>>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

[kbranch]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

The question would be how many top recruits would say no to an aid package and yes to an athletic scholarship?

My guess is the player takes an athletic scholarship hands down over aid if given a choice. If a player loses the athletic scholarship (injury, or doesn't make the team for some other non-academic reason) he could still be eligible for aid. The athletic scholarship guarantees that the coach will give you a good long look before putting a walk-on recruit (non-scholarship player) in your spot in the line-up.

I have wondered how scholarships affect the chemistry on the team - especially when scholarships are limited by the conference (12 in the case of the AHA). Do teammates have different expectations of the scholarship players v non-scholarship players? It seems like this could be a problem but you don't hear about it much.

 

[LtPowers]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

Seriously what more do you want. 3 years as a full memeber of D-I. Two conference regular season titles. Wins against Cornell, Minnesota, and Saint Lawerence. Sold Out Arena all most every night, over 7,000 at the Blue Cross game.

Progress, Tom. I want to see progress. We beat one non-conference team a year. (Zero so far this year.) And we've done that every year. We've been first or second in the final league standings every year. We've lost in the conference semifinals in each of our two attempts. Every year we hover between 20th and 30th in the national polls.

Are we in a good position relative to the rest of the league? Yes. But it's the same position we were in three years ago, as far as I can see. We need to show some progress. No one likes just marking time.

Not to mention that must of these people seem to have no idea what is going on on the ice at the Ritter or around any other ice in college hockey. Very sad in my opinion!

Ah, an insult, just the thing to win people over!


Powers &8^]

 

[LtPowers]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

More important reasons are the arena,

In interviews, the players always say they like the arena, or at least the atmosphere there.


Powers &8^]

 

[cplinford]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

In interviews, the players always say they like the arena, or at least the atmosphere there.


Powers &8^]

I think they are referring to the atmosphere. I love the compact small atmosphere myself but for RIT to the next step they probably need a 5k seat arena (with stadium seating!) with some better facilities. Would a bar/restaurant over looking the ice surface be too much to ask for?

 

[RIT4life]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

I think they are referring to the atmosphere. I love the compact small atmosphere myself but for RIT to the next step they probably need a 5k seat arena (with stadium seating!) with some better facilities. Would a bar/restaurant over looking the ice surface be too much to ask for?

There is a group on facebook regarding rit students wanting the need for a new arena... this is what I said when someone created a discussion in that group about what we would change or create within a new arena..

"I like the coziness of the Ritter, similar to Cameron Indoor Stadium at Duke, which is one of the smaller gyms in D 1 Basketball, the fact that coziness can be viewed as an intimidation of our opponents. I'd like to see a slightly bigger arena, similar to what North Dakota ( one of the nicest arenas for college hockey I have seen) has. I'd put in 5,000 seats with room to expand, if needed, bigger locker rooms for the men and women, I'd build it across the street from RIT Field or in between the fieldhouse/baseball field to allow for those in the dorms to come (maybe have a tunnel area from dorm side to the arena) (use Ritter for practice only and for recreational skating for the community and university students), it would be costly but in the long run, probably be better off due to new revenue streaming, etc."

I wish I had the money so I could see my name in lights but if we can get a group of investors, this could happen.

 

[bjdrit]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

Are we in a good position relative to the rest of the league? Yes. But it's the same position we were in three years ago, as far as I can see. We need to show some progress. No one likes just marking time.

Well, I don't think it's particularly realistic to expect RIT to start beating "big four" teams with consistency this early in the program's evolution with some limiting factors (the arena, and to a lesser extent, maybe scholarships, but I agree it's not as critical as some make it out to be). With that said, losing to Niagara is frustrating, as was losing to Colgate on a bad line change in front of 7,400 fans. Expecting a win or two doesn't seem unrealistic. With that said, win the league and make a game or two interesting in the tournament, and I won't care a bit about these non-league hiccups that don't mean much outside of perception.

I also really believe an arena is most important for the growth of this program, though. The locker rooms are obviously very cramped/limited. And, from a fan standpoint, having seemingly half the sections out of play much of the time can be frustrating too. If I had a few small kids, I don't know that I'd want to get to an area an hour early so I can be sure I've got a seat (nor would I want to pay a premium to sit in a corner). The only way to get the best of both worlds is a bigger arena. It's becoming a bit of a problem, albeit a good "problem."

And, I think it'll happen. I know there were plans on the table, and they fell victim to the economic downturn. But, with the market recovering, there may be hope once again. And, in the mean time, RIT is still a pretty competitive team that's significantly more talented than what we saw years back, which I still believe was probably one big save and/or one clutch performance away from taking half the non-conference games they played. They just need someone to step up and lead.

 

[komey1]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

Progress? Do you think RIT would be able to continue at the rate that they have? Sure RIT has not yet defeated a non-conference team yet this year. And yes, I don't know if this team can beat Minnesota State.

I think this team is capable of getting to Blue Cross. They might even win the tournament. We don't know what is going to happen between now and then, as there is a LOT of hockey to be played yet. Seeding for the tournament could be huge. I think RIT, Air Force, and Mercyhurst will be the top seeds in some order. It should be a fun tournament.

 

[RITProf]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

My guess is the player takes an athletic scholarship hands down over aid if given a choice. If a player loses the athletic scholarship (injury, or doesn't make the team for some other non-academic reason) he could still be eligible for aid. The athletic scholarship guarantees that the coach will give you a good long look before putting a walk-on recruit (non-scholarship player) in your spot in the line-up.

I've heard parents of recruits say just the opposite, but I will admit I don't know anything about the very top recruits ... there could be an ego thing there.

Yes, they could apply for aid, but there is no guarantee.

And ... players with aid packages are rarely "walk-ons" The staff works really hard at recruiting all these guys? Does RIT have any walk-ons on the roster? Even in the DIII days I think that was fairly rare.

I'm still of the mind that the arena is #1. The players do love the atmosphere and the key would be to build a cozy 5K-seater that could have that kind of atmosphere, actual seats, and a full NHL-sized rink. I also agree that it will happen and the idea is definitely on the table and rising near the top of the priority list (global village was definitely ahead of it). The matter then just becomes finding the funds. I would imagine before too long there will be a big, "name" donor throwing down a matching challenge to raise the other half of the money. My checkbook is ready to add to that matching side.

RIT treats me well, but not well enough to be the "name" donor!!

P.S. I think the key to cozy 5K seater is to have very steep stands so the fans are "on top" of the ice and, of course, seats all the way around (even moreso than the Ritter, where the gaps are relatively large).

 

[LtPowers]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

Progress? Do you think RIT would be able to continue at the rate that they have?

Isn't that what we usually expect? To get better every year? To improve on and build on what came before?


Powers &8^]

 

[kbranch]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

And ... players with aid packages are rarely "walk-ons" The staff works really hard at recruiting all these guys? Does RIT have any walk-ons on the roster? Even in the DIII days I think that was fairly rare.

I called them walk-on recruits (non-scholarship player). I doubt there are un-recruited walk-ons at this level.

At the DIII level there aren't official player commitments, so in essence they are all walk-ons though they are recruited. I am not sure what the rules are regarding player commitment for a DI program at a DIII school like RIT.

I'd like a new RIT arena for Christmas. One that keeps the packed feel of the Ritter without actually being uncomfortable. No more knees in my back, and no more peoples butts hanging over the bench in front of me. Easier access to concessions and bathrooms. Just do it right or you could lose the atmosphere that the Ritter brings to the table.

 

[cplinford]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

The matter then just becomes finding the funds. I would imagine before too long there will be a big, "name" donor throwing down a matching challenge to raise the other half of the money.

Golisano is a hockey fan with deep pockets. I think he needs his name on another building. Get it done!

 

[Mania]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

I called them walk-on recruits (non-scholarship player). I doubt there are un-recruited walk-ons at this level.

Isn't the whole idea of a walk-on is it is someone the coaches have never heard of.

Wikipedia says "The term walk-on is used in sports, particularly American college athletics, to describe an athlete who becomes part of a team without being actively recruited beforehand or awarded an athletic scholarship"

Golisano is a hockey fan with deep pockets. I think he needs his name on another building. Get it done!

Last time I checked he moved to Florida

 

[cplinford]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

Last time I checked he moved to Florida

So? Last I knew he still liked putting his name on buildings around NY and especially RIT

 

[RIT4life]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

Golisano is a hockey fan with deep pockets. I think he needs his name on another building. Get it done!

Unfortunately, Golisano can't be associated with any college sports due to his relations in pro sports, namely the Buffalo Sabres...Since he owns a professional sports team, he is prohibited (ncaa rules/amateurism rules) from donating money or assisting with any college athletic program. If he sells the team, then he can donate money,etc.

Our best bet is to get some of our professional hockey players associated with rit to donate money. Rules don't prohibit professional athletes from donating money to colleges.

 

[RITProf]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

Our best bet is to get some of our professional hockey players associated with rit to donate money. Rules don't prohibit professional athletes from donating money to colleges.

I would guess we are talking a big donation in the $10-20 million to get it started. With a capital campaign to raise another $10-20 million. I don't think any of the pros so far associated with the team are able to make that kind of donation. However, there are people associated with RIT who could and they aren't all named Golisano!

 

[kbranch]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

Isn't the whole idea of a walk-on is it is someone the coaches have never heard of.

Wikipedia says "The term walk-on is used in sports, particularly American college athletics, to describe an athlete who becomes part of a team without being actively recruited beforehand or awarded an athletic scholarship"

There are various flavors of walk-ons: recruited, preferred, and 'the-coaches-have-never-heard-of' walk-ons, to name a few. In all cases they will not receive an athletic scholarship (at least not initially, but can be down the road). In some cases they are recruited, and often a future scholarship carrot is dangled in front of them - though this is probably done off-the-record.

 

[cplinford]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

I would guess we are talking a big donation in the $10-20 million to get it started. With a capital campaign to raise another $10-20 million. I don't think any of the pros so far associated with the team are able to make that kind of donation. However, there are people associated with RIT who could and they aren't all named Golisano!

I think we're fresh out of other Billionaires from the Rochester area who like to put their name on things.

 

[R Habs]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

Sorry this is off topic, but Steven Burns has been nominated for Overseas All-Star Defense-man, so if you could help him out and vote, that would be great. Voting is open until December 31st.

http://www.eihlallstars.co.uk/index.php?option=com_pollxt&Itemid=2

 

[MattS]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

There are plenty of reasons, but lack of athletic scholarships is not one of them. In many ways, the aid packages RIT can offer are far more attractive than athletic scholarships (e.g., not limited in number, not lost if the student doesn't make the team, get's seriously injured, etc.). More important reasons are the arena, the magnitude of other financial support (staff, recruiting, etc.), and the AHA (we need to at least be in ECAC to get to "powerhouse" status, or the AHA has to rise to the level of at large bids).

I didn’t mean to, but I guess I kind of did, imply that scholies are the only reason that RIT is not a powerhouse or on it's way to becoming one. However, I don’t believe that scholarships are as inconsequential as you make them out to be. If it was nobody would offer them. Nor are the aid packages as attractive, comparatively. I do agree that the arena, especially the atmosphere, is important as can the staff recruiting and other peripherals but I think they are all part of the total package.

What I did mean to imply is that RIT is kind of stuck. Without the ability to give out scholies they will not have the ability, in the near and not so near future, to compete for more than the AHA title and that of spoiler in the NCAA tourney. It’s the reality of the way that DI hockey landscape is. Heck almost all of the ECAC, with or without, scholies can’t compete and they have a lot more prominent history than the AHA or the teams therein.

I’m not down on the team or RIT, I am just trying to be realistic about how high the ceiling is for them. The still doesn’t mean that they can’t and shouldn’t be winning more OOC games against the competition they are playing.

Athletic scholarships would be another tool in the belt to attract good talent.

Exactly.

 

[RITProf]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2009-2010 <<<<< Rockin' The Ritter For Another Year

Heck almost all of the ECAC, with or without, scholies can’t compete and they have a lot more prominent history than the AHA or the teams therein.

Completely agree on this part. The AHA has a long way to go before RIT, or any team, breaks through that ceiling you mentioned (NCAA spoiler). Frankly, I don't think the AHA is destined to get there. I hope it does, but that's part of the landscape you mentioned. It might also not be possible in the ECAC, but the top few teams there any year can be considered more than just spoilers and the ECAC does get at large bids. I think that's the measure of the league and the potential impact of the top teams. If the AHA starts regularly sending 2 teams to the tourney, then one of them might well be truly near the top of the heap. Until then (never?), an eventual switch to the ECAC (somehow?) would be the next logical step for RIT after that cozy 5K-seat arena.

And yes, there aren't many RIT billionaires, but you only need to have $100 million in the bank near the end of your life, to make a $10 million donation to RIT seam reasonable. (Maybe Tiger Woods wants to make a quick donation! )