I believe Idaho wants to compete for the WAC title and is dedicated to doing that. I expect to see some headway in salaries over the next year or two for both football and BB coaching staffs. Already this year Idaho has generated more football revenue via ticket sales, and has a possible bowl date looming. BB attendance was up last year and I expect another solid increase this year. Every extra ticket sold helps. The best thing we can do is support the teams by bying tickets, attending events, and supporting the Vandal Scholarship fund.

We have a good president now that understands the importance of successful athletic programs. A solid, revenue generating football and Mens BB program can go a long ways towards covering the entire athletics budget.

In my opinion, the administration in Moscow needs to decide what the goals and objectives are for the athletic department. Is the objectives to just have an athletics program? Is it to win WAC championships? More boldly, is it to become competitive at the national level? If Idaho expects to ever be competitive and sustain competitiveness in athletics, coaches will have to be paid more. Pure and simple.

Finally, facilities upgrades must be forthcoming. Indeed, incremental progress is being made on the Dome. However, I worry that the current direction is to continue to use the Dome as a “multipurpose” or catch-all facility. I think basketball needs its own home. If a separate basketball facility is not constructed in the near future, I fear we will also lose Don Verlin.