What would Pollard be remembered for?

[jaretac]

Is he Jamie the Builder or Jamie the Talker?

He talked about bowling in the football stadium and as I recall he even unveiled plans and artists' renditions of it. But what he built were some new hot dog stands on the west side of the stadium.

Those hot dog stands on the west and east side cost 30 million, which is more than half of what it is going to cost to bowl in the south end zone. Obviously, you haven't been inside Trice since the renovation last year or you would have seen it was much more than hot dog stands. It was also new suites, new electrical systems, new rails, new paint, etc. Things that needed to happen to bring the stadium into the 21st century. He probably could have done the south end zone already, course, we wouldn't have a basketball facility or better concession stands.

You probable, conveniently, don't remember this, but even the original plans didn't say it would happen until 2012. He also built a basketball practice facility, ahead of schedule.

 

[madcityCY]

An AD's job is not winning. It's providing a budget that allows programs to succeed. I'd say he's done that.

 

[jaretac]

Why don't you two losers get a room and leave the rest of us alone?

If you two idiots donated as much as you bitched, we'd have the greatest athletic facilities in the history of Division I.

WE GET IT, YOU HATE POLLARD!!!!! Take your **** somewhere else. Your act has worn out its welcome here.

I think this response is a little extreme too, however, you can tell that anyone who alters facts in order to prove a point has some serious issues. I can't believe that he is even criticizing Pollard for the facility improvements.

 

[jaretac]

An AD's job is not winning. It's providing a budget that allows programs to succeed. I'd say he's done that.

I agree with this, but part of a AD's job is hiring good coaches, something Pollard has struggled with. The only head coach that Pollard has hired that has made any improvement is Cael, and that was a no brainier.

 

[madcityCY]

I agree with this, but part of a AD's job is hiring good coaches, something Pollard has struggled with. The only head coach that Pollard has hired that has made any improvement is Cael, and that was a no brainier.

Agreed, but even that is questionable (in some people's minds) to some extent.

Look at the condition of all the other sports. ALL BETTER THAN WHEN VAN DE VELDE WAS HERE!

especially volleyball. Did Pollard hire that coach?

 

[IcSyU]

I agree with this, but part of a AD's job is hiring good coaches, something Pollard has struggled with. The only head coach that Pollard has hired that has made any improvement is Cael, and that was a no brainier.

He's struggled because Chizik bolted? Who knows, maybe Gene could have had a respectable team on the field in a couple years. I doubt it, but we'll never know. Chizik and McDermott both inherited messes, and the jury is still out on McDermott.

 

[jaretac]

No Cristy Johnson was hired just before Pollard. I think she may have been hired by the temporary (now associate) AD, Sanderson (forgot her first name). Honestly, Pollard should just get Sanderson to hire everyone, she hired the softball coach too and the softball team has made marked improvement as well. But, I think he finally got a football coach.

Football and MBB are both in worse shape, but otherwise I agree with that.

He's struggled because Chizik bolted? Who knows, maybe Gene could have had a respectable team on the field in a couple years. I doubt it, but we'll never know. Chizik and McDermott both inherited messes, and the jury is still out on McDermott.

Notice, I said that there is only one coach he has hired that has made improvement. I didn't say he hasn't hired good coaches, but those coaches have not improved their teams.

 

[VanderHuge]

He's struggled because Chizik bolted? Who knows, maybe Gene could have had a respectable team on the field in a couple years. I doubt it, but we'll never know. Chizik and McDermott both inherited messes, and the jury is still out on McDermott.

What are you talking about? He hasn't struggled because Chizik left. There hasn't been one more loss in the record books since he left.

 

[Cyclonesrule91]

Before I vote in this poll, am I supposed to vote as an objective fan or a wannabee armchair AD's on this site who know so much more then anyone else?

That would change how I vote so I just want to clarify before doing so.

 

[CyBobby]

Is he Jamie the Builder or Jamie the Talker?

He talked about bowling in the football stadium and as I recall he even unveiled plans and artists' renditions of it. But what he built were some new hot dog stands on the west side of the stadium.

I agree monty ....TALK IS CHEAP!!!! actually doing something Costs Money....Thats what Jamie doesnt have and never will have...

Its Past Time for Results Boys...That means winning and no more excuses!!!!

 

[jaretac]

I agree monty ....TALK IS CHEAP!!!! actually doing something Costs Money....Thats what Jamie doesnt have and never will have...

Its Past Time for Results Boys...That means winning and no more excuses!!!!

So let me get this straight, you don't think Pollard has fulfilled his duty in improving facilities?

 

[MontyBurns]

Obviously, you haven't been inside Trice since the renovation last year or you would have seen it was much more than hot dog stands. It was also new suites, new electrical systems, new rails, new paint, etc.

Oh yeah, paint and light bulbs. Woohoo.

Its Past Time for Results Boys...That means winning and no more excuses!!!!

You are 100% correct. When Jamie arrived he did a great job of selling. He created excitement among fans that we were going to take -- as he called it -- "the next big step". He raised ticket prices and donations and we Cyclone fans paid money like we've never paid before. Now he's been here 3 years -- the time for selling is over and it's time for delivery. Unfortunately it is looking like "the next big step" was backwards.

 

[jaretac]

Oh yeah, paint and light bulbs. Woohoo.

Okay, I'm not sure why your so disappointed in what JP has done with facilities, I can understand being disappointed in the wins/loss record, but facilities?

Let's give you a reality check, Original Facility Master Plan compared to what has happened:

Football Stadium Suites/Club/Gates
- Originally planned for Fall 2008, $10 million
- Completed Fall 2008, $19 million
=Completed on time, $9 million over original plan

Basketball Practice Facility
- Originally planned for Fall 2009, $25 million
- Completed Fall 2009, 8 million
=Completed on time, $17 million less than originally planned

Hilton Renovations
- Originally planned for Fall 2010, $35 million
- Not completed
=Not originally planned to be completed for another year

Jack Trice South End Zone project
- Originally panned for Fall 2010 to include east side concessions, $25 million
- East side concession completed Fall 2009, $11 million
- No known timeline for South End Zone, $55 million
=Partially completed a year ahead of schedule, no timeline for finishing, total project cost is $41 million over original plan

Student Recreation Center
- Originally no timeline, unknown cost
- Project will be completed Fall 2011, $52.8 million
=Completed way ahead of what was originally thought

Hilton Atrium/Office/Gateway Complex
- Originally no timeline, unknown cost
- No known timeline, unknown cost
=No timeline, no known cost

All project have been completed on or ahead of schedule so far.

Original plans cost to date: $35 million
Current cost to date: $38 million

Recreation Center
Master Plan

Now, come next fall, you may have more of an argument. JP originally planned for $60 million in improvements for 2010, which to do those same improvements will now cost $90 million. Until then, you can't criticize him for not completing facilities that wasn't planned to be completed yet. He has done everything, to date, that he promised. Remember, we didn't hear the announcement for the current projects until late last year.

 

[zach]

Oh yeah, paint and light bulbs. Woohoo.





You are 100% correct. When Jamie arrived he did a great job of selling. He created excitement among fans that we were going to take -- as he called it -- "the next big step". He raised ticket prices and donations and we Cyclone fans paid money like we've never paid before. Now he's been here 3 years -- the time for selling is over and it's time for delivery. Unfortunately it is looking like "the next big step" was backwards.

I imagine it is pretty hard for some people to totally grasp the POOR situation ISU was in before JP got here and it will take time to overcome. Unfortunately, some people feel they are entitled to instant benefits without the hard work and fully understanding of the situation. Same group thinks the are entitled to new cars and homes with out the effort.e.g. entitled to stay up with the Jones. Perhaps JP can start a food stamp and FEMA program for some of you, I'd bet you would be happier then, but then again, probabaly not.

 

[Tornado man]

Okay, I'm not sure why your so disappointed in what JP has done with facilities, I can understand being disappointed in the wins/loss record, but facilities?
He has done everything, to date, that he promised.

After a season of going to men's and women's basketball games, plus wrestling, I am not impressed with the athletic department's takeover of Hilton. Concessions had crappy service and higher prices. Centerplate sucks. We know that from football.
Go back to the management company, who knew how to run things.

 

[jaretac]

After a season of going to men's and women's basketball games, plus wrestling, I am not impressed with the athletic department's takeover of Hilton. Concessions had crappy service and higher prices. Centerplate sucks. We know that from football.
Go back to the management company, who knew how to run things.

I have to agree with that and believe me, it would make my life easier if you would let JP know that. The AD is not going to let go of Hilton, but they can make changes. I'm very unimpressed with the management of Hilton. They are unorganized and unable to manage people or a sports facility, and worst of all, they are unwilling to accept suggestions from anyone.

People who have worked at Hilton for decades have as much seniority as people who have worked there for days. Suggestions are completely ignored and valuable employees are leaving.

 

[CycloneErik]

Agreed, but even that is questionable (in some people's minds) to some extent.

Look at the condition of all the other sports. ALL BETTER THAN WHEN VAN DE VELDE WAS HERE!

especially volleyball. Did Pollard hire that coach?

Of course, the coaches that he had left the programs in terrible shape, and it takes time to recover.

I clicked them all, because I think he will be well remembered in the long run for each of these.

 

[Tornado man]

I have to agree with that and believe me, it would make my life easier if you would let JP know that. The AD is not going to let go of Hilton, but they can make changes. I'm very unimpressed with the management of Hilton. They are unorganized and unable to manage people or a sports facility, and worst of all, they are unwilling to accept suggestions from anyone.

I am crafting a letter to JP right now.
They must have lost a ton of money on concessions this year. People in my sections gave up going there at halftimes/intermissions because of the low staffing = long waits.
LOTS of $$$ lost...

 

[CycloneErik]

I have to agree with that and believe me, it would make my life easier if you would let JP know that. The AD is not going to let go of Hilton, but they can make changes. I'm very unimpressed with the management of Hilton. They are unorganized and unable to manage people or a sports facility, and worst of all, they are unwilling to accept suggestions from anyone.

People who have worked at Hilton for decades have as much seniority as people who have worked there for days. Suggestions are completely ignored and valuable employees are leaving.

I can only imagine. A couple of times, I chose not to get anything, even though that was my supper (We go to the games right after I wake up), because they were so terribly slow at getting orders filled ahead of us. The coupon/ticket packages were a good marketing idea, but the concessionaires had no idea what to do with them. That could be improved.

 

[CycloneErik]

I am crafting a letter to JP right now.
They must have lost a ton of money on concessions this year. People in my sections gave up going there at halftimes/intermissions because of the low staffing = long waits.
LOTS of $$$ lost...

And a staffer for concessions likely isn't getting paid a lot. My guess is $8/hr tops. Two customers going through covers that plus materials, and halftime brings a lot more than two customers.