Caleb Troop

* June 28th (11:40 am CDT)

-  In case you missed it: OU president gets monster raise from trustees

-  In case you missed it Part II: $1.8 million deficit for 2009 fiscal year in athletics department

-  An excerpt from the second article: “One problem area in the budget is in intercollegiate athletics, which is planning for a $1.8 million budget deficit in the 2009 fiscal year, which begins on July 1.

Rebecca Skillings, director of budget planning and analysis, told a Trustees committee meeting Thursday that new Athletics Director Jim Schaus has been charged with finding ways to increase revenue and decrease costs in the department in order to eliminate this deficit. The ways to increase revenue, she said, may including holding more fundraising programs and activities, increasing advancement/development activities, and scheduling more home contests in order to bring in more revenue and decrease travel costs.”

-  OK, so now the hoops honeymoon is over.  It’s time to talk football.

-  More to come.

* June 27th (2:45 pm CDT)

-  Click here to listen: A one-on-one interview with Jim Schaus (11:28)

 

* June 27th ( 1:45 pm CDT)

-  Ohio University officials confirmed that John Groce signed a five-year contract worth $250,000 annually.  There are also additional undisclosed incentives built in to the contract.  No official word yet of any buyout clause.

-  Stay tuned to TroopSports.com over the next hour or two for audio interviews with Groce and Ohio A.D. Jim Schaus.

-  If you have questions for Groce or Schaus shoot them to ctroop@TroopSports.com in the next few minutes.

 

* June 26th (9:10 am CDT)

-  A press conference is now scheduled for 1 pm (ET) tomorrow in The Convocation Center on the Ohio University campus to announce John Groce as the next head basketball coach at Ohio University.

-  Stay tuned to TroopSports.com all day tomorrow afternoon for possible audio interviews with Groce, Ohio State head coach Thad Matta, and others.

-  Current Ohio assistant John Rhodes could not be reached for comment this morning.

 

* June 26^th (8:30 am CDT) (edited 1 time at 8:50 am CDT)

Info on Possible Groce Hiring

FoxSports.com’s Jeff Goodman reported this morning that current Ohio State associate head coach John Groce will be the next head men’s basketball coach at Ohio University.

Ohio University officials are currently meeting with Jim Schaus, and a time or date for any announcement has not be finalized.

Going into this search process the question was whether or not Jim Schaus would go with the in-house candidate in John Rhodes or find a top-notch assistant.

He found a top-notch assistant…check that, he found THE top-notch assistant.

Groce is known as a very personable coach, and has been with Thad Matta every step of the way.  According to people who follow Ohio State hoops, Groce is a great X’s and O’s cocah, possibly even better than Matta.  Those who watch Buckeyes basketball say Groce is always in Matta’s ear during games.

The Indiana native was also reportedly responsible for much of the Hoosier-state recruits (Greg Oden, Mike Conley, Walter Offutt).  His Midwest connections are boundless.

Here’s what is left to be determined if indeed Groce has accepted the job.  Schaus told TroopSports.com a few days ago that the salary of the new head coach would be comparable to what Tim O’Shea was making ($198,000).  Groce reportedly made $225,000 per year at Ohio State.  Schaus, who reportedly met with the Board of Trustees last night, might have made a lucrative offer to lure Groce.  A $300,000 annual salary is not out of the question at this point.  You would have to think that Groce’s contract with the ‘Cats would at the very least exceed his contract with OSU.

Also, given Schaus’ track record, the length of the contract to be more than the typical five years.  Gregg Marshall got seven years ($750,000 annually) from Schaus at Wichita State when he came from Winthrop, and previous head coach Mark Turgeon received an extension with the Shockers back in 2006 that would have made him the coach through 2016.

How this athletic department can afford a basketball coach making that much is a question that will be asked for months to come.  It doesn’t help that Schaus is looking to lock up football coach Frank Solich at school where the athletic department’s budget deficit is six figures.

Groce reportedly had no interest in the Toledo job several months ago, and Gene Cross, 36, was given a 5-year, $280,000 contract.

Stay tuned to TroopSports.com in the next few hours as the story develops.

 

 

* June 25^th (10:25 am CDT)

-  Take these names off the list as possible replacement candidates: Scott Duncan (UCLA), Brian Fish (Creighton), Jeff Boals (Akron), Gary Waters (Cleveland State), Billy Hahn (West Virginia), Danny Nee, Tony Jones (Tennessee), Chris Mack (Xavier), Mike Jackson (Michigan), Larry Shyatt (Florida), Dan Hipsher (USF), and Billy Donlon (Wright State).

-  Tony Castricone deserves a look as the next lead voice of Ohio University sports.  The recent Ohio University graduate currently works at WBNS-AM (1460 The Fan) in Columbus, Ohio.

-  Still looking for Ohio-Ohio State tickets?  Here’s a chance to win some for free. 

-  Much more to come.

 

* June 24th (11 pm CDT)

Source: “Voice of the Bobcats” Leaving Ohio

After one year as the “Voice of the Bobcats,” Warren Swain has resigned as the Director of Broadcasting at Ohio University, TroopSports.com has learned.  Ohio University officials would not confirm the resignation Tuesday night, and Swain could not be reached for comment.  An announcement is expected by the University later this week.

It is believed that Swain will return to Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  A source with knowledge of the situation said Swain is expected to fill a similar role there as a play-by-play voice for the University of South Dakota broadcasts.  USD officials confirmed the school was currently in discussions with Results Radio and KYBB-FM in Sioux Falls for broadcasting rights.

More to come.

 

* June 23^rd (6:20 CDT)

Schaus Discusses the Future of Ohio Basketball

-  Here are a few audio clips from a phone interview today with new Ohio Director of Athletics Jim Schaus on the state of Ohio Basketball:

-  Schaus on the current state of Ohio basketball (2:17)

-  Schaus on what he thinks is the ideal next basketball coach (3:36)

-  Schaus on the timeframe of announcing the next head coach (3:20)

-  Schaus on the salary price range for the next coach (:20)

-  Schaus on John Rhodes as a potential candidate (3:22)

 

* June 23^rd (2:45 CDT)

Tillman Talks about O’Shea’s Departure

-  Ohio Bobcats senior forward and co-captain Jerome Tillman spoke this afternoon about the recent departure of Tim O’Shea, the next possible head coach of the ‘Cats and much more.

-  He wasn’t completely shocked that O’Shea left:  “I was a little bit surprised, but you hear the talk.  I heard some talk about him leaving.

“I know he had to do the best thing for his family.  I have no bad feelings whatsoever towards him, and I wish him the best of luck.”

-  A change in coaches won’t change Tillman’s work ethic:  “I just have to continue working hard because, regardless if we have the same coaching staff or a new coaching staff, they are going to get 110 percent out of me.  I’m going to work hard and be receptive….I’m just trying to move forward day by day.  You can’t dwell on it.  You just have to move on.”

-  This mindset is shared by the entire team:  “Everybody pretty much has the same reaction.  We are a little bit surprised, but not really because that’s the talk we heard a little bit.  We are just trying to stay consistent with our workouts.”

-  None of the players have asked out of Ohio: “From what I know, everyone is (staying).”

-  So who does Tillman want to lead the ‘Cats in his senior season?  “I have a connection with Coach Rhodes, Coach Kuwik and Coach Alexander.  They’ve been here since I came to Ohio.”

 “I would like to see (Rhodes) or whoever it is.  People are lobbying for Coach Rhodes.  That’s the talk around town….But if a new coach comes in, we are still going to be receptive.  We are not going to be against the coach…I would be receptive to anything.”

-  He can’t concern himself too much with the coaching:  “We can only do so much.  We can only voice our opinion so much.  It is going to be up to the President and Athletic Director to make the best decision for Ohio.  If it is not Coach Rhodes or Coach Kuwik or Coach Alexander—if it’s a new coaching staff—there is nothing we can do about it.  We just have to move on, continue to work hard every day and see where it takes us.”

-  More to come in the next few hours as new Ohio A.D. Jim Schaus is expected to talk with reporters about the future of Ohio hoops.

 

 

* June 20^th (11:30 CDT)

-  Expect an announcement on OhioBobcats.com later today, but Semeka Randall has filled out her women’s basketball staff. 

-  Ryan Bragdon will be the third assistant coach for Randall.  Bragdon served seven years as an assistant at Western Michigan.  Broncos head coach Ron Stewart was fired after 11 seasons with WMU, and new head coach Tasha McDowell brought in an entirely new staff.  Bragdon is a 2001 graduation of the University of Washington.

-  Shauna Bookal will be the Director of Basketball Operations for the ‘Cats.  Bookal just received her Masters in May from West Virginia. She has an extensive background in sports management, most recently serving as a sports marketing intern at West Virginia from August 2007 to April of this year.

-  I love the hire of Bragdon because he knows the ins and outs of the Mid-American Conference.  He will know how to recruit the MAC caliber players because he did so under Stewart for the Broncos.

-  More to come.

 

* June 19th (4:30 CDT)

-  Just spoke to Tim O’Shea again as he is driving back to Athens from the northeast.

-  O’Shea has talked with his senior captains Jerome Tillman and Mike Allen, but is coming back in town to talk to the team as a whole.

-  Here’s the thing: This puts A.D. Jim Schaus in his first tough, legacy-building decision.  The players want Rhodes, O’Shea wants Rhodes, and a majority of the fans want Rhodes.  But you have to believe that Schaus has bigger names out there to replace O’Shea.  It would be a hard decision for Schaus to decide to go with someone other than Rhodes for fear of a complete back firing of this program.

-  I’m still not completely convinced of Rhodes being the answer, but at this point, it might just be the smart thing to do.  O’Shea did convince me a little bit more, though.  The players would love to see the staff of Rhodes, Kuwik and Alexander stay together, and the all three recruits would stay on board, including Coleman and Waters, who were recruited by Kuwik and Alexander, respectively.

-  Here’s the question of the day: What will you do when Bryant comes to the Convo on November 15th?

-  By the way, there is no money owed by either party (Ohio or O’Shea) by terminating the contract early.

-  That’s all for now.  This will probably be the toughest column I’ve had to write.

 

 

* June 19th (4 pm CDT)

-  Not that you don’t trust Andy Katz, but Tim O’Shea did confirm the move to Bryant.  My first reaction?  Laughter.

-  Second reaction?  Mark your calendars, folks.  November 15: Bryant comes to the Convo.  Should be fun.

-  Eight years guaranteed to be closer to his aging parents and home is hard to pass up (his mother cried yesterday when O’Shea told informed her of the move).  O’Shea did admit the annual salary will be lower, but would not say by how much.  I would guesstimate he will be making about 140,000 or so at Bryant.

-  I know I will be in the minority in this next statement, but it’s my opinion.  Right now, I don’t think John Rhodes is the answer for this program.  I LOVE Rhodes as a person, but not as the next leader of this program.  If Ohio HAS to go within the program I’d rather have a firey guy like Bakari Alexander or a smart, recruiter like Kevin Kuwik.  But I don’t see it happening.

-  By the way, O’Shea had some interesting departure words when I spoke to him half an hour ago.  Hopefully I’ll get them on record here in a bit.  But don’t worry, Tim, I have an instinct that the feelings are mutual.  Cya.

-  Shoot, while I’m at it, here’s the 2008 non-conference schedule for the Bobcats next season.

2008-2009 Basketball Schedule

Bobcat Classic

Nov. 14 Exhibition: TBA

Nov. 15  Bryant 

Nov. 29 @ George Mason

Dec. 3 Tulsa (home and home)

 

Louisville Tournament Dec 6-8

Indiana State Dec. 6

Louisville Dec. 7

N. Arizona Dec. 8

 

Dec. 10 @ Xavier

Dec. 13 @ Delaware (@ Delaware in ’09, host in ’10)

Dec. 17 @ Marshall (4-year deal)

Dec. 22 Holy Cross

Dec. 30 St. Francis

Jan. 3 Bucknell

 

Feb. 23 BracketBusters

 

-  Last non-conference game: unofficial right now, but it will be at Austin Peay in December (home and home)

- MUCH MUCH more to come.  Stay tuned throughout the week and on into the weekend.

 

* June 16th (11:20 CDT)

-  Tons of new material on the plate today.

-  I wrote my column in today’s Athens NEWS discussing the benefits of a semester system for Ohio sports.  Jim Schaus, Frank Solich and Tim O’Shea all weigh in.  Click Here to Read.

-  Also, be sure to check out this article for an update on the Frank Solich contract extension talks, possible facility upgrades, Joe Carbone’s future at OU, and much more in the Ohio Notebook.  It’s a must read.

 

* June 13th (12:15 CDT)

-  Back in St. Louis after almost missing a connection flight in Cincinnati last night due to bad weather in Ohio.  Heck, we even lost power in the Columbus airport.  I didn’t even know it was possible for airports to lose electricity.

-  Found this article from the News-Press in Fort Myers, Florida, about new University of Miami A.D. Kirby Hocutt:  New UM Athletic Director Vehement

-  When I read articles like this one about Miami (Ohio) head basketball coach Charlie Coles, it frustrates me.  I don’t know him as well as others, but in the limited exposure I’ve had with Coles, I love ‘em.  How can you not enjoy a man of his personality, right?  But I’m starting to wonder if he should be coaching the Redhawks.  At the end of the day it’s only Mid American Conference basketball, and there isn’t much for Coles to prove.  He knows grinding out another year with the Redhawks will involve grueling road trips and tough losses, and it will not be good for his health.  So while I revere him for not wanting to give up, I almost wish he did.  I’d rather have 20 more years of Charlie Coles the man than two more years of Charlie Coles the coach.

-  Former ‘Cats shortstop Zach Hartle was not drafted in last week’s 2008 MLB Draft, but he quickly found himself playing baseball again. Hartle has signed with the Florence Freedom (Ky.) of the Independent Frontier League.  Hartle made quite a first impression last night.  He came off the bench and banged out a two-run double in an 18-6 victory over the Evansville Otters last night.

 

* June 11^th (11:10 am)

-  What a tough loss for Ohio sports as softball coach Jill Matyuch steps down.  This was a program coming off its first ever appearance in the Mid American Conference Tournament Championship game.  The Lady ‘Cats were set to return 13 of 19 players for next season.

-  Now new Ohio A.D. Jim Schaus starts a new coaching search.  We saw the women’s basketball search take about a week.  So what’s the over-under in days for the time it will take Schaus to find a new softball coach?  I’ll put the line at two weeks.

-  If you’re in the neighborhood later today, come on over to Buffalo Wild Wings right off of court street.  Jimmy and I will be broadcasting live from 5-7 pm, with “The SportsFan” airing from 6-7.  It will be the last show for Jimmy as he moves on into the real world, and it will be the last show for me until we kick things back up on August 18^th.

-  It’s been a fun 100+ shows with Jimmy, but as they say, all good things must come to an end.  We hope we’ve given ‘Cats fans a reason to tune in and be entertained over the last six months.

-  Brian Boesch, who excelled in his role as a play-by-play broadcaster for the Bobcats baseball team this spring and has the dirtiest three iron known to man, will take Jimmy’s spot next fall.  I have a strong feeling that we are going to have a ton of fun.

-  Stay tuned to TroopSports.com and OhioBobcats.com for further details, but there may be a surprise or two in the works regarding “The SportsFan” that we are very excited about.

-  My column in next Monday’s The Athens NEWS will tackle Ohio University’s possible switch to semesters and the impact that would have on sports.

-  Back to the books.  More to come.

 

* June 5th (9 pm)

-  Click here to listen to the Jim Schaus interview on “The SportsFan” tonight.  Thanks to all of those who decided to call in tonight.  The phones were ringing off the hook.

* June 4th (7:30 pm)

-  Time to do a little business clean-up.

-  For all two of our listeners who are wondering where “The SportsFan” podcast has been all week, don’t worry, Jimmy and I are still here.  The podcast site has not been working, but it is in the process of being fixed.

-  And what bad timing for that darn server to go down.  We had the amazing Peter King from NBC, HBO and SI on the program tonight talking about his upcoming commencement speech, his time in Athens, his disgust with Ohio State and much more.  It truly is a MUST listen.  What a great guy.

-  Tomorrow Jim Schaus will join us in-studio from 6-6:30 to talk Ohio athletics.  He’s taking your calls, and I highly suggest you give us a ring (740-592-6646) if you want to weigh-in.  You can listen live online by clicking here.

-  If you can’t listen live but have a question, shoot us an e-mail and we’ll make sure Jim hears it.

-  If I had just one beef with Bobcats fans it is this: when opportunities come to talk to coaches, players, and more, the loud and complaining Bobcat Love’s of the world are no where to be found.  ‘Cats fans, you have an A.D. who wants to hear from you, so take advantage of it.

 

* June 2^nd (5 pm)

-  Brown University is reportedly looking at three candidates to fill the vacant head men’s basketball coaching position.  Brown assistant Jesse Agel, American University assistant Mike Brennan and Washington assistant Paul Fortier are the three finalists.  On-campus interviews are expected this week at Brown.

-  As reported last week, Ohio University head coach Tim O’Shea has not taken and has no plans to take a visit to Brown.  It is becoming increasingly clear that he is not a candidate. 

-  Simply put, as it stands right now, Tim O’Shea will be the Ohio Bobcats head basketball coach for the 2008-2009 campaign.

-  Found this a bit interesting.  The Western Michigan athletic department sold single game football tickets for $12 in a “Turn Back the Clock” promotion last Friday.

-  Sticking with football, incoming Bobcats WR Bakari Bussey is reportedly still a question mark to qualify academically and might not be with the ‘Cats come fall.  Again, there is still time for Bussey to make it, but this would be a huge loss as Bussey was of one the top recruits in Frank Solich’s 2008 recruiting class.

-  More to Come.

Filed under: 2008 Bobcat Blog, June '08 Blog Notes |