University of Massachusets Athletics
Ask Ian Answers
 |  Athletic Director Ian McCaw |
June 3, 2003
Dear Ian:
I was thrilled to see the retention of the Minuteman as the University's mascot. Any chance that we'll get to see him and/or the new logo on a Massachusetts license plate?
Scott O'Keefe
Chelmsford, Mass.
Scott,
Thanks for the question. We will be unveiling the new Minuteman identifiers in the coming weeks and will partner with the UMass-Amherst Alumni Association to offer the desired athletic logo on the Massachusetts license plate.
Best wishes.
Ian
Ian:
This move with Miami could make or break UMass sports. If we are left with out a real conference our days are over as trying to be a major DI program (some will say they we are already done). We could get back in a hurry if we are in the big east or another power conference.
If the Big East changes, UMass needs to jump in, and fast, forget loyalty to the A10, its about money and the university. Think of the recruits we could get, TV exposure for the university and the merchandise sales.
If the ACC/BIG East cherry pick teams from the A10 and CUSA and UMass is not one of them - goodbye program
If Temple and or Xavier jumps and we don't - ouch!
Do whatever it takes - it will be the best move the program has EVER made
Mike Porro
Tyngsboro, Mass.
Mike,
Thanks for your question and comments regarding conference realignment. We are spending a considerable amount of time monitoring the conference situation and the potential impact that it could have on the Atlantic 10 and UMass.
Although there has been considerable media speculation regarding a variety of scenarios involving UMass and other Atlantic 10 members, the Big East remains hopeful of retaining Miami, Boston College and Syracuse. Until such time as those three institutions formally accept invitations to join the Atlantic Coast Conference, the remaining Big East members will not be taking any action.
However, as you correctly point out, this conference shakeup does have the potential to impact a considerable number of conferences and member institutions.
Thanks for your interest and support!
Ian
Will Miami's possible move to the ACC, along with Syracuse and Boston College affect UMass in any way? Might this open up the possibility of UMass moving into the Big East?
Jim Genece
Sudbury, Mass.
Jim,
As I referenced above with Mike, Miami's move could set off a domino effect that will be felt through a number of conferences and involve many different institutions. It is too early to determine what the actual opportunities may or may not be for any institutions.
We will keep you posted on this issue as it unfolds in the coming months.
Thanks for the question.
Ian
Dear Ian:
I would like to know if the university is ever going to make the jump to Division I-A in football. We have a great coach, talent and a large student body. What a great rivalry UConn, UMass and Boston College could have if they could play each other. I am sure many people would pay to see a I-A program play. Thank you for your time.
Respectfully,
James A. Gilamrtin, '86
Scituate, Mass.
James,
I couldn't agree more with your statements about the quality of our coaching staff and student-athletes. Thanks for your question about Division I-A football.
We have addressed this issue in previous Ask Ian responses. Certainly, the intercollegiate landscape affords a unique opportunity at this point in time due to the Big East potentially seeking additional Division I-A football programs. If Miami, Syracuse and Boston College do accept an invitation to move into the ACC, then the remaining five I-A programs will need to add members. Should the Big East football schools have an interest in UMass transitioning from Division I-AA to Division I-A and joining the football league, then the only hurdles that would need to be cleared would be financial support, achieving the necessary NCAA Division I criteria and administrative approval.
Thank you for your thoughts and interest.
Ian
Mr. McCaw,
I recently read on ESPN.com that the ACC wants to add Miami, Boston College and Syracuse to its conference. If this happens what is the chance of UMass moving into the Big East?
Thanks,
Steve Barclay
Amherst Mass.
Steve,
Thank you for your question and support of UMass Athletics. I believe that I answered your question to the extent possible at this time in my response to Jim.
Best wishes.
Ian
Dear Ian:
I really want to how is Matt Torra doing? He is my cousin and he is pretty good in baseball.
Kerry Griffin
Pittsfield, Mass.
Kerry,
Matt had an outstanding freshman year for UMass as he compiled a 5-4. The highlight of his season was throwing a complete game three-hitter versus St. Bonaventure in a key conference win for the Minutemen. He also had a two-hitter vs. Yale.
Hopefully we will be recruiting you to join the Minutemen baseball program in the future!
Thanks for your e-mail.
Ian
Mr. McCaw:
I am very aware of UMass and its position to try to upgrade to I-A. With that said, do "you" believe personally the program will ever make the jump? I know Mr. Lombardi has stated he would love to move to I-A if he had the resources. He came from Florida which is a BIG FOOTBALL SCHOOL!!. Does it make you happy to know someone is willing to make the push provided they have the money to do so? To me watching a UMass home football game versus a James Madison, William & Mary, or Rhode Island just doesn't cut it. One more thing...PLEASE NEVER ELIMINATE FOOTBALL FROM THE ATHLETIC PROGRAM. My dad has been a season ticket holder for thirty years and both him and I are avid fans!!
Joel Straudin
Amherst, Mass.
Joel,
Thanks for your questions and comments regarding UMass football, and the support that you and your dad have offered the program over the years.
We have addressed the Division I-A question in a couple of the aforementioned responses. There are numerous issues related to a potential Division I-A move including conference affiliation, NCAA criteria, funding and administrative approval. Once again, the current intercollegiate landscape does afford a unique opportunity to consider such a move.
All the best!
Ian