As a long-suffering Chicago fan, I reveled in the dismissal of nincompoops like Terry Bevington, Pat Kennedy and Dave Wannstedt. These paled in comparison, however, to the departure of Bill Bradshaw from DePaul. My heart did backflips with the possibility that my alma mater’s basketball program might regain some sense of national prominence.
But in the wake of 16 years of public disaffection and media indifference, DePaul officials are faced with the formidable task of regaining the interest and patronage of alienated fans, grads and sponsors. While the hiring of Dave Leitao appears to be a step in the right direction, school administration must display further leadership. As a longtime observer, program fundraiser and lapsed season ticket-holder (after several decades), I offer three suggestions:
– First, you’ll never rebuild until you repair relations with the Meyer family. Coach Ray won’t come back until DePaul makes a significant gesture of apology for its treatment of Joey.
– Second, overcome the notion that ticket-buying fans are merely a backdrop for television. Schedule home games when people actually want to attend–end the steady diet of Saturday afternoon dates that satisfy only Fox Sports Net.
– Third, realize that Chicago doesn’t really care about Conference Hee-Haw. With apologies to Marquette, Saint Louis and Tulane, find a league affiliation not overwhelmed by rural schools and academic scandals.
