, I am excited by such inquiries because to me it is an indication that our Blue Devil fans are passionate about our basketball programs, about coming to campus and about their support of CCSU.  At this early juncture, it would be a bit premature for me to predict the viability of a new basketball arena or a major renovation to Kaiser Hall.  However, your point is well taken and certainly has some merit.  That being said, my focus is to maximize the atmosphere that we can create and generate in Detrick Gymnasium.

As a Massachusetts native and long time Red Sox fan, I appreciate your analogy to Fenway Park.  In its own way (as Fenway is to Major League Baseball), Detrick is one of the venerable, tradition rich venues in the history of New England college basketball. It has been the home of countless great players and the site of numerous memorable contests.  Thus, it is my goal for us to both preserve and enhance Detrick for our fans and our student-athletes.  Toward that end, we have engaged in a few projects this summer, some functional and some aesthetic, to infuse some renewed life and energy into the venue.

As we move forward and develop a master plan for our athletic facilities, we will continue to assess ways for us to enhance Kaiser and all our existing venues.  I am excited about the University’s commitment to providing the best possible facilities for the students and certainly thrilled with the projects we have underway on our outdoor athletics complex.  Once completed, I am confident we will have some of the finest facilities of their kind in the Northeast Conference.

Best regards, Paul

Ask the AD: Fall Construction…

Question from Anthony via CCSUBlueDevils.com

Question:
Is this summer and fall construction window of time gone? That is, with there being no activity, does this mean that we are still 2 to 3 years behind schedule? Who planned this and, why did they not think that hawks and the DEP could be roadblocks in the construction activity?

Answer:
Dear Anthony,

I apologize for the delayed response.  I was away for some time leading up to my wedding and for my honeymoon following that. I hope you have had an enjoyable summer!

Thank you for your inquiry to our Ask the AD feature and your interest in Blue Devil Athletics.  I am pleased to report (and as you may have noticed) that the construction on the outdoor athletic complex has been progressing nicely since the second week of July.  If you did not see them or have a chance to read them, I also provided some feedback on this topic as a result of two questions similar to yours earlier in the summer.  I have included the links to those two questions and responses here.

http://ccsubluedevils.wordpress.com/2010/07/10/ask-the-ad-outdoor-construction-update/

http://ccsubluedevils.wordpress.com/2010/07/10/ask-the-ad-soccer-field-update/

That being said, the contractors on the project are currently preparing and cultivating the site for the installation of the artificial turf field that will eventually be our soccer field.  With projects of this magnitude, there are always challenges of varying degrees, some of which can be unique to the site.  Our campus facility staff continues to work as effectively and efficiently as possible as we continue to move these projects along.  As I articulated in my earlier answers, I am confident that our collaborative efforts will result in an end product that will be one of the finest outdoor athletic complexes in the Northeast Conference.

Best regards,
Paul

Ask the AD: Football Fan Support…

Question submitted by Kevin via CCSUBlueDevils.com

Question:

Dear Paul,

CCSU football has had much success in the last few seasons, and with winning the conference last year there still hasn’t been a tremendous fan base. What will you do to encourage student participation at home football games, and bigger turnouts?

Answer:

Dear Kevin,

Thank for taking the time to ask your question.  I appreciate your recognition of our football program and their success.  Coach McInerney has done an excellent job of building a top tier Northeast Conference program.  The caliber of play in our conference continues to get better each year and has been recognized as such within the Football Championship Sub-division.  As you may know, the NCAA FCS Committee has granted the Northeast Conference champion automatic qualification to the NCAA playoffs effective this coming season.  We are excited about the 2010 season, the continued trajectory of our football program and their ability to compete regularly for the league title.  My early impression (not having actually seen a recent football game on campus yet) is that we have a core following (parents, alumni, the local community, students, faculty and staff) for our football program who are very passionate and loyal.  This core provides us with a great base to build upon.  We intend to work very closely with campus leaders to engage our student body, faculty and staff in our athletic events.  A great student crowd along with a strong campus following adds immeasurably to the atmosphere and to the sense of spirit and pride that can permeate a campus through Intercollegiate Athletics.  In addition to this campus focus, we will market to the surrounding communities with the goal of attracting local families to campus so they can enjoy our fan friendly, family oriented, affordable entertainment.  It is important that our Athletics program be an integrated and contributing member to our campus and the local community.

Attached HERE IS THE LINK announcing our 2010 Football Season Ticket Package.  Please pass along to your friends!

Thank you again for your note and I look forward to seeing you at Arute Field in the Fall.

Best regards,

Paul

A Reply to From the AD’s Desk…

Hi Paul:

Ron Roy here – Class of 83.

Just wanted to say as an alum, former CCSU athlete and pioneer social marketer I truly appreciate you developing relationships through e-media and keeping us who have great memories and deep passions for CCSU informed.

My hat goes off to you for making your introduction personal and I have enjoyed your e-mails/blog and will continue to stay in-the-know through your social communication.

All the best in your new venture as AD and hopefully I will be back on campus before the end of the year for some sports action rooting on the Blue Devils.

Best,

Ron Roy
Class of 1983

Reply:

Dear Ron,

Thank you for your great email.  I am very pleased that the intent of my blog and emails seems to be having the desired effect of providing consistent communication to engage and/or re-engage our alumni (and most importantly our former student-athletes) and keep them in tune to our Athletics program.  You all are our greatest resource.  It is your past that ties you to Central and Blue Devil Athletics, but is my goal to have our alumni feel that they are just as important to our future growth and success.  I am fortunate to be at a place where the alumni are truly passionate about, and loyal to, their alma mater.  That does not happen everywhere.  Great days are ahead!

Thank you again for taking the time to provide your feedback and encouragement.  It means a great deal.  I look forward to seeing you on campus in the fall.

Kindest regards,

Paul

Ask the AD: A Baseball CT6…

Ask the AD question submitted by Mark via CCSUBlueDevils.com

Question:

Mr. Schlickmann,

Welcome to the CCSU family. After attending Central’s baseball game against UConn and seeing the great turnout and the pride displayed on both sides, it made me wonder of the feasibility of having a Connecticut-6 type of tourney for baseball. Wouldn’t it be fantastic for Connecticut baseball to have a yearly tournament–maybe at New Britain Stadium–with Central, UConn, and some of Connecticut’s other D-1 schools? I think that it would not only draw big crowds, but draw a great deal of attention to baseball in the northeast; instead of playing in front of the usual 200-300 fans, these kids would be able to play in front of 1000-2000. Thanks for your time.

Answer:

Mark,

Thank you for your inquiry.  I love your enthusiasm for our baseball program and for Division I college baseball in the state of Connecticut.  The Norwich NCAA Regional was a priceless opportunity for both Central and UConn to compete locally, yet be on a “national stage”.  It was fantastic for parents, alumni and all local baseball fans to see the high caliber brand of college baseball that is played in the Northeast.  I applaud the enlightened and progressive stance of the NCAA Baseball Committee to award the regional to UConn and conduct a regional series in the Northeast.  As you may know, we played all five Connecticut Division I teams (Hartford, Fairfield and UConn as non-conference games and Sacred Heart, Quinnipiac as part of the Northeast Conference schedule) this past season.  While I do like your idea in concept, I think the challenge might be finding a common weekend conducive for all six teams during what is normally a very tight window for non-conference play in the Northeast.  Regardless, I do think it is important that we continue to play our fellow Connecticut institutions.  It makes sense from a scheduling and fiscal perspective and is good for the continued growth of Connecticut college baseball.

Have a great summer!

Best regards,

Paul

Ask the AD: Women’s Track Coach Update…

Ask the AD question submitted by Sharon via CCSUBlueDevils.com

Question:

With the indoor pre track season underway, has a decision been made on who will be the head track coach for the women’s team?

Answer:

Dear Sharon,

The timing of your question below was serendipitous!  It was with great excitement that I announced Eric Blake as the Head Coach of our Men’s and Women’s Cross Country/Track and Field Programs late Thursday afternoon.  I am confident Eric will bring a strong work ethic, character and competitiveness to both our programs.  Please see the attached story announcing Eric’s appointment and join me in congratulating him.

Best regards,

Paul

Link for Eric’s story: http://www.ccsubluedevils.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=17600&ATCLID=204965972

Ask the AD: Soccer Field Update…

Ask the AD question submitted by Pat via CCSUBlueDevils.com

Question:

Can you please provide a brief overview updating the progress for construction of the new on campus soccer field?

Answer:

Hello Pat,

Thank you for your inquiry and your interest in our program.  My answer to your question might be somewhat repetitive to a similar question posed to me in another recent “Ask the AD” email.  The Soccer Field project has been approved and a bid process has been completed.  We are now moving forward with the selection process for a contractor.  As you may/may not  know, the light towers on the east side of the stadium were removed earlier this week as part of the preparation process for the area.  I have worked closely with our campus facility staff as we continue to shepherd these projects along and feel confident that our collaborative efforts will result in continued progress.  When complete, I believe this complex will provide us with one of the finest soccer venues in the Northeast Conference

Best regards,

Paul

Ask the AD: Outdoor Construction Update…

Ask the AD question submitted by Keith via CCSUBlueDevils.com

Question:

Greetings Mr. Schlickmann, As you are probably aware, CCSU students and alum are frustrated by the seemingly exceedingly slow progress of updating our outdoor athletic facilities. The project is already a year behind schedule due to DEP environmental permitting issues and now it seems construction has stopped again…right in the middle of the prime construction season. Could you please explain why construction has ceased and if we will, indeed, see a new soccer field and an expanded football field in the near future? Thanks!

Answer:

Hello Keith,

Thank you for your inquiry about the status of our outdoor athletic facilities.  It is a multifaceted project that, when complete, will provide us with some of the finest facilities of their kind (and one of the best outdoor athletic complexes) in the Northeast Conference.  I am pleased to say that the Baseball and Softball venues are all but complete with some paving and landscape work remaining, and in progress.  As you know, our teams practiced and competed in those two facilities this past spring season.  In addition, a grass field adjacent to the Baseball field has been renovated and completed for use by Campus Recreation.  The Soccer Field project has been approved and a bid process has been completed.  We are now moving forward with the selection process for a contractor.  As you may know,  the light towers on the east side of the stadium were removed earlier this week as part of the preparation process for the area.  The Stadium is a DPW project and is currently being reviewed in preparation,  and approval for, the bid process.  Since I came on board, I have worked closely with our campus facility staff as we continue to shepherd these projects along.  I am confident that the collaborative efforts of all parties (campus and external) involved will result in continued progress.

Thank you and best regards,

Paul