Last game of the season live thread

[Ram Tough]

Funny thing is IUP has more basketball scholarships on a yearly basis than most of our football programs.

But, as always, our 'scholarship' reporting numbers are iffy at best -- i.e. they don't tell the whole story. They don't take in to consideration the 'perks' provided to the walk-ons, etc.

You are absolutely correct. And as much as some like to downplay it, facilities matter.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

There was a Shepherd fan who was really just trying to be supportive and said that Shepherd had the resources it needs for a national title because Glenville State won the women's basketball title last season. And I resisted telling her that there is a big difference between funding football and basketball.

Funny thing is IUP has more basketball scholarships on a yearly basis than most of our football programs.

But, as always, our 'scholarship' reporting numbers are iffy at best -- i.e. they don't tell the whole story. They don't take in to consideration the 'perks' provided to the walk-ons, etc.

[Ram Tough]

There was a Shepherd fan who was really just trying to be supportive and said that Shepherd had the resources it needs for a national title because Glenville State won the women's basketball title last season. And I resisted telling her that there is a big difference between funding football and basketball.

[WarriorVoice]

I think D2 only allows 10 for MBB.

Did not know that. Thanks!

[Brandon]

You need 15 schollies for basketball. Football requires a ton more...Comparing them is apples and watermelons...

I think D2 only allows 10 for MBB.

[WarriorVoice]

So basically IUP has decided to hitch their wagon to hoops instead of the turf. If that trend was reversed, would IUP have the money to be a fully funded D2 football program?

You need 15 schollies for basketball. Football requires a ton more...Comparing them is apples and watermelons...

[Ship69]

Murtha was a friend of IUP once we were put in his district. I can't remember his impact on the KCAC, but Kovalchik had plenty of connections. There are alot of stories about how he helped to get the KCAC, some might be true

Nice if you can get someone in Harrisburg on your side. In our area we have mostly ultra conservative legislators who think gutting public education is just fine.

[ironmaniup]

Murtha might have been on the IUP Board of Trustees, I can't remember for sure. But he did attend IUP and I think his kids went to IUP.

Murtha was a friend of IUP once we were put in his district. I can't remember his impact on the KCAC, but Kovalchik had plenty of connections. There are alot of stories about how he helped to get the KCAC, some might be true

[EyeoftheHawk]

Coming to campus from Wayne Ave used to be such an eye soar. It still is to an extent but nothing like it was in the 90s.

Of course, a lot of the 'dump' was removed and even more of it was somewhat hidden from the eye. However, that area still could use some house cleaning.

Ironically, they got that part of Wayne somewhat cleaned up but when they pretty much ran Frat Row off of 7th Street much of the party scene just shifted down to Wayne (where Uncle Sudzies once was). That strip there is primarily the new 'party block' of IUP. Total pain in the behind to drive near there at night.

There’s a plan on paper to clean up what remains. Think green space and outdoor education opportunities.

[IUPNation]

Early on in the process there was also talk of the KCAC complex including a "department of homeland security" office as well. I also remember one of the IUP big wigs bragged "were are going to get rid of that dump" aka the scrap yard that was much bigger back in the day before IUP had you know officially secured the property.

It was an eyesore and a bad first image as you came in on Wayne Ave.

[Fightingscot82]

Who owns it? And why not?

They own it. A third party company manages it.

[IUPNation]

IUP’s basketball arena is not owned by the University. That arena is used for many things other than IUP athletics. Most of the revenue brought in by the arena doesn’t even go to IUP.

Who owns it? And why not?

[iupgroundhog]

There was some opportunism as well. Johnstown has an aging arena (of Slap Shot fame) that has a history of hosting second and third tier concerts and some minor conventions. Until a minor renovation about 20 years ago it wasn't even ADA compliant. IUP successfully pitched a modern comprehensive arena/convention center for this region. Part of the pitch was the IUP Foundation being the lead on a second/mid tier hotel.

What impresses me is that they were able to get the state development grant funding (to purchase the land) and a major state grant for construction (about 40% of the cost) in John Murtha's back yard.

Murtha might have been on the IUP Board of Trustees, I can't remember for sure. But he did attend IUP and I think his kids went to IUP.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

They either started running out of money or its a short-sighted design, but that "dead" end of the arena floor is ugly. At least IUP added some bleacher seating and a big video board to disguise theirs.

That is certainly the eye soar of the Angelo Dome.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Well that was a strategic goal for a LONG time. TBH, my memory of walking past that on my way to IUP-Edinboro football games was a factor in me not giving IUP much thought.

Coming to campus from Wayne Ave used to be such an eye soar. It still is to an extent but nothing like it was in the 90s.

Of course, a lot of the 'dump' was removed and even more of it was somewhat hidden from the eye. However, that area still could use some house cleaning.

Ironically, they got that part of Wayne somewhat cleaned up but when they pretty much ran Frat Row off of 7th Street much of the party scene just shifted down to Wayne (where Uncle Sudzies once was). That strip there is primarily the new 'party block' of IUP. Total pain in the behind to drive near there at night.