Wright State University Athletics

Question from Robert:

Are you adding or do you plan to add football to your sports program?

Answer:
Good question, Robert. We are always looking at ways to increase opportunities for our students, so we are constantly evaluating chances to enhance and improve our program. However, we must evaluate everything based upon participation numbers, cost, Title IX, budget and marketing ramifications. Right now, we are not looking at the addition of Football, but you never know what the future will bring us. We have an excellent club football program run by our Student Union folks if you are interested. Thanks.
 


Question:

I am just wondering why Wright State has a great football field and no football team when that money could have been used to put a nice outdoor track so the university could host track meets at the school and the team could practice on campus instead of driving to a local high school. Which put the kids at risk of getting in a accident. Thank you for your time.

Answer:

Thank you for your question. The "football field" is actually a multi-purpose field that is used by our campus recreation department and is for our general student population. Funding for this field was provided by a gift to the university, that gift was restricted by the donor and could only be used for that purpose. Thanks again.
 


Question from Jim:

Has there been any movement by the Horizon League to add an additional team or teams to the league due to the losing of Butler to the A10?  If so, which team(s) are in the running? Go Raiders!

Answer:

Jim, great question and one that certainly is on all of our minds as we watch the endless movement of schools around the country.  Jon LeCrone and his Horizon League staff have been hard at work for months now on a "growth agenda", I would suspect that those efforts would yield results in the coming months.  Thanks. 


Question from Sonny:
Recently, with what seems all of the teams from the Big East and Big 12 conferences jumping into potential "Super" conferences, as an athletic director how much does this worry you? Also, do you see it affecting our ability to schedule teams to play in basketball, as well as the fundamental aspects of recruiting, scheduling and competing on a national level with all of our sports teams? What is the Horizon League's view with regards to these major conference realignments? Any concerns? GO RAIDERS!

Answer:
Good question, Sonny. We stay as up to date as possible and work through the league and other schools to stay on top of the situation. To a large extent, we don't have control over what's going on but it's important for us to stay connected in case something does happen that will affect us. It's vital that we continue to grow while also staying nimble enough if we do need to react. Bottom line is that we cannot predict the future but we will be ready.With regards to scheduling, I think we have done an excellent job in scheduling this year and I commend Billy Donlon and his staff on that. We play at Ohio State, a "neutral" game against Florida and a home game against Cincinnati as well as other very good regional and traditional matchups like Miami, Central Michigan and Ohio. Plus, we were able to sprinkle in some new opponents like Air Force and Idaho. We have always been pushing for games against those types of schools and we will continue that in the future.
The women's basketball program has done similar with its schedule while baseball has always been open to playing teams like Georgia, Mississippi State and Virginia. Our women's soccer team just got back from a tournament at Auburn and men's soccer just defeated Marquette on the road so I am confident we will continue in that direction no matter the outcome of the realignment.
Thanks as always for your question. I look forward to seeing you again soon.
 


Comment from Jim:
Thanks to you and to Billy Donlon for the foresight to continue to expand the men's basketball program. Playing in Italy and in the Florida/OSU games will not only benefit the players in their athletic endeavors, but their own personal development. You, Billy, and the Coaches are to be commended. Thanks.
 


Question from Curtis:
Has construction on the new soccer facilities started yet?

Answer:
Not yet, but we are excited for construction to begin soon, planning phase almost complete - very exciting.  Thanks for the question.
 


Question from Jim:
Would there be a reason that if the Raiders did not make the NCAA Tournament that they would turn down a bid given to them to play in the NIT?

Answer:
I hope all is well.  The opportunity to play in the NCAA-owned NIT and the history of that tournament would be terrific for our team and fans if we don't make the NCAA Tournament.  We look at other postseason opportunities (WBI, CBI, CIT, etc.) on a sport-by-sport and a year-by-year basis.  Thanks for the question.
 


Comment from Jim:
Not a question. Just wanted to let you know that I am behind you 100%. I am an alumnus class of 1980. We've got a good one in Billy. I am a season ticket holder, since 1990 and have held the same seat for 20 years. Keep up the good work.


 
Question:
What would have to happen for Wright State to have a men's track and field team? Because, if there is any way, I would like to help in any way, shape and form. Thank you for taking your time to read and respond to this email.


Answer:
We have no plans to add any additional sports at this time, but that doesn't mean that we wouldn't consider adding sports in the future if the fit and finances were right.
 


Question from Brian:
Two years ago there was an announcement that WSU was planning to build an athletic facility known as Raider Village. Is that still in the works and does athletics have any plans to move the pond behind the Nutter Center to another location to improve NC parking?

Answer:
That's a great question, Brian.
The Raider Village concept encompasses all of our athletic facilities along Raider Road, including the Nutter Center, the Pavilion, Nischwitz Stadium, the softball field, tennis courts and Alumni Soccer Field. We are constantly striving and fund raising to improve, expand and add to these terrific facilities.
Improvements and expansion to Raider Village are happening right now with the Rinzler project, beginning in the Spring, which will bring turf, restrooms, concession and a team room to Alumni Soccer Field as well as lights and a new scoreboard to the softball field. The larger soccer complex, with the lights already in place, will also allow campus recreation to use the facility any time of the day or night. Look for a lot more activity by our students at that corner of campus in the future. There is also a three-six year plan to fill in a portion of the lake behind the Nutter Center to create more parking for the fans.
We are always in an active fundraising mode that will affect the size and look of Raider Village. We are in constant contact with and work closely with University officials and community leaders to stay on the cutting edge for our student-athletes, students and supporters. Our goal is to have the best facilities in the Horizon League and in the region.
Thanks again for the great question. We always appreciate the fan's support. Hope to see you at a Raider game in the future.


 
Question from Mike:
Is Wright State looking to add any sports such as lacrosse?
Answer:
Good question, Mike. We are always looking at ways to increase opportunities for our students, so we are constantly evaluating chances to enhance and improve our program. However, we must evaluate everything based upon participation numbers, cost, Title IX, budget and marketing ramifications. Right now, we are not looking at the addition of Lacrosse, but you never know what the future will bring us.
I encourage your interest in lacrosse and hope you look into the club sports on campus, which does offer the sport, and many others. Take a look at their at http://www.wright.edu/studentorgs/lacrosse/ and feel free to contact our Campus Recreation Department in the Student Union.
Thanks again for the great question. We always appreciate the fan's support. Hope to see you at a Raider game in the future.


 
Question:
Where do you see the Horizon League in five years, in terms of member schools and overall competitiveness?
Answer:
That's our third question and all have been great so far.
The Horizon League is now stronger than ever, top to bottom--in all sports.
League commissioner Jon LeCrone has done a superb job, keeping on top. A large part of his job is always to think ahead and try to anticipate possible moves (both additions and departures from the league) that will keep the Horizon League one of the most competitive conferences in the nation.
I honestly don't expect much change to the membership within the league--although the potential "domino affect" is hard to predict.
I'll tell you that WSU better still be striving to be more competitive every single year.


 
Thanks again for the great questions. We always appreciate the fan's support. Hope to see you at a Raider game in the future.
Go Raiders!
Bob Grant 
Director of Athletics
Wright State University