"Corrigan completes report, finds lack of focus and finances"

Focus and funding were the main points of former NCAA president Gene Corrigan's extensive report on the University at Buffalo Athletics Department, released June 1.

Corrigan, who was hired in December by UB President John Simpson, stated in his report, "If UB, as an institution at the highest levels in higher education, wants to play at the highest grade of athletic competition, the Mid-American Conference is the right place to be."

However, Corrigan questioned the path on which the program is going.

"Staying on the present course will not lead to any real improvement in the program," said the report.

In Simpson's eyes, there is no doubt where Buffalo belongs.

"I want to state very clearly: UB is firmly committed to Division I-A football, and we are equally committed to building a winning program in the Mid-American Conference," said Simpson in a press release. "The task before us is to determine how best to fulfill these commitments, and Mr. Corrigan's report has offered us a clear roadmap in this regard."

Jim Hofher, head coach of the UB football team, agrees with Simpson and the university's place in Division I.

"I am certain that Division I is where the university should reside," said Hofher. "It's a really competitive conference and we're very fortunate to be where we are. We just have to keep on pressing forward."

Corrigan's report also stated a lack of "full awareness of what is needed for athletic success," pointing out that "permanent leadership is critical to providing program direction and this program requires direction as soon as possible."

When Corrigan released his report, former Interim Athletic Director Bill Maher had already left UB to accept a permanent AD position at Canisius College. According to Corrigan, Buffalo needed to hire a permanent AD in order to be competitive in the MAC. UB responded and Warde Manuel was hired as AD eight weeks after the report was released.

The report also included a recommendation to adjust the current athletic focus by eliminating a few varsity sports and adding sports that "have potential for success due to UB location, facilities, or expertise."

Corrigan made a case for sports such as hockey and lacrosse, both of which are currently club sports at UB.

Buffalo currently has 20 varsity sports while the NCAA minimum is 16 teams. In comparison to the MAC average number of 17.8, Buffalo is supporting an additional two teams while the department, in the eyes of the Corrigan, needs major financial improvement.

"Present funding is barely sufficient. Loss of any would be disastrous," said the report.

Corrigan urged the university to look towards increasing funding with the emphasis on support from private sectors and student fees, seeing state funds are limited.

Corrigan also recommended the athletic department show improvement in regards to academic support and success, clear-cut administrative teamwork, senior officer knowledge, and persistent pursuit of success.

Overall, Simpson reflects on the report as a "thoughtful piece" from a source with expertise.

"It was correct in the things it pointed out and it gives us an outside validation from someone who is a genuine expert," said Simpson.

Hofher agreed that the recommendations were accurate but he felt the report merely pointed out problems the athletic staff was fully aware of.

"I think what was made public were many things that most if not all of us knew in private," said Hofher. "It just happened to be made public after an official consultation by an outside consultant."

Hofher also feels the results were merely for the upper level management of the athletic department, impacting the players little, if at all.

"Our guys are working very hard and I don't think it has any impact on them," said Hofher. "I think it's more of an internal senior executive level departmental report. It doesn't have much impact on the players. They have many things they're dealing with on a day-to-day basis."

Simpson hopes for a plan to be created by the spring regarding the report's recommendations. The committee formulating the plan is comprised of Manuel, UB's Intercollegiate Athletics Board, and other Division of Athletics staff including coaches.

Simpson has also set the spring as a deadline for the reevaluation of the size of the athletics program, including the possible reduction of sports and heightened emphasis on UB's best opportunities for success in the MAC.