Aces AD Announcement at 4pm

[UE-BBALL#1]

The University will have a press conference on campus at 4pm to announce the new Athletic Director.

[Bigcityp]

Any word on who it might be?

[UE!]

ONB CEO John Stanley

[AceFan]

UE names local businessman as athletic director

May 4, 2007 03:54 PM CDT

(Editor's note: The following is from a press release by the University of Evansville)

John Stanley is one of the most highly respected business leaders in Evansville, and now he is bringing his talents to the University of Evansville as Director of Athletics.

University of Evansville President Stephen Jennings announced the appointment Friday on Stanley's 57th birthday.

Stanley replaces Bill McGillis, who is leaving after five years at UE to become Senior Associate Director of Athletics at the University of South Florida.

With Stanley, the University adds another alumnus to the Department of Athletics who brings strong local ties.

In March, former Purple Aces' player and Assistant Coach Marty Simmons returned to his Alma Mater as Men's Basketball Coach.

University of Evansville President Stephen Jennings said that input from trustees, faculty members, head coaches and members of the administration assisted in the process of finding a new Athletics Director, "John brings to the table years of involvement with the University and proven leadership skills. He is a great communicator, a lifelong Evansville resident and a UE graduate which will be a great asset in the position's responsibilities within the community. We are so pleased to have him on board and know that his tremendous passion for athletics and this University will be evident."

Jennings stated that Stanley was the ideal candidate for the job, "John is the right choice for UE and I am pleased that he is willing to bring his business acumen to the University to address the Athletics Department goals. He has what it takes to strategize and partner with the UE community to promote the vision of UE athletics and lead the program forward."

The University of Evansville has been an NCAA Division One member since 1977, and is in its 14th year as a member of the Missouri Valley Conference.

Evansville has eight varsity sports for women (basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, swimming & diving, tennis, volleyball) and six for men (baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, swimming & diving).

The baseball team is defending conference champion, women's soccer reached the MVC Tournament championship match last season, and the men's soccer team posted the nation's most improved record last season.

Stanley is Southern Region CEO and President of the Evansville Metro Region of Old National Bank, and a member of the Bancorp's Executive Leadership Group.

He has been with Old National for 31 of his 34 years in banking.

However, Stanley has also found time for active involvement with the University of Evansville in general and the Aces' Department of Athletics in particular.

For the past two years he has been president of the Purple Aces Club, the Department of Athletics' official booster organization.

He has been an adjunct faculty member in the Schroeder Family School of Business Administration at UE, and is co-chair of the University of Evansville Board of Visitors.

He has also served as Assistant Coach for the Aces' women's tennis team for the past three years.

In fact, he has been a community leader in the sport of tennis, having served as president of the Evansville Tennis Club.

Previously, he was the assistant tennis coach at Harrison High School in Evansville, serving as the assistant for the boys' tennis team for nine years and the girls' team for four years.

Stanley was a four-year varsity tennis letter winner while attending Hanover College. He graduated from Hanover in 1972. He obtained his Master of Business Administration Degree from the University of Evansville in 1983. "I have always enjoyed academics, athletics, working with youth, and contributing to my hometown community, Evansville," Stanley said.

"The opportunity to work with so many fine people at the University where I have taught classes, received a degree, and helped coach a team, is something that is like a dream come true to me. I hope to build on the great athletic tradition the school has developed through many excellent coaches and administrators in order that it continue to be a source of pride in our community. It is a position that I will attack with a passion and you can be assured that all of us in the Athletics Department will work tirelessly to achieve this objective."

Stanley is well known in the community for his philanthropic endeavors. He has received several awards for service, including being named a lifetime board member of WNIN Public Radio and Television. He is past recipient of the Business Leader of the Year award from the University of Evansville Delta Sigma Pi International Business Fraternity. He has been a board member of the Southwestern Indiana Red Cross and chairman of the Rehabilitation Center Board of Directors.

He is currently president of St. Mary's Hospital Foundation Board and the Evansville Vanderburgh Building Authority. In addition, Stanley is vice president of the board of directors of the United Way of Southwestern Indiana, and Hanover College Board of Trustees. John and his wife, Suzie, have two grown children-Carrie and John.

[DawgFan]

Usually does not work, although there are exceptions.

[XjimmyfunkX]

I wish this was a joke.

unfortunately it's not.

[AcePurpleFan]

I think this will work out good. Obviously he knows how to manage (and manage money). UE is in dire need of money. I hope he quits his job at Old National. There was no mention of that in the Article, unless I missed it. He'll do 100 times better than McGillis.

[UE-BBALL#1]

He's leaving Old National. A D-1 Athletic Director is a full time job.

[AcePurpleFan]

He's leaving Old National. A D-1 Athletic Director is a full time job.


Thanks for your insight. :banghead: I know it's full-time ... but the Article never said he was leaving Old National - that's all I was saying. Usually they mention that. Maybe he was planning to stay on with ONB as a consultant or something. And maybe the UE AD position isn't going to be D-1 for long?

[DoubleJayAlum]

Thanks for your insight. :banghead: I know it's full-time ... but the Article never said he was leaving Old National - that's all I was saying. Usually they mention that. Maybe he was planning to stay on with ONB as a consultant or something. And maybe the UE AD position isn't going to be D-1 for long?

If you guys are not going to stay D1, can you please make that decision soon?

SLU is chomping at the bit right now to get in the MVC.

[E-Villan]

Stanley was interviewed on WFIE and is leaving his position at ONB.

This is an excellent hire. While I expected someone with a little more direct AD experience, this is exactly what is needed. The athletic program needs to reconnect with the community. ONB has grown tremendously over the last several years and Stanley is very well connected and respected. If he can't get the business leaders back on board, I doubt anybody can.

The D-1 comments are pretty lame...

Good news from Lincoln Avenue!

[AcePurpleFan]

No... we're definitely staying D1... that was just a little joke. Give UE 3 more years and we'll be competing in every sport again and Roberts will be packed. Just write it down and remember this day.

[azbirdfan]

I love the move! I believe someone like that who has tremendously successful business experience and is known so well in the community is perfect for the position. I'm not the least bit concerned that he has no experience as an AD.

That's what his staff is for. What that department needs is leadership and it sounds like you found a great leader who will be able to create a vision and put it into action.

:aces:

[Aegyptus]

Sorry, but this sounds like a dumb hire. AD is an important job. I never respected it that much but SIU's last 2 athletic directors have been outstanding and as integral to SIU's success as any one else. So, now I realize the importance and nuance of the AD's position. They are really the link between the university and the sports programs and have to keep both happy and both respecting (and providing dollars for) the other.

I am sure this guy is a good businessman. There are Old Nationals all over Southern Illinois and Indiana, so on that front he seems to have done a good job. Also, I am sure this is great for the Evansville relationship with the local business community. Perhaps there are some more advertising/donations to be had because of this hire. But, frankly, Evansville does not need more money, it needs to win more, and really, it needs to win at basketball. We are a conference built on basketball and Evansville needs to pull its weight.

This is a very low-major move on Evansville's part. We are the 6/7th rated conference in the country. This sounds like something a community college or an Oakland City U. would do.

That said, I hope it works out. Evansville needs to take some risks to keep up and this certainly seems like one. Perhaps this guy can take the dollars you all are spending further than they presently are. New AD, New Coach ... let's hope you are on the right track.

Go Aces: :aces:

[NDMA90]

Don't know the guy, but he probably wanted to "play" AD and UE smells money. When will Jennings resign? It has been long overdue. He makes Vinson look like a genius.

[yeager]

Don't understand this one at all??? Is there anyone out there that knows of an AD being hired at a D 1 school, that has had ZERO experience in the field or hired an outside business person?? Heck, maybe I should have applied I ran a profitable business. How would everyone feel if we hired Robbie Kent for our head coach. Kind of the same thing.

[E-Ville]

I wonder if there are any plans for a future "Old National Bank" Stadium somewhere in downtown Evansville

[kyyle23]

Usually does not work, although there are exceptions.

Although Kowalczyk had an athletic background, I would have to say his business sense and his evaluation ability were his strongest assetts. UE needs to get a grasp on things and start moving strongly in one direction, I think this could be a very good thing for them. As long as Stanley has a solid supporting cast he could prosper as the AD.

[ValleyBall]

Not saying this won't work out but it is a bizzare and I would say bad hire. I guess the same could be said about Jim Les when we hired him as head coach. It just seems like there are a few schools Creighton,WSU,SIU that are now dealing in the big time. And this looks like a move a small time program would make.

[rmoh18]

I think this is a good thing for UE.
1) Stanley has worked as the assistant tennis coach for the last two years, so he knows all the coaches and athletic staff.
2) He's a community guy with deep ties, which is the opposite of hiring an outsider who knows nothing about the community (a.k.a McGillis)... Marty Simmons will help with this too, since he is also an Evansville guy...
3) He knows how to handle money and to run abusiness, something McGillis was not too good at unless it involved basketball...
4) He might not have the desired athletic department experience, but with the help of the current athletic department staff he should gain enough knowledge to make an impact...
5) When I worked with hom last year, he was one of the nicest and down-to-earth guys I have met. (he really does know his stuff to)...

He might not be the answer, but he is needed change UE needs in the athletic department.

[Ace Dad]

This will work as long as his number 2 and 3 guys (gals) are given a long leash to handle the pure athletic aspects of being an AD. Just being a local guy with great business ties does not transition to being a "good" AD. But, based on what I have read on this thread, he sounds like the sort of guy who will listen, learn, and act. Just may be a good hire for UE at this time.

[jaypharmalum]

Wow, I don't know much about the Evansville community, but this seems pretty out of whack with major college athletics. Maybe Bruce Rasmussen (creighton AD) was right on when he said that conferences should consider contraction when they consider adding teams.

I was on the fence before, but I'd say adding SLU and asking Evansville to leave might make more sense now than ever.

[UE-BBALL#1]

I think this is a horrible hire.

We aren't in the position where we are bringing someone in to continue success, we are needing someone to come in and make an immediate impact in the athletic department, mostly basketball. Someone with no experience is going to struggle to do that. Some say oh its fine he will learn from the people in the athletic office now. But these are the same people who learned how to do things from McGillis for the last 5 years.

I for one am disappointed that we couldn't find better than a banker who graduated from UE and being an athletic director was just always something he wanted to do. It's a grade school move in my opinion to hire the president of the booster club to be the new athletic director.

[goaces]

If you guys are not going to stay D1, can you please make that decision soon?

SLU is chomping at the bit right now to get in the MVC.


Living in St. Louis, I can tell you that your remarks concerning "SLU" chomping at the bit" are absolutely bogus. That ain't gonna happen anytime soon. RM wants to make the jump but it will not happen this year and may not for a while.

My guess is that your slam towards UE are because of how afull the Aces have been over the last seven years. Yeah, they have sucked it up a lot. Your're not telling us anything we don't know already. But there was a time when CU wasn't to so good either. You got the right guy in (DA) and he has done a hell of a job. The city of Omaha are behind the BlueJays, they have a great facility and great fans, and they are on a great roll. I root for the Jays all the time. Our hope is that Marty Simmons can turn things around here soon.

[goaces]

Wow, I don't know much about the Evansville community, but this seems pretty out of whack with major college athletics. Maybe Bruce Rasmussen (creighton AD) was right on when he said that conferences should consider contraction when they consider adding teams.

I was on the fence before, but I'd say adding SLU and asking Evansville to leave might make more sense now than ever.


Your're right, jayp. You don't know about the Evansville community. UE's AD is a prominet businessman who will be able to fund raise much better than an outsider could. Being a life long citizen of this city he would have knowledge for how the people of this town feel about the university, will know how to appeal to them, and will be able to connect with other prominent community leaders. Beginning to make a little more sense?

I have a lot of respect for Creighton and what they have been able to accomplish. They have represented the MVC is a first class way. Perhaps you as a fan might want to follow the example that the laid down for you.

[SubGod22]

So he may be able to be a successful fund raiser. But can he be successful at being an AD and making the decisions that come with it? I think that's the big question that even UE fans are worried about.

[AcePurpleFan]

I think everyone is slamming this hire for no reason needs to think about it for a minute. Sure Stanley doesn't have any experience in working in an Athletic Department, but so what! Why is that important? I want specific details of why that matters. McGillis apparently had tons of experience and he was aweful! A previous comment on here regarding how UE doesn't need money, they need wins, is dead wrong! UE needs MONEY; and lots of it! UE also need to learn how to graduate players and recruit athletes who we don't have to "dismiss for team violations" nearly every other year. We have fallen from from having a tremendous record of graduating players, to one of the worst.

Remember what the key role of an AD is. The AD position is a manager, fundraiser, and leadership position. Look at the Vandy model... they have NO athletic director. Football has greatly improved, baseball is top-notch, and basketball is getting better. Sure this might not work for every school, but the point is, you don't need some flunky who can't manage a budget at the helm.

This is an excellent hire for UE. Stanley will run the Department efficiently; he will delegate work to those with superior knowledge; and will re-energize local corporate support. Look at what he has accomplished as President of ONB that is directly relevant to the AD position. I'd rather have someone with "real-world" experience than a lot of other ADs who were just former athletes with Athletic Administration degrees and don't know what the heck they are doing. Not to knock on an Athletic Administration degree, but its not as difficult to obtain, nor does it sufficiently prepare for the true financial responsibilities of AD, as a MBA. Believe me, if you can be the Southern Region CEO and President of a multi-BILLION dollar bank, you can take those same "skills" and apply them to an Athletic Department. I'm surprised UE got him to take the pay-cut to accept the position!

[AcePurpleFan]

So he may be able to be a successful fund raiser. But can he be successful at being an AD and making the decisions that come with it? I think that's the big question that even UE fans are worried about.


We agree on the SLU thing but I don't follow you here. What decisions come with being an AD that he might not be able to make? I'm not knocking you, I honestly have been thinking about it and can't think of any significant decisions a President of a Major Bank wouldn't be able to make as AD. Honestly, I just don't know any?

[jaypharmalum]

Your're right, jayp. You don't know about the Evansville community. UE's AD is a prominet businessman who will be able to fund raise much better than an outsider could. Being a life long citizen of this city he would have knowledge for how the people of this town feel about the university, will know how to appeal to them, and will be able to connect with other prominent community leaders. Beginning to make a little more sense?

I have a lot of respect for Creighton and what they have been able to accomplish. They have represented the MVC is a first class way. Perhaps you as a fan might want to follow the example that the laid down for you.

There are 20,000 people in Omaha right now from all over the world to listen to one of the greatest business minds in the world speak, Warren Buffett. He has lived in Omaha virtually his entire adult life, has connections greater than you or I could imagine (ie, best buddy is Bill Gates)... but I sure as hell wouldn't want him as my athletic director.

Don't you think it's a bit odd that other univeristies don't hire local businessmen to be their ADs if that is such a good idea? I wish this guy and Evansville well, I really do. It just seems odd for a major univeristy to go this route.

[E-Villan]

Relax goaces, jaypharm not only knows nothing about the Evansville community, he also apparently knows nothing of how pathetic Creightons own program was just a few years ago. In spite of our basketball programs, we haven't sunk that low.

I guess I just disagree with the other Aces posters in what I feel the responsibilities of the AD will be. This program needs cash. The whole D-1 debate a few years ago wasn't about wins/losses but about finances. We simply don't have the students or alums the large state schools have. We have to rely on the community. When the stadium is full and booster club membership is strong, we have the finances. Stanley can generate the interests, I think it is the coaches job to deliver the wins/losses. A good leader doesn't have to know the intricities of his subordinates, he just has to put the right people who do in place and then hold them accountable.

This isn't just some banker who wants to play AD. He has a lifelong involvement in sports, an alum who has a strong interest in seeing this program be all it can be. He has led ONB into a major player, in fact, they are the largest bank based in Indiana. He didn't accomplish that by not hiring the right people and holding them accountable. They do things right, the involvement they put back in the community is very strong. If anyone can bring the community back, he can. This isn't Joe Bob from the Little Egypt State Bank of Herrin.

We need the media, boosters and entire city back behind this team. Stanley seems like the perfect guy to pull it off.

[jaypharmalum]

Relax goaces, jaypharm not only knows nothing about the Evansville community, he also apparently knows nothing of how pathetic Creightons own program was just a few years ago. In spite of our basketball programs, we haven't sunk that low.

I guess I just disagree with the other Aces posters in what I feel the responsibilities of the AD will be. This program needs cash. The whole D-1 debate a few years ago wasn't about wins/losses but about finances. We simply don't have the students or alums the large state schools have. We have to rely on the community. When the stadium is full and booster club membership is strong, we have the finances. Stanley can generate the interests, I think it is the coaches job to deliver the wins/losses. A good leader doesn't have to know the intricities of his subordinates, he just has to put the right people who do in place and then hold them accountable.

This isn't just some banker who wants to play AD. He has a lifelong involvement in sports, an alum who has a strong interest in seeing this program be all it can be. He has led ONB into a major player, in fact, they are the largest bank based in Indiana. He didn't accomplish that by not hiring the right people and holding them accountable. They do things right, the involvement they put back in the community is very strong. If anyone can bring the community back, he can. This isn't Joe Bob from the Little Egypt State Bank of Herrin.

We need the media, boosters and entire city back behind this team. Stanley seems like the perfect guy to pull it off.

I could provide the lecture and syllabus on CUs program and there were a couple of bad years in between Barone and Altman... That's been quite a while.

As stated, good luck to your new AD.. I am not alone in this thread thinking this is a pretty curious hire. If you're happy (and not all of the Ace fans on VT seem to be), that's good enough for me.

[MoValley John]

It's an odd hire, more unconventional than odd, but odd none the less. The fact is that he might be a great businessmen, but there seems to be this misperception, not only from Evansville fans, that building a strong athletics department begins with making wise business moves and raising money.

It doesn't.

Building a strong and successful athletic program has its foundation in one thing, and one thing only. Winning. When you win, you fill arenas. When you win, you connect with the community. When you win, people want to be associated with you. When you win, donors flood the coffers with money. When you win, the rest of the university embraces you. When you win, recruiting gets easier and you win more. When you win more, you get even more money.

Being a local business leader, Stanely has credibility out of the gate; there will be a boost in donations and the program will have a little spring in it's step. Can he learn on the job, I don't know and wouldn't want to guess. But he better know more than how to read a bottom line and gladhand or it will be a disaster. He needs to understand all of the NCAA rules, how to hire successful coaches, how to keep his coaches from cheating, how to keep kids in the classroom, but most of all he better be able to commit money to developing winning programs that will never make a dime, a tough decisions for a banker.

The honeymoon will not last forever; he needs to win more basketball games this year then last, and even more in two years- it is the crown jewel of the department. He also better be able to fully embrace all of the other programs, women and mens, that don't make money, and that means more than his beloved tennis program.

Will it work? The only way to know is to check back in three years.

[AcePurpleFan]

Athletic Directors don't coach, they hire coaches. We just got a new basketball coach, so we'll see how that works. If our last AD hadn't given a terrible coach a contract extension, we wouldn't be so far behind the 8-ball at this point. And as far as making a committment to the facilities, you should look at pictures of Old National Banks new headquarters downtown. Bankers don't have problems spending money they just have problems spending the Bank's money (they are perfectly willing to spend interest money). :lol: Thus, AD's need to raise money and hire good coaches. I think it would be stupid for an AD to konw all the NCAA rules... all D1 programs have compliance directors (UE included). That is their job. Sure we need more kids going to class. That's the coaches job and the Academic Counselors. A good AD holds everyone's feet to the fire, he does not micro-manage. Stanely will be fine.

[MoValley John]

Athletic Directors don't coach, they hire coaches. We just got a new basketball coach, so we'll see how that works. If our last AD hadn't given a terrible coach a contract extension, we wouldn't be so far behind the 8-ball at this point. And as far as making a committment to the facilities, you should look at pictures of Old National Banks new headquarters downtown. Bankers don't have problems spending money they just have problems spending the Bank's money (they are perfectly willing to spend interest money). :lol: Thus, AD's need to raise money and hire good coaches. I think it would be stupid for an AD to konw all the NCAA rules... all D1 programs have compliance directors (UE included). That is their job. Sure we need more kids going to class. That's the coaches job and the Academic Counselors. A good AD holds everyone's feet to the fire, he does not micro-manage. Stanely will be fine.

I haven't said that Stanely wouldn't do fine, I have only said it's unconventional. As for knowing the rules, he better learn them and know them. He better know when coaches can and cannot have contact with recruits and he better know how to comply with everything that is demanded by the NCAA.

[goaces]

Sorry, but this sounds like a dumb hire. AD is an important job. I never respected it that much but SIU's last 2 athletic directors have been outstanding and as integral to SIU's success as any one else. So, now I realize the importance and nuance of the AD's position. They are really the link between the university and the sports programs and have to keep both happy and both respecting (and providing dollars for) the other.

I am sure this guy is a good businessman. There are Old Nationals all over Southern Illinois and Indiana, so on that front he seems to have done a good job. Also, I am sure this is great for the Evansville relationship with the local business community. Perhaps there are some more advertising/donations to be had because of this hire. But, frankly, Evansville does not need more money, it needs to win more, and really, it needs to win at basketball. We are a conference built on basketball and Evansville needs to pull its weight.

This is a very low-major move on Evansville's part. We are the 6/7th rated conference in the country. This sounds like something a community college or an Oakland City U. would do.

That said, I hope it works out. Evansville needs to take some risks to keep up and this certainly seems like one. Perhaps this guy can take the dollars you all are spending further than they presently are. New AD, New Coach ... let's hope you are on the right track.

Go Aces: :aces:
AEG, you are a good fan, but you are trying to comment on something that you really don't know or understand. Your comment "Evansville does not need money" infoms me of this. AEG, the UE athletic budget is EXCEEDINGLY IN DEBT. You can be sure and know that is why this particluar gentleman was hired for this position. Obtaining more money will go a long way in providing this university with the wins that all Ace's fans are waiting for.:aces:

[MoValley John]

AEG, you are a good fan, but you are trying to comment on something that you really don't know or understand. Your comment "Evansville does not need money" infoms me of this. AEG, the UE athletic budget is EXCEEDINGLY IN DEBT. You can be sure and know that is why this particluar gentleman was hired for this position. Obtaining more wins will go a long way in providing this university with the money that all Ace's fans are waiting for.:aces:
Fixed.

[UE-BBALL#1]

Obtaining more money will go a long way in providing this university with the wins that all Ace's fans are waiting for.:aces:


I'm a Cubs fan and I can assure you that your logic is flawed. Any New York Knicks fan could assure you the same.

[MoValley John]

I'm a Cubs fan and I can assure you that your logic is flawed. Any New York Knicks fan could assure you the same.
:clap: :clap: :clap:

[Aegyptus]

AEG, you are a good fan, but you are trying to comment on something that you really don't know or understand. Your comment "Evansville does not need money" infoms me of this. AEG, the UE athletic budget is EXCEEDINGLY IN DEBT. You can be sure and know that is why this particluar gentleman was hired for this position. Obtaining more money will go a long way in providing this university with the wins that all Ace's fans are waiting for.:aces:

Granted, I don't know the specific situation that is taking place in Evansville, so my comments on this issue are just the average Valley fan's perspective. But, that is the problem. This does not look good to anyone outside Evansville.

I have read all the subsequent posts and I feel a little more comfortable about it and (except for maybe 1 poster which thinks Evansville should go) everyone on this board hopes it will work out and hopes Evansville finds itself in the top half of the Valley sooner rather than later. If it is money you need (and I hope it is not as bad as you make it out to be) than perhaps this guy can get it. Evansville has to make the best decision for their university, and this is probably it. Good for Evansville, especially if you got him at a discount.

But, as we all know, in the world of college sports, appearance is just as important as reality, maybe more. This appears to be a bad hire to an outside observer. Not so much a bad hire as a move that a Valley school would not do. We are trying to make it appear to the public that the Valley is a big time conference. Then, something like this brings us back to reality.

[DoubleJayAlum]

Living in St. Louis, I can tell you that your remarks concerning "SLU" chomping at the bit" are absolutely bogus. That ain't gonna happen anytime soon. RM wants to make the jump but it will not happen this year and may not for a while.

My guess is that your slam towards UE are because of how afull the Aces have been over the last seven years. Yeah, they have sucked it up a lot. Your're not telling us anything we don't know already. But there was a time when CU wasn't to so good either. You got the right guy in (DA) and he has done a hell of a job. The city of Omaha are behind the BlueJays, they have a great facility and great fans, and they are on a great roll. I root for the Jays all the time. Our hope is that Marty Simmons can turn things around here soon.

Wait just a second...... My post was only made in direct response to the UE poster who insinuated a possible drop from D1. I didn't "slam" UE; if any slam was made, it was made by the UE poster. I actually thought maybe he had some inside info or had heard rumors about such a drop. If the UE poster didn't say it, I would have never brought it up.

[AcePurpleFan]

If it is money you need (and I hope it is not as bad as you make it out to be) than perhaps this guy can get it. Evansville has to make the best decision for their university, and this is probably it. Good for Evansville, especially if you got him at a discount.


It's every bit as bad as it's being out to be (maybe worse)! GoAces is right, this is exactly why Stanley was hired and this is why I've have been defending the hiring.

UE-BBALL#1, I'm glad I now know you are a Cubs fan, it puts the rest of your comments in perspective. :lol: The Cubs are cursed, that's why they can't win. Don't tell me money doesn't buy championships, the Yankees have 26!

As far as needing wins, not just money, that's similar to the chicken and the egg analogy. It takes money to hire good coaches, build nice facilities, and attract high-profile recruits. This wins games.

For the last month I've heard over and over how great it was for SIU to commit $750,000 for a coach and step-up to the WSU and CU salaries. This is money. I've heard how UE has a bad basketball stadium (which I disagree with), but it takes money to build a new one. Wins and fan support alone can't provide that kind of cash. Assuming UE sells every ticket at Roberts (which holds 11,500), for every single home game (15), at an average ticket price of $12,that only equates to around $2,000,000. That's not enough to pay a coach $1,000,000 / year (which is what the big-time Valley coaches get), rent out Roberts, and still have money left-over to support the rest of the athletic department. WE NEED MONEY from the community, from local business, etc. UE has an enrollment of 2400. As an alumni I can say... there aren't many of us! And as a liberal arts college, most would rather donate to a museum than UE Athletic's.

Stanley is what we need!

[Beaker416]

It's really unfair to call this a bad hire as no one here really knows much about the guy right?

[Aegyptus]

Didn't see this up yet, so here is the Courier-Press story on the hire: Here (http://www.courierpress.com/news/2007/may/05/ue/).

Seems like the tennis team sure like him.

Also, it does not look like he is the CEO of Old National. It seems he is "Southern Region CEO and president of the Evansville Metro Region of Old National Bank." Here is a link to Old National's website (http://www.snl.com/irweblinkx/od.aspx?IID=100391) which lists him as 1 of 4 different region chief executives, but not the overall CEO or even a vice president. So, it does not look like he was the one, or at least the only one, calling Old National's shots. I am sure he can bring some donations and business investments, but it is not like they are going to be building the "Old National Center" anytime soon.

Such a weird hire. If you google this guy, nothing but a couple of SEC filings come up. Doesn't instill a lot of confidence.

[AcePurpleFan]

Not the overall President, but let's be clear: "John W. Stanley is Region CEO for the Evansville Metro Region, Old National's largest banking region." He's still pretty sharp and had a lot to do with ONB's growth. As for his work-ethic, he started as a teller!

In the end, only time will tell. I will admit, this was WAY out of left-field. But after I thought about it in connection with Evansville's true needs, I'm happy with the hire. McGillis was terrible and we certainly couldn't afford to go down that route again. I've said over and over, Evansville is a unique town. Our best athletic director to date was the former football coach, so weird things work out better for us.

[goaces]

It's every bit as bad as it's being out to be (maybe worse)! GoAces is right, this is exactly why Stanley was hired and this is why I've have been defending the hiring.

UE-BBALL#1, I'm glad I now know you are a Cubs fan, it puts the rest of your comments in perspective. :lol: The Cubs are cursed, that's why they can't win. Don't tell me money doesn't buy championships, the Yankees have 26!

As far as needing wins, not just money, that's similar to the chicken and the egg analogy. It takes money to hire good coaches, build nice facilities, and attract high-profile recruits. This wins games.

For the last month I've heard over and over how great it was for SIU to commit $750,000 for a coach and step-up to the WSU and CU salaries. This is money. I've heard how UE has a bad basketball stadium (which I disagree with), but it takes money to build a new one. Wins and fan support alone can't provide that kind of cash. Assuming UE sells every ticket at Roberts (which holds 11,500), for every single home game (15), at an average ticket price of $12,that only equates to around $2,000,000. That's not enough to pay a coach $1,000,000 / year (which is what the big-time Valley coaches get), rent out Roberts, and still have money left-over to support the rest of the athletic department. WE NEED MONEY from the community, from local business, etc. UE has an enrollment of 2400. As an alumni I can say... there aren't many of us! And as a liberal arts college, most would rather donate to a museum than UE Athletic's.

Stanley is what we need!
:yes: Exactly right, AcePurple

[Ace Happy]

Wow - this took me by surprise, big time. This was a pretty bold move in my opinion, but if you think about it, it seems to be another move along a theme. Bring the community together by hiring a former player for the basketball coach position and reinforce that outreach with a local proven manager who is a UE graduate.

The rap on McGillis was that he could not relate to many of the boosters and his style was abrasive to many (I know a few other posters have quite a few other "raps" to recount). I felt McGillis knew what he was doing, made a bad hire in Merfeld, but essentially McGillis was a bad personality match for Evansville. Stanley is well known and he has a passion for UE athletics. That level of commitment will serve him well and he will have to come up a steep earning curve on the AD profession. He will rely upon McGillis and other boosters have offered him introductions to other ADs (e.g. Notre Dame & Louisville) who can be a resource.

Stanley isn't doing this for the money, that's for sure. So, cut him some slack and give him a shot. I think a more experienced AD would have been preferable, but an outsider would have been a risk given the state of the program in the community. So, why not reach out to hire someone well known here?

I know him and I'm willing to give him my full support.

[AcePurpleFan]

Wow - this took me by surprise, big time. This was a pretty bold move in my opinion, but if you think about it, it seems to be another move along a theme. Bring the community together by hiring a former player for the basketball coach position and reinforce that outreach with a local proven manager who is a UE graduate.

The rap on McGillis was that he could not relate to many of the boosters and his style was abrasive to many I know a few other posters have quite a few other "raps" to recount). I felt McGillis knew what he was doing, made a bad hire in Merfeld, but essentially McGillis was a bad personality match for Evansville. Stanley is well known and he has a passion for UE athletics. That level of commitment will serve him well and he will have to come up a steep earning curve on the AD profession. He will rely upon McGillis and other boosters have offered him introductions to other ADs (e.g. Notre Dame & Louisville) who can be a resource.

Stanley isn't doing this for the money, that's for sure. So, cut him some slack and give him a shot. I think a more experienced AD would have been preferable, but an outsider would have been a risk given the state of the program in the community. So, why not reach out to hire someone well known here?

I know him and I'm willing to give him my full support.


Well said. I'm not only willing to give him a shot, I'm willing to give him my money as well. That's something I vowed to myself I would never to do while McGillis was there. Abrasive is an understatment!

But now I think ALL Aces fans should come together and support the new theme. Obviously the last few months have been an olive branch from the University to boosters, alumni and fans. Although McGillis, Merfeld company were truly aweful for UE, it's time to forget that era and support the Program with full-force. We got what we want--two men with strong Evansville ties and a lot of respect in the community. Now the ball is in our court. It's time to pack Roberts again and rebuild a once-proud Program!

Evansville has a unique opportunity to compete in the upper-tier of one of the best basketball conferences in the Nation. Not only will this mean more exposure for the University, but also the City as well. Let's not waste this opportunity any longer. Stanley is our guy, sink or swim. The same is true with Simmons. I for one would like to see another regular-season Valley championship at UE!

[goaces]

Well said. I'm not only willing to give him a shot, I'm willing to give him my money as well. That's something I vowed to myself I would never to do while McGillis was there. Abrasive is an understatment!

But now I think ALL Aces fans should come together and support the new theme. Obviously the last few months have been an olive branch from the University to boosters, alumni and fans. Although McGillis, Merfeld company were truly aweful for UE, it's time to forget that era and support the Program with full-force. We got what we want--two men with strong Evansville ties and a lot of respect in the community. Now the ball is in our court. It's time to pack Roberts again and rebuild a once-proud Program!

Evansville has a unique opportunity to compete in the upper-tier of one of the best basketball conferences in the Nation. Not only will this mean more exposure for the University, but also the City as well. Let's not waste this opportunity any longer. Stanley is our guy, sink or swim. The same is true with Simmons. I for one would like to see another regular-season Valley championship at UE!

I would echo AcePurple's sentiments. I would urge all UE fans to come out and fill up the stadim and let's make our home court hell for the opposition. I'll be making the drive from St. Louis to all the ballgames I can attend.
Incidently, does anyone have any news on the proposed stadium the city is thinking about building?

[underdawg2]

Jim Hart for SIU comes to mind of AD's without experience--he was a football player however--

[MoValley John]

Jim Hart for SIU comes to mind of AD's without experience--he was a football player however--
http://www.gerweck.net/jimmyhart.jpg

[E-Ville]

I would echo AcePurple's sentiments. I would urge all UE fans to come out and fill up the stadim and let's make our home court hell for the opposition. I'll be making the drive from St. Louis to all the ballgames I can attend.
Incidently, does anyone have any news on the proposed stadium the city is thinking about building?

No news, but I don't think it's too far-fetched to say Old National Bank might have something to do with it in the future. If ONB can come up with some money for the sponsor. I wouldn't be surprised to see an Old National Bank Stadium replace Roberts Stadium sometime in the next decade.

[Ace95]

Intriguing hire...

He's got the local connection and the cash-flow potential for the program.

However, I also have these visions of what happens when corporate beancounters come in and start seeing ways to save money. (Not a bad thing for UE to do, mind you -- as long as it doesn't hurt the integrity of the program.) His PAC credentials don't impress me much either.

Let's see how this unfolds.

[Ace95]

Of course, if he starts screwing up, I'm going to start referring to him as this guy:

http://morethings.com/fan/beverly_hillbillies/pilot/milburn_drysdale-jane_hathaway343.jpg