Wrestling's Future

[Nish67]

I know we have a very long thread on this subject but I felt it important enough to break this out to a separate thread because I wanted to make sure my comments were seen. I'm not flattering myself here. I just wanted to cut to the chase and see if we could get some action going. To preface my comments, I don't work for the university. I'm an alum who supports several Olympic Sports teams, wrestling included, and agree with all those that believe we should be a top 5-10 program.

The most important point I took away from the previous thread was bwh05's comments that the Chancellor believes this is an opportunity to elevate the program with the right coach(s). So, just maybe, money isn't the issue this time. Maybe it would be for the upgrades needed, but not for salaries. From what was said earlier in the thread, we're talking about a few hundred thousand more to put together a nationally recognized coach/assistant coach tandem. Maybe the upgrades are another million or so. So let me ask. If the university came to you and asked for a donation to put a dream team together, would you step up? We're not talking John Peterson levels here. Let's say the coaches get a 5 year contract. Would you be willing to commit to a donation of, say, $1000 - $10,000 per year over that period? To reiterate, this would be only to hire the coaches on your very short list of difference makers. I'm speaking here to everybody, but especially to goalieman, sinregardless, bwh05, mike412, jetrack, parrothead, piranha, Dallas Burgher, Pantherguy4, thom67, mehinpgh, ej6687, and vabeachpanther. All active and seemingly interested wrestling posters. Plus anyone else who really cares and wants to pitch in. To get the ball rolling, I'll offer to match the first $50,000 in annual commitments. This is a little off base for a message board but what the hell. Maybe we can pitch in together and change the paradigm. If you are interested, my email is nishanvart@gmail.com. I'd love to see the day come when we go into a match with Penn State or Oklahoma State as the favorite!

Hail to Pitt!

 

[Dallas Burgher]

I know we have a very long thread on this subject but I felt it important enough to break this out to a separate thread because I wanted to make sure my comments were seen. I'm not flattering myself here. I just wanted to cut to the chase and see if we could get some action going. To preface my comments, I don't work for the university. I'm an alum who supports several Olympic Sports teams, wrestling included, and agree with all those that believe we should be a top 5-10 program.

The most important point I took away from the previous thread was bwh05's comments that the Chancellor believes this is an opportunity to elevate the program with the right coach(s). So, just maybe, money isn't the issue this time. Maybe it would be for the upgrades needed, but not for salaries. From what was said earlier in the thread, we're talking about a few hundred thousand more to put together a nationally recognized coach/assistant coach tandem. Maybe the upgrades are another million or so. So let me ask. If the university came to you and asked for a donation to put a dream team together, would you step up? We're not talking John Peterson levels here. Let's say the coaches get a 5 year contract. Would you be willing to commit to a donation of, say, $1000 - $10,000 per year over that period? To reiterate, this would be only to hire the coaches on your very short list of difference makers. I'm speaking here to everybody, but especially to goalieman, sinregardless, bwh05, mike412, jetrack, parrothead, piranha, Dallas Burgher, Pantherguy4, thom67, mehinpgh, ej6687, and vabeachpanther. All active and seemingly interested wrestling posters. Plus anyone else who really cares and wants to pitch in. To get the ball rolling, I'll offer to match the first $50,000 in annual commitments. This is a little off base for a message board but what the hell. Maybe we can pitch in together and change the paradigm. If you are interested, my email is nishanvart@gmail.com. I'd love to see the day come when we go into a match with Penn State or Oklahoma State as the favorite!

Hail to Pitt!

I would do it in a heartbeat if I could. Sadly I have not had that kind of success in life to afford the contribution. If I had won the lottery I would fund this myself.

 

[Pantherguy4]

I know we have a very long thread on this subject but I felt it important enough to break this out to a separate thread because I wanted to make sure my comments were seen. I'm not flattering myself here. I just wanted to cut to the chase and see if we could get some action going. To preface my comments, I don't work for the university. I'm an alum who supports several Olympic Sports teams, wrestling included, and agree with all those that believe we should be a top 5-10 program.

The most important point I took away from the previous thread was bwh05's comments that the Chancellor believes this is an opportunity to elevate the program with the right coach(s). So, just maybe, money isn't the issue this time. Maybe it would be for the upgrades needed, but not for salaries. From what was said earlier in the thread, we're talking about a few hundred thousand more to put together a nationally recognized coach/assistant coach tandem. Maybe the upgrades are another million or so. So let me ask. If the university came to you and asked for a donation to put a dream team together, would you step up? We're not talking John Peterson levels here. Let's say the coaches get a 5 year contract. Would you be willing to commit to a donation of, say, $1000 - $10,000 per year over that period? To reiterate, this would be only to hire the coaches on your very short list of difference makers. I'm speaking here to everybody, but especially to goalieman, sinregardless, bwh05, mike412, jetrack, parrothead, piranha, Dallas Burgher, Pantherguy4, thom67, mehinpgh, ej6687, and vabeachpanther. All active and seemingly interested wrestling posters. Plus anyone else who really cares and wants to pitch in. To get the ball rolling, I'll offer to match the first $50,000 in annual commitments. This is a little off base for a message board but what the hell. Maybe we can pitch in together and change the paradigm. If you are interested, my email is nishanvart@gmail.com. I'd love to see the day come when we go into a match with Penn State or Oklahoma State as the favorite!

Hail to Pitt!

I know we have a very long thread on this subject but I felt it important enough to break this out to a separate thread because I wanted to make sure my comments were seen. I'm not flattering myself here. I just wanted to cut to the chase and see if we could get some action going. To preface my comments, I don't work for the university. I'm an alum who supports several Olympic Sports teams, wrestling included, and agree with all those that believe we should be a top 5-10 program.

The most important point I took away from the previous thread was bwh05's comments that the Chancellor believes this is an opportunity to elevate the program with the right coach(s). So, just maybe, money isn't the issue this time. Maybe it would be for the upgrades needed, but not for salaries. From what was said earlier in the thread, we're talking about a few hundred thousand more to put together a nationally recognized coach/assistant coach tandem. Maybe the upgrades are another million or so. So let me ask. If the university came to you and asked for a donation to put a dream team together, would you step up? We're not talking John Peterson levels here. Let's say the coaches get a 5 year contract. Would you be willing to commit to a donation of, say, $1000 - $10,000 per year over that period? To reiterate, this would be only to hire the coaches on your very short list of difference makers. I'm speaking here to everybody, but especially to goalieman, sinregardless, bwh05, mike412, jetrack, parrothead, piranha, Dallas Burgher, Pantherguy4, thom67, mehinpgh, ej6687, and vabeachpanther. All active and seemingly interested wrestling posters. Plus anyone else who really cares and wants to pitch in. To get the ball rolling, I'll offer to match the first $50,000 in annual commitments. This is a little off base for a message board but what the hell. Maybe we can pitch in together and change the paradigm. If you are interested, my email is nishanvart@gmail.com. I'd love to see the day come when we go into a match with Penn State or Oklahoma State as the favorite!

Hail to Pitt!

I could do a little!

 

[vabeachpanther]

I could do a little!

Nish, yes I am in and will donate directly to the program to make this work. I will stay in contact with you as we make this happen.

 

[CrazyPaco]

I know we have a very long thread on this subject but I felt it important enough to break this out to a separate thread because I wanted to make sure my comments were seen. I'm not flattering myself here. I just wanted to cut to the chase and see if we could get some action going. To preface my comments, I don't work for the university. I'm an alum who supports several Olympic Sports teams, wrestling included, and agree with all those that believe we should be a top 5-10 program.

The most important point I took away from the previous thread was bwh05's comments that the Chancellor believes this is an opportunity to elevate the program with the right coach(s). So, just maybe, money isn't the issue this time. Maybe it would be for the upgrades needed, but not for salaries. From what was said earlier in the thread, we're talking about a few hundred thousand more to put together a nationally recognized coach/assistant coach tandem. Maybe the upgrades are another million or so. So let me ask. If the university came to you and asked for a donation to put a dream team together, would you step up? We're not talking John Peterson levels here. Let's say the coaches get a 5 year contract. Would you be willing to commit to a donation of, say, $1000 - $10,000 per year over that period? To reiterate, this would be only to hire the coaches on your very short list of difference makers. I'm speaking here to everybody, but especially to goalieman, sinregardless, bwh05, mike412, jetrack, parrothead, piranha, Dallas Burgher, Pantherguy4, thom67, mehinpgh, ej6687, and vabeachpanther. All active and seemingly interested wrestling posters. Plus anyone else who really cares and wants to pitch in. To get the ball rolling, I'll offer to match the first $50,000 in annual commitments. This is a little off base for a message board but what the hell. Maybe we can pitch in together and change the paradigm. If you are interested, my email is nishanvart@gmail.com. I'd love to see the day come when we go into a match with Penn State or Oklahoma State as the favorite!

Hail to Pitt!

I applaud this...but think you should immediately contact the PantherClub to set something up formally with the athletic department. They need to know there is a willingness and commitment to fund the wrestling program and they need to know the resources they can depend on as they look to sell the position to potential candidates, which apparently is already ongoing. They may also want to use your match commitment to leverage donors they know about but aren't necessarily on this message board. You are talking about personally giving (matching) $250K over 5 years? That is significant and they may want to discuss the best uses and leverage for that considering what is already being budgeted for the program by the university and their existing donor pool.

For myself, I just made my annual donations and don't have much room for additional athletic donations in my budget. If a fund is set up, I may be willing to add some token contributions in the future. I'm especially interested in supporting endowment funds though.

 

[Nish67]

Paco, I've spoken to the athletic department. I was hoping to get some Pantherlair posters to commit some money so I could pass along a higher commitment than just mine. I'm not a fundraiser so this effort is out of character for me but a relatively small amount of dollars, compared to football and basketball, can make a huge difference. That's why I focus on Olympic Sports, specifically wrestling, softball and tennis. A small donation can be very impactful. I appreciate the fact that many posters are early in their careers and don't have the excess funds to contribute. I started small myself, 25 years ago. Every bit helps. The sad facts are that only 8000 alums contribute to athletics. That's 8000 out of 300,000 living alums, second largest in the ACC. Based on what I read on message boards like this, there are probably more alums that bitch than donate. Would love to see that change in my lifetime.

 

[thom67]

If Pitt hired a Terry Brands type of coach, I would donate a 1000 per year easily. Interestingly, the Iowa board has been discussing Terry Brands possibly going to Pitt. Their board has concerns with Terry coming to Pitt and what might happen to Iowa's recent recruiting in PA. They are worried that Pitt could possibly explode on the nation scene as did PSU when Cael went to PSU.

 

[Nish67]

Thanks!

 

[CrazyPaco]

Paco, I've spoken to the athletic department. I was hoping to get some Pantherlair posters to commit some money so I could pass along a higher commitment than just mine. I'm not a fundraiser so this effort is out of character for me but a relatively small amount of dollars, compared to football and basketball, can make a huge difference. That's why I focus on Olympic Sports, specifically wrestling, softball and tennis. A small donation can be very impactful. I appreciate the fact that many posters are early in their careers and don't have the excess funds to contribute. I started small myself, 25 years ago. Every bit helps. The sad facts are that only 8000 alums contribute to athletics. That's 8000 out of 300,000 living alums, second largest in the ACC. Based on what I read on message boards like this, there are probably more alums that bitch than donate. Would love to see that change in my lifetime.

No "probably" in that next to last sentence.

Seriously, as someone that cares about all of the university's programs, I seriously thank you for efforts on this. And you are absolutely right, the impact of this type of donation to the Olympic sports programs can be game changing.

 

[CrazyPaco]

No "probably" in that next to last sentence.

Seriously, as someone that cares about all of the university's programs, I seriously thank you for efforts on this. And you are absolutely right, the impact of this type of donation to the Olympic sports programs can be game changing.

And here is my token: I'll give $200 on top of my current donation level (thereby not just shifting existing donations) over the next 5 years ($1000 total) to whatever wrestling fund you get set up.

 

[Nish67]

Thanks Paco!

 

[CrazyPaco]

You might want to consider posting your plea to the Football board just because it gets more traffic....as well as the Scout Pitt football board. There is also Pitt Panthers Fanatics group of Facebook run by Jeff Ferruzza that has fairly widespread distribution.

 

[singregardless]

I'd be willing to commit $200/year for 5 consecutive years, if the buy in is there.

I've yet to do my Pittsburgh Wrestling Club donation for the year, so I might just roll that over unless the PWC platform ends up being the easiest way to go.

 

[Nish67]

Thanks Sin!

 

[goalieman]

If the coach is a Terry Brands type coach, I would be willing to participate with donations.

Would the donation be to the Panther Club and directed specifically toward wrestling ?

 

[Nish67]

I'm suggesting a donation to the athletic department specifically for wrestling.

 

[Piranha]

You could pitch the idea by asking $1 a day = $365 a year. $10 a week = $520 a year. If you break it down in smaller quantities, then u might entice people on the fence. You could also work The Tax Deduction Angle. Just some ideas.

 

[Nish67]

Hope your suggestions spur some posters to action

 

[goalieman]

I'm suggesting a donation to the athletic department specifically for wrestling.

That's fine but it should reward donors with priority points .... more are likely to donate if that is the case.

 

[CrazyPaco]

That's fine but it should reward donors with priority points .... more are likely to donate if that is the case.

I think it would fall under the Philanthropic Financial Support category and get 1.5 points per every $50 donated.

See http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools...sc_non_event/panther_club_member_benefits.pdf

 

[Nish67]

I'm checking with the athletic department.

 

[goalieman]

I think it would fall under the Philanthropic Financial Support category and get 1.5 points per every $50 donated.

See http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools...sc_non_event/panther_club_member_benefits.pdf

If true, that would be great.

 

[goalieman]

I'm checking with the athletic department.

Thanks

 

[Somerset Panther]

Thanks Sin!

Not an alum, but I love all things Pitt and Pitt wrestling second to football. I pitch $500 to the pot.

 

[Nish67]

Appreciate it Somerset!

 

[mike412]

I already discussed the issue with the Chancellor when he was in LA and got the feeling he doesn't know much if anything about wrestling.

Tom Brands was interested in the Pitt job before he took the VT job, although he would have left after a year to take the Iowa job as he did at VT. With Iowa not being open for the foreseeable future, I could see Terry coming to Pitt.

If Pitt hires Terry Brands or the Cornell coach or the NC State coach, I am in for a extra $1,000 per year above my current contribution level. I might make a one-time contribution substantially higher than that for facilities improvement.

 

[Pantherguy4]

I already discussed the issue with the Chancellor when he was in LA and got the feeling he doesn't know much if anything about wrestling.

Tom Brands was interested in the Pitt job before he took the VT job, although he would have left after a year to take the Iowa job as he did at VT. With Iowa not being open for the foreseeable future, I could see Terry coming to Pitt.

If Pitt hires Terry Brands or the Cornell coach or the NC State coach, I am in for a extra $1,000 per year above my current contribution level. I might make a one-time contribution substantially higher than that for facilities improvement.

I can contribute a little more, Mike!

 

[mike412]

By the way, I am a little concerned that with them winning their final 3 matches, they might go the cheap route and hire Kocher. I hope people realize they beat a horrible Iowa State team, the dregs of the ACC in Duke and a UVA team with a number of key guys injured.

 

[Nish67]

Thanks Mike. That was my point at the beginning of this thread. Donations only for the right coach and, possibly, assistant coach, to finally get us to the level we should be at.

 

[Pantherguy4]

Thanks Mike. That was my point at the beginning of this thread. Donations only for the right coach and, possibly, assistant coach, to finally get us to the level we should be at.

AGREED!

 

[thom67]

I have some good news. I talked to someone who has national knowledge of wrestling. He was contacted by Pitt regarding potential Pitt coaches. He was asked for his thoughts about them. I asked him who Pitt was looking at, but he could/would not give me names, but said they were very good. I asked him specifically if Terry Brands was being considered and he would/could not answer, but he did not deny it. I asked about others and he did deny that Pitt was interested in those specific names.
Who knows who Pitt will pick, but at least it looks promising. I also asked him about coaching salaries. Kevin Dresser will become the 2nd or 3rd highest paid coach in the country behind Cael and possibly John Smith. Dresser was making around 150 at VT before taking 300 at ISU. At ISU his salary is augmented greatly by alumni/wrestling supporters. That is why he is getting that much at ISU. At Iowa the Brands are making 150-200 per year.

 

[Warriordan]

I hate to be negative but I want to see it to believe it.

 

[thom67]

I am not counting on my good news. I have followed Pitt sports including wrestling for over 50 years and if Pitt can screw it up, they probably will.

 

[Warriordan]

I agree with you thom67 100 per cent

 

[Pantherguy4]

I agree with you thom67 100 per cent

Bu wouldn't t Brands be a great hire!!! WE CAN DREAM!!!!

 

[goalieman]

Bu wouldn't t Brands be a great hire!!! WE CAN DREAM!!!!

Terry Brands would be a home run hire !

The question will be whether Pitt is willing to pay the salaries that he and his assistants would require, supply an adequate recruiting budget for the coaches, and be willing to go ahead with facilities upgrades.... I'll believe it when I see it..... and I hope I see it !

I'll make a prediction ...... if Terry Brands is hired as the Pitt head wrestling coach, it won't be long until the matches will have to be moved to the Petersen Events Center .... the Field House only holds 4122 now.

 

[CrazyPaco]

I am not counting on my good news. I have followed Pitt sports including wrestling for over 50 years and if Pitt can screw it up, they probably will.

Pitt's never had the conference money they do now nor have they truly had a chance for a fresh start for 40 years. They had an alumni who earned a lifetime pass because he put up with his program being largely ignored and didn't embarrassing the university; and he groomed and picked his replacement.

I'm hopeful because of ACC money is only going up. I'm also hopeful because I think they made some solid Olympic sports hires recently which weren't just handing off the positions to the next coach up: Hargis, Santos, Vidovich. I also hope Nish has convinced them to set up some sort of Wrestling Excellence fund like they have for football that the Pittsburgh wrestling community can get behind.

 

[CrazyPaco]

Terry Brands would be a home run hire !

The question will be whether Pitt is willing to pay the salaries that he and his assistants would require, supply an adequate recruiting budget for the coaches, and be willing to go ahead with facilities upgrades.... I'll believe it when I see it..... and I hope I see it !

I'll make a prediction ...... if Terry Brands is hired as the Pitt head wrestling coach, it won't be long until the matches will have to be moved to the Petersen Events Center .... the Field House only holds 4122 now.

The way things are going, they might be able to swap home venues with hoops. [that's a joke]

 

[Bethlehemjohn]

I heard a rumor the other day from a connected wrestling family in Bethlehem that said Pat was interested in the job.

 

[Nish67]

Paco, what I do know is that you can be very specific with your donations. I'm sure others know this as well. I've made donations directly to restricted funds for a team and for the construction of a specific team's facilities. With wrestling, I'm waiting, like everyone else, to hear who we hire. I've made it known that I would commit a certain dollar amount over the life of the coach's contract if that person was any one of a very short list of candidates, a difference maker that all of us on this thread would agree could elevate our program to the top tier. I was hoping that others would follow my lead at an amount manageable to each and perhaps let me know the amount via an email so I could pass the aggregate amount to the people involved. Those dollars could either help put together an attractive salary package or pay for some of the upgrades we all know are needed. Could the athletic department cover all this on their own? I don't know but I sure hope so. The dollars involved aren't huge so an alumni effort here could be very impactful.