Watson to NDSU?

[gdub2009]

Watson has an on-campus interview at North Dakota St. There are 4 candidates vying for the position.
www.valleynewslive.com/story/26259109/update-athletic-director-candidates-selected-for-on-campus-interviews#.U_OWTbowbt4.twitter

[Saulius Dumbliauskas]

is that a step up?

[gdub2009]

Well it matters how you look at it. NDSU could be trying to step up to FBS football and Watson might see that as a challenge. I believe their football team has won 3 straight FCS titles. Here are some revenue and expense numbers from 2013.

NDSU Athletic Revenue 18,861,510 (171)
Basketball Expenses 1,178,948 (277)
SBU Athletic Revenue 9,355,566 (314)
Basketball Expenses 2,495,445 (128)

NDSU probably could throw more money at an AD then SBU bc their athletic revenue is a lot more considering they are a state school. NDSU has done very well in basketball in the Summit conference and did win a NCAA Tourney game this year.

Watson could also be doing this to get a raise at SBU, which SBU should do if they can afford what NDSU would be offering.

[az63]

Plus, North Dakota is a booming state revenue-wise , due to oil & gas industry. Winters however, would make Olean seem like Palm Beach.

[mcspin]

Aug 19, 2014 15:33:17 GMT -5 az63 said:

Plus, North Dakota is a booming state revenue-wise , due to oil & gas industry. Winters however, would make Olean seem like Palm Beach.

LOL, for Olean to seem like Palm Beach, you'd have to compare it to the dark side of the moon. ND is colder, but we get more snow and less sun. A couple years ago, Bradford and Fargo went head to head for the title of worst weather in the country. I don't think either is area is likely to be populated by flamingos anytime soon.

[sbu79]

Aug 19, 2014 14:17:07 GMT -5 Saulius Dumbliauskas said:

is that a step up?

Yes. Yes it is.

Nothing between North Dakota and the Arctic but a picket fence.

But, NDSU is in Fargo don't ya know?

[derhut]

the state is booming...they cant build homes fast enought...coffers are overflowing..and ndsu has set its sights on big time D1 football...they play in a dome to combat the weather...watson goes there, gets football over the hump...on to a bigger school in a bigger conference..

[deuce]

Sounds as though Watson really wants out of SBU - NDSU represents the 2nd AD position he has sought (that we're aware of)in recent months. North Dakota? North Dakota? OK - it's got some oil & gas and it wants to move up to D1 - at best, they'll never be more than a marginal D1 player in football - the power conferences will soon make their break and set themselves forever appart from the likes of D1 football program wanabees - having said that, having been AD for a school with a football program will be a resume plus - but North Dakota - dang!

[bub]

One of the 4 finalists is the current assistant AD at NDSU. One would think that guy is the strong favorite to get the job.

[derhut]

Last one out turn out the lights.

[towniegrad]

See Ya. Good Luck.

[derhut]

the fact that Watson is actively seeking yet another job speaks very loudly to the turmoil which is swirling around the top level of the "leadership" at dear old SBU....we are headed for a bumpy ride

[class70]

I hope he gets the job if he doesn't feel SBU has what he needs. He's done a great job for us and would do a good job helping NDSU build their program. I had a close friend, now deceased, who chaired their engineering department and was very happy in the cold northern clime at NDSU. We can't do anything but hope Watson stays, but wish him well if he leaves.

[maplehurst]

The Olean Area has oil and gas underground, too. Not far, the Williamsport, PA area is growing because of oil and gas. Olean can be like North Dakota once New York State gives Olean the green light to resurrect the wells.

[sony]

Unfortuately Maple, that won't happen in our lifetimes!!