A few months ago, a couple of posters on Pack Pride’s Message Boards shared a detailed analysis of the performance of NC State’s non-revenue Athletics Programs. The results were not good. Some of the results of the programs were nowhere close even being mediocre. They were embarassing. One such program that fits that mold is the Woman’s Volleyball program.
One of the primary questions embedded in the analysis was what kind of criteria that Lee Fowler uses (if any tangible, measureable criteria exists). It seemed as though, no matter how bad the program performed, there has been almost no attempts at improvement by making a change in the leadership of the program. (ie: coaching changes).
In a similar spirit, the long-time poster named “newswolf” asked an interesting question yesterday – “How can you justify keeping the volleyball coach”
The following is his post:
” I know the favorite past time of this board is to debate Sendek etc. etc. Lets try to move past that for a moment. The question I have is this…
When an Athletic Director evaluates a coach at the end of the season, how do you determine if that coach should continue in their position? (again, do not bring Coach Sendek into this debate)
Sometimes I think this board and fans are to hard on our coaches and coaching staff. I try to look at things from an AD’s POV, but tell me how you can explain this one.
Women’s Volleyball Performance
2004
Overall: 10-21
ACC rec: 0-17
2003
Overall: 7-25
ACC rec: 0-17
2002
Overall: 3-32
ACC rec: 0-17
2001
Overall: 6-21
ACC rec: 1-16
-66 ACC Game Losing Streak
-The 0-17 Record this year consists of a 6-51 record in games in the ACC (must win 3 games, to win a match)
-They play to 30 in volleyball, in 20 of the 51 games our team failed to reach 21 points.
If you are the AD, do you just write some sports off? Basically, they don’t bring in any revenue, so why should we really care about wins or losses, or as long as they graduate players, we shouldn’t care if they win or lose?
Thoughts? Feedback?”
(sarcasm) It is pretty obvious that there has been noticeable “improvement” since the coach originally took over the program. Isn’t “improvement” the metric that so many like to use to judge? (until, of course, the case for “improvement” can’t be made and then the metric becomes recruiting or some other unmeasureable standard?)
Sure it has been a little slow…but, it just isn’t easy to compete with some of the volleyball powerhouses on the east coast.
State fans shouldn’t try to compare themselves to more successful programs. Our volleyball team hasn’t been on probation and, from what I understand, our coach is wonderful person who possess many of the seeds of greatness.
