The real question is who would be interested in the VU job. If Small left on his own terms we could hire someone respected, but if he left out of bad blood or his move is to a lower institution. I think we need to question the happenings inside the athletic department as a whole. We had such high hopes as to the future of Valpo athletics, but these hopes are now in jeopardy of being squandered. Where it once seemed like we could paint the town Brown and Gold instead of Green and White, we sadly cannot see this happening anytime soon.
Here is the content of Small's letter to the Athletics folks:
Dear Department of Athletics Coaches and Staff,
The past two years have been filled with exhilarating experiences and heartbreaking moments for me and my family. Joining this community and serving as your director of athletics has been very rewarding, however, I wanted to let you know that I have made the difficult decision to step down as Director of Athletics for Valparaiso University. This was not an easy decision for me, but I believe the time is right to pursue new opportunities, for me and my family. I am grateful for the opportunity President Padilla provided me. My family will always remember the warm welcome extended by the Valparaiso community when we arrived.
I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to celebrate our athletic department’s success and share those moments with you. In December, I lost my father, who was a shining example of how sports can positively impact lives. I am reminded of his impact, every day when I see our coaches and staff working tirelessly to help our student-athletes flourish and be wonderful ambassadors for Valparaiso University.
It has been a blessing to have you be so supportive and committed to our vision. We started with four pillars of success: (1) Extraordinary Student-Athlete Experience, (2) Enduring Culture, (3) Earned Trust, and (4) Eminence Through a National Brand. Together, we worked to have those pillars evolve into our domains of success. We embraced concepts of discipline, execution and commitment, so we can Choose To Be Great.
I have spoken to President Padilla regarding my decision and Laurel Hosmer will serve as the interim Athletic Director. There is no one better qualified to take this responsibility and I look forward to working with Laurel on a seamless transition. Continue to press forward and choose to be great. Go Valpo!
With gratitude,
Charles
Posters on MVCFans have created a string and have expressed pity for VU. Tone, as I sense it, is that VU is and has been over its head in the MVC — essentially a history of underfunding, poor facilities and some head-scratching decisions, e.g., rebranding/mascot change.
But that’s based on zero information - just speculation.
The mention of his father and moments of heartbreak make me wonder if this is a more personal move away from a demanding job that keeps him away from his kids or maybe just to reprioritize family. I know that can happen often after a major loss.
The mention of his father and moments of heartbreak make me wonder if this is a more personal move away from a demanding job that keeps him away from his kids or maybe just to reprioritize family. I know that can happen often after a major loss.
I also think this is the most likely cause. Loss can break a person in ways none can imagine. I hope he finds greener pastures being closer to his family
Other MVC fan bases can take pity all that they want. However, we don't have a history of underfunding, if they are referencing time prior to the MVC. We were always near the top in athletic funding, while part of the Mid-Con and Horizon League. Now, if they just want to apply that to the time period since joining the MVC, that would be a fair comment to make, as we are near the bottom. Regardless, the MVC is the right long-term conference for Valpo, and Valpo is the right long-term school for the MVC. We just need to step up a bit on the funding side and make some key hires, whenever we get an opening.
@valpotx I posted about funding in another sub regarding payouts to the MVC for MM games. As far as our athletic revenue. We are second to last behind Evansville (21-22 figures. Cannot find current figures. If someone can please share).
If you were to put us back into the HL, we are middle of the pack. We took a big jump from LM to MM, lost our coach the year the move was announced among other hardships. We have control again over the destiny of the Beacons. The pity party is over. We have our shot at being in the upper half of the MVC. Its time to show the league that old school crusader basketball is not truly dead.
Agreed on current stance, but if you look at the time we were in the HL and the budgets at that time, we were in the top 2 or 3 each season.
@beacon92 I agree. I know he has a few young kids, and this has been his largest role to date looking at his resume. I'm sure losing his dad along with the demands of an AD job is reason enough to step down.
Valpo has historically such a low turnover rate with AD's, I don't think this is super worrisome. Seems like a one-off situation (at least I hope). With as much turnover as the rest of the NCAA is seeing across the board I'm surprised everyone is assuming the worst. But, it is Valpo after all
Interesting PR move to a more positive development and good news. According to PO, Coach Powell receives a contract extension.
@valpopal Hosmer also seems to be making a priority out of building NIL coffers for years to come. Smart move in this day and age.
I have to believe that is to make him feel more secure with a new AD eventually coming in. That is the correct move to make, so that he isn't looking over his shoulder for a few seasons.
@valpotx I think it would also be right to assume he is going to be somewhat involved in the hiring process as well. He and Small seemed to share similar ideas and beliefs as to the direction VU athletics needed to take. He is going to want another like minded individual to help him get what he wants.
@vuindiana had a friend with both parents as profs at VU. Constantly talked about the fee remission. While VU is "affordable" as far as private Christian schools are concerned. A private school tuition is still high prices compared to state schools.
