Presidential control

Robert Hemenway, chancellor
University of Kansas
Sports Business Journal

"I think there's a feeling that because (intercollegiate athletics) is such a unique phenomenon that is so closely tied to the university, it's absolutely critical that the university exert control over it. I think it would be irresponsible of (presidents) to defer that responsibility."

The Rev. Edward A. Malloy, president
University of Notre Dame
Chicago Tribune

"There is no greater temptation for intrusion into presidential control and institutional mission than athletics when it comes to the board of trustees. The governing boards and many members of the governing boards have a huge incentive -- for reasons we can all speculate about -- to be excessively interested in athletics and to attempt to micromanage."

Men's and Women's College Cup

Jay Vidovich, head men's soccer coach
Wake Forest University
Raleigh News and Observer

Discussing the possibility of conducting future Division I Men's and Women's Soccer Championships at a combined site:

"There's a possibility of making a tremendous soccer weekend and trying to develop the sport. That could be great. I also think right now, both championships are in a situation where they need to find a way to grow. ... That's one of the first issues that the men's committee has to face: How do we grow this and make it a premier event once again?"

Anson Dorrance, head women's soccer coach
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Raleigh News and Observer

"Usually when you combine a men's and women's event, it becomes a men's event with an appendage. Someone would have to convince me this was the best thing for the women's game. Right now, I'm not convinced. That doesn't mean I can't be, but I think our game continues to grow on the women's side pretty well."

Student-athlete behavior

George Sage, professor of the sociology of sport
University of Northern Colorado
The State (Columbia, South Carolina)

"In big-time athletics recruitment, when there is so much at stake, oftentimes coaches will take athletes who have a history of dysfunctional behavior and sometimes criminal behavior. They will take them on the hope that they will outgrow what they've done, or once they've gotten in the program they will see their behavior as unacceptable, and (the program) will have a great athlete who gives them no trouble. ...

"They're coddled and protected and given all kinds of benefits that the average person doesn't get. So, for them, they become to feel like a sort of royalty, above and beyond the normal expectations. Whatever they do, it sort of gives them the license to do things beyond the norm."

Event management

Greg McGarity, associate athletics director
University of Florida
USA Today

Discussing policies and practices at Florida that prevent fans coming onto the football field or basketball court after games:

"It first has to be important to the institution, and I mean that from the top down, from the president. It has to be a priority, and when it's made a point of emphasis, then the expectations are defined, and it's up to the staff to implement whatever it takes to get the job done. It's a combination of education and knowing the consequences. And it's something that's ongoing. You have a new group of freshmen each year.

"Is it difficult? Absolutely. Does it take time and effort? Absolutely. Is it worth it? Definitely. It's become the way of doing things at our institution."