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I don't know how anyone can argue with the foul discrepency. Maybe Loyola just sells it well to the refs? Maybe it's Porter?

Loyola is right on top of our guys hands all over JFL and nothing gets called. He's being held, and out of a lack of options, hooks around the defender and gets called for an offensive foul. Call Williamson for being all over him in The first place.

This isn't just against us. Loyola gets these foul differentials in every game they play.

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Not a fan of Lottich apologizing to Wardle for Mileek's last 3 around the 1:00 mark.

Bradley was pressing and playing defense to the end. No reason we should not be trying to score if they are still playing D and trying to score themselves. Maybe be mad that Leek didn't waste more time off the clock, but don't apologize to the other coach for making a basket. Bradley blew a 13 point lead. No reason not to beat them down as far as we can. This team needs all the in game experience they can get.

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I am trying to figure out Lottich and his coaching and His coaching performance, but after going to the Drake game, Valpo needs to make the game day experience more entertaining. Have some entertaining halftime events, do some goofy things during time outs, get a bazooka and launch t shirts, make it a more engaging environment for students and fans to attend. Drake does a decent job regarding this. Perhaps serve beer at the games in a responsible manner. Guys, this certainly doable.

Whoever is in charge of the game day experience at Valpo needs to travel to all the away games at the other schools in the Valley. See how they do things. Get some ideas. So many things other schools are doing are either sponsored, or completely free.

At Loyola, they literally had baby races across the court at halftime. Zero cost.  And the crowd loved it. Enough of the "we can't afford it" BS. We don't need to pay for halftime entertainment for it to be entertaining.

Valpo advertised a student section check in system/app last summer to encourage more students at games. Check in, and earn points and prizes. And there has been ZERO mention of the program at games. Either it didn't work out or they are neglecting to advertise it. Again, Loyola uses student attendance, and gives out priority housing selection for next year. Cost them zero dollars.

If the atmosphere isn't here, student athletes are going to go play somewhere else. No one wants to play in an empty, quiet, high school gym.


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Apparently the student body has been told that a current VP from Wheaton College, Kirk Farney, is in the running to be the next President of VU.
They are holding a forum for students this Monday in the VUCA.  The poster originally shared the name, but was told to remove it.

[tweet]1228746130198011904[/tweet]


Check out the persons other tweets, including some of the policies in place at Wheaton College, by going through this tweet:
[tweet]1228747339931799554[/tweet]

Basically, if you don't follow their "Christian" beliefs to the core, you cannot enroll (or will be expelled if you are enrolled) and they do not hire faculty that do not 100% fit their beliefs (or fire them if the "misbehave". https://www.chicagotribune.com/lifestyles/ct-life-larycia-hawkins-fired-professor-update-tt-1213-20191213-75jrsdu5izcxxatz65iqu4jlsy-story.html
They have gotten exceptions from Title IX, in order to discriminate against students and staff.

As an Alum, if that's the kind of place Valpo becomes, I would be absolutely ashamed.
Maybe the guy doesn't share the same views, but just by staying there and being a VP for 6 years says a lot to me...
That's a hard pass for me.

Is it just me, or does the music over the PA sound exceptionally bad today?

I love you Daniel but you can't shoot. Please don't shoot anymore.

Or drive to the basket against 2 guys a foot taller than you.

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Lots of Drake blue in Sect. D.

Really wish we would start putting the visitor section upstairs like every other Valley team does.

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Much younger crowd than we get

Those are almost all students.  If you look up their seating chart, one whole sideline and basically both baselines a good 25 rows up are completely reserved for student seating. 

Who made the shot??

Sackey hit the 3. Javon forced the TO on the inbounds pass, and then stayed under the basket for the remainder.

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Just got this email.  This could greatly impact the future of athletics (and the associated facilities), depending on the direction the board decides to go... For better or for worse.
President Heckler has resigned, pending a replacement search.


Dear Alumni,

We are on the cusp of a new academic year. We can almost feel the campus flush with the energy of new and returning students – the air filled with their dreams for an exciting year ahead. For faculty and staff, it is also a time of reflection about what we hope to accomplish – hope for how we can guide and aid our students in their journeys forward as young servant leaders and hope for how we each will take our own personal journeys forward. It is a time of new beginnings for all.

This year, for me, signals a new beginning of another kind – the transition to a change in leadership at Valparaiso University. After deep reflection and prayer, I have recommended to the Board of Directors that it begin the search process to identify the next president of Valparaiso University.

Let me share my reasons for this decision.
From a logistical standpoint, it may take time to search, hire and effectively transition to the next president. Therefore, the process must begin now to ensure continuity of presidential leadership.
I anticipate additional leadership succession at the Board and senior administrative levels. It is vital that these changes follow in a thoughtful and intentional sequence to ensure uninterrupted continuity of institutional momentum, knowledge and experience, as well as the smooth and effective transfer of authority from one generation of leaders to the next.
With the rapid changes in the educational landscape I want to ensure that the next president has the strengths and skill set to address these challenges over the next five years and beyond.
The University and Board must be bold and far-seeing in the scope of decisions over these next five years. These decisions must be well-considered, which takes time, and backed by the will and resources to implement these decisions. Valpo's president must own these decisions and be accountable for their outcomes.
Last at a personal level, it is my desire and Veronica's to enjoy the blessing of time with our nine grandchildren and precious time with our parents.
The Board accepted my recommendation at its July 2019 meeting and has initiated its search process. Let me assure you that my dedication to the University remains as strong as ever, and I will do everything possible to ensure the transition is a smooth one. I have committed to the Board that I will serve as your president until such time as a successor has been identified and is prepared to assume office. For a transitional period afterward, I will continue to serve the University in areas identified by the Board in consultation with the new president, after which time I plan to retire.

It is the greatest privilege of my life to be among your company and to undertake this noble work. I am so very grateful for your support of our beloved University.

Blessings!
Mark A. Heckler Signature
Mark A. Heckler
President

Anybody else having trouble with the audio on the broadcast?

I'd love to hear John Rooney.

Yes. Same here. Audio cuts in and out every 2 seconds.

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I saw one of the giveaway basketballs go flying into the court right after the final horn. The Valpo Dinosaur actually picked it up with its tony little arms.

Yeah, it was one of the little foam basketballs. It wasn't thrown at anyone. Someone just hurled it out onto the court.

And another note about the guy they kicked out. Before they identified him, they tried to kick someone else out. The people around the guy literally had to plead that he hadn't said a word. The refs we're literally just looking to flex their power and throw someone out for calling them out. They didn't care who or why.

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Really enjoyed the game last night.  Team overcame some mistakes and difficulties to outplay the other team, which is what winning teams do.

Just to turn to something negative for a moment: in other threads, we have commented on student apathy, and some of us, including me, have suggested that it is a generational culture issue, not a university culture issue.  I saw something over the last two games that suggests that I am wrong.  When the Chesterton High School band was here, they were very enthusiastic, and I think they helped the atmosphere.  Just an opinion.  Last night, in contrast, in the waning moments of the game, at least half of the university pep band (which I assume should be somewhat peppy) was sitting down playing on their phones.  They weren't even watching the game.  The other half was yelling and cheering.  Big difference in game-time engagement between the two bands.  Can't blame apathy on the younger generation if an even younger generation was more enthusiastic, and it wasn't even their school.

I completely agree with this.  I commented multiple times to myself and the people around me about how great the Chesterton band did.  They were into the game.  They started out kinda quiet and timid, but that was quickly gone before halftime. 

To expand on this, I know both Chesterton and Valpo High Schools have very involved student sections, for both football and basketball.  For example, I know for this last football season, Valpo put out a whole schedule of student section themes for each game before the season even started.  (White out, Black out, USA, Beach, PJs, Camo.) They all stand and cheer throughout the games (with many, of course, holding their phones the whole time, but still cheering). VHS's students organized a tailgate before football games, where students paid to join for the season, and then hotdogs/burgers were cooked and provided before each game, with the students then bringing their own snacks and drinks.  This is all organized by high school students.

So I call BS on all this generational, time-have-changed talk.  VU's student section has a lack of leadership, and possibly a lack of faculty support. Without a real leader, this is what we get.  A half full set of bleachers, with no one standing, no one cheering, barely paying any attention to the game. 

I think if I were a student the t-shirt and Jimmy John's would peak my interest.  If they don't show for that then I am not sure that incentives are the answer.

From giveaways the last few years, I have always noticed a lot of students walking AWAY from the ARC right before the game with their free food or clothing in hand, meaning they showed up for the free stuff, but didn't want to bother to stay for the game.  They really need to wait until halftime for the giveaways.

Does anyone have an update on Jay's injured ankle/foot? I think I remember someone saying 2 weeks, but it was odd that they didn't bring to the game on Thursday and Coach was very tight lipped when asked about it in the post-game press conference.

Things could get very ugly if he doesn't play in the Myrtle Beach Invitational.... we need at least one big man who can play some defense and fight for rebounds.

I thought the same thing when I watched the post game. Micah is injured and still on the bench. Plenty of other guys have been in a boot and on the bench for games in years past.

Just hope there isn't something bigger at play here. Matt's comment reminded me of how they talked about and tight lipped they were about the whole Jubril situation. Something just seems off. If you haven't seen the post game press conference on YouTube, watch it.

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Didn't J have an underage drinking arrest last year? Could they just utilize his injury down time to serve his 2 game suspension by not being on the bench? It is just a team rule, after all...

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[Valpo ticket office at 219-464-5233]

How does a prospective new season ticket holder go about purchasing tickets?

It looks they haven't totally updated the site from last seasons info but it says to call the season ticket office. They have a young alums deal that allows you to buy season tickets at a reduced price.

Young Alums: http://cdn.streamlinetechnologies.com/valpoathletics/54FB8991-F303-4A4F-A19D-307D5827FF54/2017-18_MBB_Season_Tix_Poster.pdf

"Season tickets include all home games during the 2017-18 season and are on sale now.  To purchase, contact the Valpo ticket office at 219-464-5233 or visit the ticket office (open Monday-Friday, 10a-4p), located in the main lobby of the ARC."

http://www.valpoathletics.com/tickets/mbasketball/

The "Young Alum" option does not appear on the season ticket form this year. It was previously listed as "Valpo Faculty/Staff/Young Alum" with a spot for graduation year. Now it's just "Faculty/Staff"

I'm going to call on Monday to confirm, but if this is no longer offered, I'm going to be pretty disappointed. Not so much for myself, but for the fact that the discount showed an effort to keep recent grads invested in Valpo Basketball, and the University for that matter.

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This is eerily reminiscent of our performance against Milwaukee in the HL Tourney last season. It's going to be a hell of a long trip home if they don't turn a complete 180 in the second half.

That's exactly what I was thinking.  Except at least that game was close...

Markus Golder just posted to Twitter...

https://twitter.com/TheReal_MG3/status/943654495724101633

Maybe a little off topic, but I really wish Valpo would bring back a midnight madness event. I remember them doing them years ago, but none in recent memory.

I think something like this would be good to get both the community and students hyped for the season, and to introduce everyone to some of the new players we have.

[to put a facility up next to (the Athletics-Recreation Center)]

Here is Paul's coverage.

http://www.nwitimes.com/sports/college/valparaiso-university/valley-commissioner-holds-orientation-for-valparaiso-coaches-and-administrators/article_eb1fbb2c-cb55-5059-aaaa-625ec520b606.html

This is a quote in the very last paragraph from MLB that I find quite interesting:

"We have also started the planning to put a facility up next to (the Athletics-Recreation Center), phase one of a (recreational) facility that would then get activity out of (the ARC) and would make it more of a dedicated intercollegiate athletic facility as opposed to a combined space," LaBarbera said. "Those are the plans that we have talked about."

That type of facility doesn't appear on the 30-year Plan illustrations --- unless it is an addition to the north side extending toward Brown Field that does appear on the illustrations.

I would also assume he is referring to the planned rec center that is supposed to go in on the old hospital property.  If I recall correctly, I believe he stated that he has plans for the building ready to go sitting in his office during his Union Street Hoops interview...

I could see them wanting to get all the extra activities out of the ARC as priority #1, then move on to doing substantial upgrades to the ARC. Makes it alot easier to do construction if you have somewhere else to put everyone... Sounds like we're on the right path. Just waiting on that $$$.

In response to the TV question, (I was curious too) the MVC also has a deal with ESPN for ESPN3 broadcasts through 2025. And for Arch Madness semis and finals to be carried by CBS through 2021.

I do recall discussion in the past few years about an expansion on the north side of the ARC (behind the chairbacks) with new bathroom facilities, concessions, and a lobby area that would be accessible for both football AND basketball games.  And then future seating being built above this addition even further down the road. 

They do show the expansion in the campus Master Plan...

I wouldn't exactly call that "no plans", just maybe no immediate construction plans.

Maybe we should just stop being a Christian or Lutheran university too while we are at it.  Don't want to offend any other religions...

That is a great point, WH. I even noticed the same issue for home FB games and the attendance comparison isn't even close.

Now, I might be wrong on this but doesn't the university own a lot of vacant land just north of Brown Field that just sits there unused? I believe a hospital once occupied that area 

A simple grading with a compressed stone surface (not even blacktopped) for a few hundred cars would vastly improve the parking situation close to the ARC.

Inexplicably, over the past 3-4 years the university has eliminated every general parking area and all on-street parking in every direction surrounding the ARC, rendering it the most difficult-to-access sports venue I personally have ever encountered - anywhere, any sport, any level.

West:
• The new sorority row has eliminated the vacant lots that provided dozens of parking spots for basketball attendees for many years.
• "No parking" signs were placed on Union Street when the sororities were finished, eliminating numerous parking spots accessed by basketball attendees for generations.
• Parking on the north side of Monroe was eliminated in the middle of this year's bb season, wiping out a block-long area of desperately needed public parking for basketball games.
• As a result of these changes, parking on the south side of Monroe and both sides of Brown is now jammed with cars day and night, eliminating even more parking availability for basketball attendees.

North:

• The former "tennis court" parking lot was eliminated when the track was built, eliminating dozens of parking spots.

East:

• 4 or 5 years ago parking on both sides of McIntyre Court was designated "resident parking only (by permit), eliminating numerous parking spots.
• The parking area in front of the old bookstore has been designated handicap only. By the way, it is marked by an unlighted temporary ground-level sign, and is a constant source of confusion for people desperately searching for general parking. It is also the only area anywhere close to the ARC designated for handicap parking and is always jam packed, meaning some number of handicap vehicles are out of luck.
• The only remaining available parking to the east are the parking lots adjacent to the softball field, a quarter to a half mile away.

South:

• The parking lot across the street from the ARC used to provide prime general parking for early arrivers, but no longer. The first 2 rows have been roped off and designated as "Gold Parking" only, a premium add-on option for season ticket holders. The rest of the lot is jammed before 6p with adjacent dorm parkers, sorority parkers, and who knows who else. I can personally attest to this, as I intentionally came at 6p at the last 2 home games, and was told by a university police officer at the entrance to the lot that it was full. By the way, a police car is always there with lights flashing. This adds to the confusion as people looking for parking naturally gravitate to the flashing lights, thinking the cop is there to direct them in, only to be shooed away. As for the new restricted rows - often no more than half full.

So where are the general admission and regular season ticket holders and casual attendees expected to park?  Not the old hospital parking garage. That's closed and the entrances barricaded. That leaves the parking area to the immediate south of the garage and a limited number of spots across the street to the south. Of course, neither of those lots are close to the ARC, just like the lots adjacent to the softball field are no where close.

Oh, how about the parking next to the building on the west and north sides. All reserved exclusively for Athletic Department staff, university president and trustees, high dollar donors, and players.

To put this in perspective, picture your local Walmart with the best parking spots up against the building reserved for corporate officials who almost never use them and every employee from the store manager down to the janitor. Picture the store parking lot full of cars from adjacent apartment buildings that don't have their own parking. Picture a security guard at the entrance of the "Walmart" parking lot, directing cars to parking lots belonging to other businesses from 1-4 blocks away.

Then picture a group of people with strong ties to that particular Walmart from days gone by wondering on a message board why the customer base has fallen so dramatically in recent times, when the store's products are as good or better than they've ever been. And then proposing solutions like "they need to modernize the inside of the building" or "they need to do a better job of marketing," or "they need to make the building bigger" or "they shouldn't make the building bigger until more customers start showing up." 

Thus is the 800 pound gorilla no one is talking about. What is perceived as an outdated college basketball venue in need of updating is more accurately a completely landlocked, outdated college basketball venue in desperate need of easy-access parking that the university has either eliminated or repurposed for other needs.

Figured I'd chime in on this.

I believe the original plan was to rehab the old hospital parking garage, and make the the main parking for all athletic events.  Work did start on this a few years back on the top two levels.  The lower level was open for parking (I parked in the garage for the home NIT games), until this time last year, when the whole garage was re-closed and work stopped.   The rehab hasn't gone quite as expected (it needed ALOT of work), and may even be dead in the water.

The university put a wide sidewalk from the garage, across the old hospital property, to the NW corner of the ARC.  The lot just east of the garage is still open, with a newly reconstructed entrance along LaPorte Ave. The lot on the north side of Lincolnway just behind the garage, next to La Cabana, is also open for parking.  The walk to the ARC is about 900 feet from the front of the old parking garage. This also happens to be nearly the exact same distance as the walk from the lots by the softball field/tennis courts

I attended the Oakland game this year, and the walk from their garage to the arena entrance (the closest parking I found) was just barely longer the ours, at 1000 feet.  Granted, it's no UIC, where the garage is literally right next door to the Pavilion (BUT with a 5$ charge).

The parking situation is not the same as it used to be, but i think it is far from a dire situation.  Parking exists plentifully near the old hospital garage (just a few hundred feet further than parking on the open old hospital property as was suggested).  People just need to use it. They usually even have a police officer stopping traffic to help people cross LaPorte Ave. The university has been trying to remove traffic from campus for years now, it's nothing new. Hence the attempt to move the main general parking to the old hospital parking garage.