Building for the future

When IU Director of Athletics Rick Greenspan reveals his long-range plan for the athletic department to the IU board of trustees in three weeks, there will be "oohs" and "aahs." At least there better be for the expected price tag.\nMajor upgrades in athletic facilities are expected to be proposed (finally) by IU athletic department officials and Greenspan next month. Proposed upgrades might or might not include plans for new baseball and softball stadiums, new basketball practice facilities and a multi-purpose building on the north side of Memorial Stadium. You never quite know what "the man with the plan" will do. (See: Sampson, Kelvin.)\nCompared to the facilities of other Big Ten schools, IU's are well overdue for a makeover. If you've ever peeked inside the offices of Assembly Hall, you'd know why. Some freshmen dorms are more accommodating than the offices of several varsity sports. Construction already commenced on an outdoor field hockey facility and the rebuilding of soccer practice fields, and more construction is on the way.\nOne glaring void is the absence of practice facilities for the men's and women's basketball teams. For a school that takes pride in its basketball tradition, IU hasn't made major improvements in its basketball facilities since the construction of Assembly Hall in 1972 -- unless you count the installation of a new scoreboard last year, which is kind of like putting shiny rims on a lemon. An outside firm is currently exploring the possibilities for renovating -- or possibly replacing -- Assembly Hall.\nThe idea is that improved facilities will attract top recruits. Top recruits will bring successful athletic programs. And successful athletic programs will bring alumni support (read: $$$). Seems like a sound formula to me.\nOf course, the one thing needed to make all these upgrades possible is what the athletic department has been grilled for not having the last few years: money. They have accumulated a debt exceeding $5 million over the last decade. Most major universities depend on the revenue generated by their football programs to compensate for the expenses of other unprofitable sports. IU, however, ranks near the bottom in Big Ten home football attendance, so the team manages to pay for itself but little else. \nPrivate donors are expected to fund all new project. Don't worry students: That $30 athletic fee ain't coming back.\nSince his hiring in September 2004, Greenspan has demonstrated he's not adverse to action. The guy barely took the time to reflect on the majesty of his first Old Oaken Bucket game (a 63-24 loss to Purdue) before canning ex-IU football coach Gerry DiNardo and bringing in the more congenial Terry Hoeppner. And who could forget the shock that accompanied the announcement of Kelvin Sampson as men's basketball coach. Next month's proposal should be of the same mold.\nGaining the approval of the board of trustees will be the first step in expanding the horizons of IU athletics. With that, the framework will be in place for the future.