WS, I've enjoyed your insight here for years, but I think you have it wrong here. Almost all of things you have listed (fundraising, alumni road gatherings , outreach to fans and community, engaging local businesses in investing in the program) happen for almost free when the team wins. You were around for the good ol' days -- After the 84 and 85 seasons, fans, sponsors, alumni, we're tripping over themselves to get on the bandwagon. And stayed that way until Fridgen came... however, I as a fan first, and alumnae second, could care less about all of that if the team doesn't perform, with the exception of them being model citizens and students, in that order. RPI has completely fallen off the college hockey map as being a credible program - not where it was even 10 years ago. Yes talent arrives each year....and departs before the assembled team can achieve anything meaningful. Isn't it a red flag when huge talents like Jerry D'Amigo and Brandon Pirri short-circuit their development and consider the AHL a better proving ground instead of playing at RPI? Same question for Mike Zalewski, who undoubtedly needs a LOT more development than BRandon or JDA ever did. Pirri plays regularly, for the doormat of the NHL, and D'Amigo is a role player/4th liner for another sad sack franchise. Their talent is way beyond what they've become, yet couldn't wait at least 2 years?
Anyways, long story short, I think all of your metrics are subjective and second priority. The priority metric in the ECAC is goals, wins, and championships; not "nice-tries" and "3.8 GPA's". The results don't bear success, and after 2 complete recruiting cycles, progress on the ice is minimal, if any at all.
