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University of Houston Athletics
Ask the AD
Hofheinz Pavilion is now over 20 year's young. Do you have any plans to renovate the facility in the near future? From a fan perspective I would like to see: (1) new signage and graphics for the entrances and concourse level, (2) renovation of the unused office space into commercial use (gift shop, restaurant, sports ? the sport bar could have a separate outside entrance and could be used year round for both football and basketball games, (3) new food courts with tables and chairs where the two circular concession stands are now sit and (4) new floor tile. I think you are doing an excellent job with a difficult situation. (Charles Jacobs)
Everything you suggest is really exciting and I would love to do it all. Right now our priorities have been that which you see around campus being either constructed or renovated. As we finish each project, I'll be shifting to a new challenge, which does include renovation in Hofheinz. Areas that really need to be addressed include locker room facilities, which are woefully inadequate, reupholstering the seating in the building, and we need a new floor. For about $1.5M we could make a tremendous impact on the arena in terms of the esthetics and impression. I'll keep working on it and if you come across any donors who'd be willing to step up and give us a hand don't hesitate to give me a call.
Observation & Question: Over the years U of H football teams have had much success with 4 Cotton Bowl appearances, a Liberty Bowl in Conference USA, Heisman Trophy winners, new athletic complex and players succeeding at the Pro level. When you see the football team on national TV the perception (our competition and other that aren't close to U of H) is that our uniforms look like high school uniforms, Nothing makes a statement to set us to create a new image? For example, the cougar is more of a beige/brown so why don't we create a brown/beige uniforms with golf helmets and red trim. Can we create our own "LOOK" and one that is different from other schools but one that makes a statement! The San Francisco 49ers uniforms seem close to what U of H would look like in my opinion. This is not a critical issue in the big scheme of things however I feel a new look would be something we need...GO COOGS!!! (Mike West)
I really enjoy sharp uniforms! As a matter of fact two years ago you may recall we put together what I thought was a pretty nice uniform for the opening of Robertson Stadium. Clearly the traditional red is important, however I've noticed that some institutions will go with an alternate color on occasions. For example, LSU may go with gold, Notre Dame has been known to wear green and although the predominant color at Arizona is red, they've worn blue uniforms. We mix it up in some of the other programs, for example baseball and softball have a blue shirt they'll wear highlighted with red trim. Clearly marketing is important to us in creating a uniform that has appeal. We usually allow the student-athletes to be part of the process coupled with the coaches in designing something that takes into account their taste as well. This fall we will be changing the football uniforms to a modest degree by adding stripes to the pants. The jerseys will remain essentially the same, as is the case with the helmet. Every couple of years however we revisit the head-to-toe look and I would expect that again might be the case for the 2002 season.
The new flags/flagpoles at Cougar Field are awesome but I'm embarrassed at not having a decent US flag in Hofheinz. Are their any plans to have a new one installed? Also can we have the music turned down that comes from the scoreboard at Hofheinz? (Marsha Ickes)
The flag issue in Hofheinz has bothered me also. Of all the things that we've been involved with it's amazing that we haven't appropriately addressed that miniscule little flag tucked way up in the corner above the video booth. To compensate we've actually displayed the American flag on the video boards during the National Anthem. I agreed with you that we've got to find a more appropriate way to display the Stars and Stripes. I think it's reasonable to assume that you'll see that happen for the upcoming basketball season. Thanks for your suggestion. Secondly, I'd be glad to address the music volume in Hofheinz.
I have wanted to write you for several years to suggest we play night football games instead of day games. I noticed on our season ticket renewal form this year that the games are scheduled for 7 PM. I think this is a great move and hope that my hunch is correct that more students will be able to attend. I also think it will be better for tailgate parties. I am glad to see the night schedule but wonder what prompted the change. Can you share your thoughts?
I've essentially made it a policy that, with the exception of television, which always dictates game time, we're going to schedule all of games at 7:00 p.m. There are a lot of reasons why we need to play in the evening, which you are well aware. Count on 7:00 kickoff's unless television intercedes. Under the conference contract we have to move game time's if ESPN or ABC opts to cover our contests.
I read these QA's you get and respond to and I sometimes wonder how you stand it. I cannot imagine anyone else doing as good a job as you have since you have been here, especially in the light of our apathetic alumni. It amazes me how many people expect you to put out a Waldorf Astoria product at a motel six price. I am extremely please at our progress in remodeling Robertson stadium and all the other new venues. I am not writing this to "suck up" or curry favor, just to let you know you are appreciated and to help encourage you when so many seem to always demand more and yet not be willing to pay the cost of those demands. (Like parking for example, I look at it as free parking for the donation I was already making.) Hang in there guy, we need you! And those reasonable fans also really do appreciate you. This note needs no response from you lest some jerk get their knickers in a knot. (Mike Higdon)
Thanks Mike for your support and encouragement. I appreciate the summary. Keep in mind however that I really enjoy the dimension of my job that deals with people. In our business, alumni, fans, friends, students, faculty and staff are all entitled to an opinion. People look at the business of intercollegiate athletics from different perspectives. Normally fans are very reasonable if they understand the rationale behind a decision or issue that dictates a certain position. Like everything in life, relationships are built on communication. That's why I enjoy the "Ask the AD" format because I can get back to everyone with a clear understanding of why we're headed a certain way or why a decision is made and our rationale. I don't always expect people to agree but at least they have an opportunity to understand where we're coming from and why we may feel strongly on a certain matter. Thanks for your kind words and keep the faith. I see us turning the corner across the board in short order.
Please allow me to congratulation you on the progress being made to upgrade all the athletic facilities at UH. Now for my question, is it possible to offer UH athletic clothing wear and merchandise on the web site? My children have all kinds of UNC, Stanford and Kentucky clothing but I have to fly to Houston to buy them a shirt! Any assistance you can provide will be greatly appreciated! (Tom Lukish)
Thank you very much for your support and loyalty to the program. I agree, we are moving in the correct direction and I believe you'll start to see the fruits of our collective labors here shortly. Secondly, we will have linked to UHCougars.com a secondary web site that will sell merchandise and apparel. We are in the final stages of formalizing that commitment and I believe you'll be very pleased with the final product. I can't imagine that it'll be more than a few short weeks before it'll be up and running. Go to that home page and keep checking. Eventually you'll see the link.
With the effort to bring the coogs back to the campus. Having people from the past be part of the return, etc. What are the chances we could get a real cougar as Shasta like I grew up with in the 70's. It has been suggested that we could even keep it at the Houston Zoo and bring it to the games. Is this something that has been considered? Nothing would fire up the fans more than to see the football team being led on the field by a real Shasta during the Texas game. (Rusty Thompson)
I love the idea of a real Cougar as our mascot. I know it's happened in the past and it'd be terrific to find a way to do it again. I'll talk to Steve Hall, our Executive Director of the Alumni Organization, and see if we can't put our heads together and come up with a plan. I know that there were some issues in the past regarding actually housing the animal. Your suggestion however makes a lot of sense and that possibly it could stay at the zoo and be used only for athletic events when appropriate. A great project for the summer. I appreciate your suggestion.
Mr. Gladchuk, I was a swimmer at the University of Houston for two years (1998-2000). Part of the reason for my transferring was due to the lack of interest in the swimming program by the athletics department as a whole. The girls on that team are not getting treated the way they should and there is not enough attention brought to the fact that the coach, to be blunt, is not doing her job. The Cougars have consistent losing seasons with her at the helm and this continues to be overlooked because of the lack of interest by the athletic department. I don't believe that you have any idea what caliber swimmers that team really has. (Olympic Trail qualifier). If given the right coaching they could soar. Why are the small sports like swimming constantly being ignored? (Deidra Thomas)
Your comments are a little disappointing because there have been some very significant efforts made recently to try and position our Women's Swimming program to be more competitive and successful. Take for example the $54M Recreation Center will house what could be one of the most beautiful aquatic centers in the south. The 70-meter pool with all the diving platforms will include every bell and whistle imaginable. New locker rooms in a gorgeous facility will make recruiting outstanding swimmers more realistic. In addition, we're taking the women's swimming program from being an independent to full affiliation within Conference USA. Just these two steps for the program are clearly an indication that women's swimming is an important program within the department. Furthermore, we have provided the coach with the resources necessary to compete anywhere in the country, conduct out of season training off campus, and hired support staff to appropriately accommodate the administration of the program. Both Jeff Helms and Jane Figueiredo, who assist Ginger, have done a wonderful job with Jane recently capturing NCAA Division I National Coach of the Year. The hurdle our swimming program has had to cross for the most part has been trying to project as a big time program in an antiquated facility. When the new facility is in place, this program will catapult to new levels of achievement. At the University of Houston and certainly as Athletic Director the expectation is for all of our programs to be championship caliber. They're all fully funded, fully staffed and with that comes the full expectation that we will recruit quality athletes and succeed. Swimming is not a "small sport" in my mind and I expect from our swim program that which I expect from football, basketball, baseball or any of the others within the department.
Just wanted to drop you a line & let you know how much our family loves to come to Cougar Field to watch Cougar baseball. It is a fantastic facility. We live in NW Houston, but we come out as much as we can. Our 10 year little leaguer love to come. He has been to Coach Noble's camp over the past few summers and the players and coaches are really great to the kids! Anyway, I'm sure you are more than pleased with this year's "young" team. I hope they can hold off Tulane for the championship. I think we have a #1 ranked team in the next few years!! (Randy Waller)
We are all very proud of the facility and the team. Thanks for your encouragement and loyalty to the program. A young team eventually grows up, then we will again have some real fun. Please keep coming to the games. I hope your family continues to enjoy truly a delightful facility to watch the best baseball in the country. Keep the faith.
Mr. Gladchuk, the purpose of this note is to let you know how pleased I am with the athletic program at the University of Houston. I am a 1998 graduate of the Law Center and until last year I have not been an active participant in the support of our athletic programs. I am now a four-seat season ticket holder of Cougar football and a two-seat season holder of Cougar basketball. I also increased my contribution to Cougar athletics to $2,000 for 2001. I attribute my participation to the excitement you have created in the program. I know we are not where we want to be today, but I have plenty of confidence that we are on the right track to a very successful program in these two key sports.
My two cents:
Once again, I appreciate your hard work and look forward to supporting Cougar athletics for a long time to come. (Oscar L. Garza)
I'm glad you're enjoying the information I can disseminate through this "Ask the AD" link to our web site. I've really enjoyed addressing issues that are of interest to our fans and friends by opening up the channels of communication. Hopefully I can dispel rumors and keep everyone focused on the real issue, which is supporting the program and winning games. Secondly I'll mention to the HAF that their section seems to be in disarray. Hopefully they can address this very soon. Third, we really appreciate the cheerleaders at U of H. They done a wonderful job supporting the program, we have an outstanding coach and I expect them to continue to get better as will the teams. Recently they won the national championship and for that and many other reasons we're justifiably proud. Finally, keep your eye on the web site because in short order we will have a link that will allow all of our fans to purchase merchandise and apparel. Thanks for your support and I appreciate your comments very much.