Re: UAH 2011-2012 - The Farewell Tour Kicks Off Tomorrow
Well, as a UAH alumnus (Class of 74) and UAH Hockey fan and supporter since the first season (79-80), all I can say is @#%**&^$#%$^*()((&^%$#@@!@%&!!!
Guido should pay a visit to Portera... A person with a completely personal vendetta against all things UAH and a track record to prove it. A series of unfortunate events led to the perfect storm that allowed Portera to kill a storied program all while paying lip-service to it. Not the least of which was the demise of the CHA and the rejection by the CCHA (mostly by Anastos' refusal to support us). There is a huge difference in the way Bruce McLeod handled the situation resulting from the CHA's demise compared to Anastos. Losing the CHA as a route to the NCAA's and losing the CCHA as a home has cost us dearly in recruiting which is obvious to long time watchers of this program. Of course, had we not been in this vulnerable position, we would not have been so easy to kill.
Other factors were the firing of a UAH President who totally supported DI hockey and what it could do for a university and whose vision for UAH to become "big-time" was pushed a little, well, a lot too fast ticking off students and faculty alike. Then, the death of our AD who worked hard for the moment we could find a home and security. Also, the loss of the only member of the UA Board from UAH due to realignment didn't help. The UA Board hired a firm to find a new president for UAH while the Chancellor (Portera) self-appointed himself to Interim President (which at the time seemed just fine). Then, all of a sudden he announced that a complete review of the UAH Athletics Department would be undertaken and that no sport would be exempt and that hockey may not be sustainable (the first clue?). "Outside" people were brought in to analyze the athletics department, none of which knew a thing about hockey. He also announced that the "decision" would be his and his alone and that he would make it before the new president took office on November 1, 2011(the second clue?). When have you ever seen an Interim-President do anything other than maintain the status-quo until the permanent president takes office? Also, as far as I know, the only thing Portera did while Interim-President was kill our beloved hockey team.
The appearances of propriety were barely kept visible as it became clearly apparent that the "witch-hunt" had begun. Trips were taken in the name of seeing if hockey could be sustained but the truth be known, you get the answers you want by asking the "right" questions. For example: Which of the following questions do you think gives you the ammunition to kill a program on a financial basis?
1. What does it take ($) to run a "viable" DI hockey program?
2. What does it take ($)to run a "Highly Competitive" (read that as near-elite) DI hockey program?
Now, before you answer that question keep in mind that this was asked of a currently "Highly Competitive" program with their own on-campus rink that included the costs of running the building etc. (Think in terms of, uh, like Miami for example). You can also ask that same question of a league commissioner(s) and get a similar answer. You can also NOT ask pertinent questions and form your own conclusions (since refuted by said commissioner). In other words, if you want to kill a program, lies always get in the way of the truth. UAH, the red-headed step-child of the UA system and obviously hated by Portera got stomped on once again. His statement that he's not sure you can even run a DI program in a DII athletic department shows his complete lack of understanding of the subject as probably half, if not more, of the DI hockey programs in existance are run out of DII athletic departments. In-fact, we've been doing it for years and years!
There is a littany of examples of Portera's obstruction of UAH doing or getting anything of substance or appearing on the national stage. Having a DI program at "little" UAH and being nationally known as the "Hockey Capital of the South" has been a thorn in his side for years. He has finally pulled it out without a bit of thought to the student-athletes, students, fans, community, or community leaders to include the Chamber of Commerce that has used UAH hockey as a recruiting tool for many years.
Back to the president search, a perfect potential president was found right in our own institution (Dr. Griffin sp?) but suddenly, during the search by the hired company Portera announces his hand-picked person for President. A person that worked for Portera at Mississippi State. What a coincidence, a perfect Portera puppet. Game over for president. Presidential head-hunter company, go home. Now lets hire a new AD and tell him that he can't do a single thing to promote UAH hockey until the final decision is made. A decision that, in our hearts, we knew was already made when the hockey analysis was announced. It was hard to believe but your gut kept screaming at you anyway... as it turns out, with good reason.
Portera telling us that hockey would still be a prominent sport for UAH at the club level is a statement that shows his complete and utter lack of understanding of just what this sport is!!! That is tantamount to turning the Crimson Tide (his sacred cow) into a touch-football program and telling Tide fans that its still significant!!!! Can you actually believe that? Further misunderstanding of hockey occured at the last coach's luncheon when the new AD said that if the decision to drop DI hockey came to be (prophetic, huh?) that he would get right on "hiring a coach and recruiting players"??? When is the last time you saw an athletic department involved in a club sport? I'd be shocked if the club team isn't relegated to the Iceplex. After DI, I don't see the VBC opening their arms to what amounts to high school hockey.
Yes fellow college hockey fans, a single man totally unconnected to the school, community, and area, with an obvious agenda, snubbed civic and business leaders, fans, the rest of the administration, students and faculty, and most of all the student-athletes, succeeded in killing the only DI hockey program south of the Mason-Dixon line. A program with 5 National Championships, several regular season championships, 2 CHA Tournament Championships, 2 NCAA Tournament appearances, Hobey Baker candidates, and 3 players to the NHL. All in the guise of finances. The same person who thinks a $75 million dollar stadium for UAB football is financially wise when UAH hockey has outdrawn UAB football on occasion!
Personally, I'm devastated. I've stayed quiet during this whole ordeal as I would have probably got myself into trouble saying what I really thought. I will always remember the great fans from other teams that I have met over the years on the road with the team and here in our own barn. I finally ended up being the only person to attend each and every CHA Tournament and tournament game. Most of you that know me recognize me as the photo-geek shooting all things UAH and for ten years CHA. I've met some great fans, parents, trainers, equipment managers, coaches, etc. and will always cherish those memories. While I still have this final season to shoot, this is pretty much my farewell... Peace out!
I was being more facetious than anything. Still excited to get the shirt though. 
