Ask The A.D.: McCutcheon Answers Your Questions - Part II - University of Massachusetts Athletics

Nov. 2, 2004

Question: How do you react to negative comments that occasionally appear on Internet message boards about you or the UMass coaches?
Bobby from Amherst

McCutcheon:
Dear Bobby,
The internet is a wonderful resources but it also has provided a means for some individuals to anonymously make comments and accusations with no regard for accountability or accuracy.

Fans are certainly entitled to their opinions, that's part of the fun of being a fan and I realize that not all of our supporters will agree with every decision I make. That goes with the territory. When I receive legitimate direct questions I try to respond to the best of my ability with an answer, but I give little credence to comments from those who are not responsible enough to publicly stand behind their viewpoint. Because of this, I really don't read those messages.

Question: I was very happy to see that UMass considered making the jump in football to Division I-A from Division I-AA. As a current UMass student I know that money is tight around the campus and I understand why the idea was just not plausable. Considering what Division I-A football has done for schools like UConn as far as money is concerned, is Umass ever going to reopen the idea of making the jump to 1-A football again? If so when do you think this will be? I went to watch UWass play football against I-A Boston College and even though we lost I felt we did just as good a job playing them as any other top football team. I really think are players, school and state are ready for the jump!
P.S Keep up the good work.
James from Boston

McCutcheon:
Dear James,
As you may be aware the University conducted an extensive study of the Division I-A issue last year. The findings of that study indicated that we should maintain our football program at a competitive I-AA level. It went on to say that we should monitor the I-A climate over the next three to five years and continue to evaluate the feasibility of a change in classification which we will do. I want to be very clear however, that our focus is on becoming the most competitive I-AA program that we can be. We want to be in position to win the Atlantic 10 championship, qualify for the NCAA tournament and compete for a national championship. We feel that this will be the most productive and positive approach for the near future and will best prepare us for any possible changes in the competitive landscape. We do intend to maintain a I-A component in our scheduling philosophy with games against Army and Navy over the next two years.

Question: Hi Mr. McCutcheon... Back in the late 1990's, I used to enjoy having the opportunity to purchase UMass Nike gear. In recent years, it does not appear there is much emphasis placed on licensing efforts as Nike merchandise is no longer available in retail sporting good stores, department stores, online, etc. Are there any plans to revisit your arrangement with Nike, so fans, students and alumni will once again have the ability to purchase sweatshirts, t-shirts and other gear? With Nike's position as a brand, I am sure you could leverage that to develop and implement programs that utilize the website to drive ticket sales, boost student involvement at games and encourage giving towards Athletics.
Adam from New York

McCutcheon:
Dear Adam,
We are very excited to announce that the University of Massachusetts has signed an agreement with the Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC) to work with our internal University licensing office to help increase the amount of UMass apparel out in the marketplace. CLC brings vast knowledge and a proven track record of getting more merchandise in stores ultimately bringing additional licensing revenue to the department."

Question: Mr. McCutcheon,
I want your opinion about the state of UMass Athletics marketing. It seems to me right now that word is not getting spread enough both on and off campus about upcoming athletic events. A good athletic program must have both local interest and campus (student) support. How do you plan on raising student awareness around campus along with raising the interest level in Western Mass.
Debbie from Amherst

McCutcheon:
Dear Debbie,
In my opinion our marketing efforts are certainly going in the right direction. We have implemented a marketing strategy that really addresses a backyard first approach. Our efforts and emphasis are on getting information out to our fans first on campus and in the local communities including Hampshire, Hampden and Franklin counties. As we accomplish these goals, we can then expand further. Many of our corporate partnership agreements include some sort of promotional tie in to help spread the word.

We are working hard with different student groups on campus including the office of student affairs to increase on campus awareness like never before. We also increased our advertising budget and well as instituted trade deals with media partners to quadruple our print, radio and television exposure. I am quite confident that you will see UMass information more than you ever have in the past.

Question: UMass maintained a Division 1 womens gymnastics program for several decades. URI and UNH maintain such programs. Are there any plans to restablish said program?
Paul from Reading, Mass.

McCutcheon:
Hi Paul,
We have no plans to reinstate the women's gymnastics team at this time. Our primary focus is to provide the teams we currently have with the funding and support to allow them to complete at a national level. Since several of our programs are not as of yet fully funded regarding scholarships, operating budgets, and assistant coaches, it would not be feasible to put additional strain on our limited resources until these shortfalls are addressed. Thanks.

Question: I would like to see each team for UMass take one good trip a year on the schedule.The student athlete gives up alot of time and effort and I think they deserve this. Is this possible?
Bruce from Norfolk, Mass.

McCutcheon:
Dear Bruce,
Scheduling can be a challenge for every program. We must factor into the process elements such as conference requirements, strength of schedule, inter-regional exposure, home vs. away balance, missed class time and academic calendar restrictions and of course the big one, budget. Our first objective is to deal with the issues listed above and insure we are traveling at a standard that supplies our student-athletes appropriately. If an opportunity presents itself that would provide a unique experience for a team, we are open to the possibility. However, these types of trips would typically require some budget augmentation in the form of donor support.

Question: With the success of the hockey program, do you have Coach Cahoon signed to a long term deal! I don't think we could afford to lose him! UMass has become a force in Hockey East and I hope to see it continue!
Steve from Wendell, Mass.

McCutcheon:
Thanks Steve,
I will give Toot a pat on the back for you. I agree he is doing a fantastic job and I am glad to report his current contract runs through 2008.

University of Massachusets Athletics

Ask The A.D.: McCutcheon Answers Your Questions - Part II

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