So the headline of the story and topic is about the decision to move the Region 4 basketball tournaments from WKU for 2014 due to a lack of a 12/17 vote by the region ADs to pass a site selection plan and remain at Diddle Arena (they got 11 votes), which pushes it to the commissioner. But that's a story of basketball and local to the region interest.

 

What is INFINITELY more interesting are the undertones of what Julian Tackett is saying in this interview in which he expands on an e-mail he had earlier sent accompanying his decision. Specifically, this part:

 

Where does this need to go from here? “There’s going to have to be some discussion at Western within a lot of their departments about whether or not they really want these large-scale events that don’t generate a lot of money for the event-holders, and therefore willing to sacrifice some things to get them. To be honest with you, that affects not only region basketball. This spring, we’ll be discussing with them possible renewal for football and girls’ basketball. It’s all ripe for discussion.”

 

That message is forboding regarding the state championships at WKU.

 

There's a couple of other tidbits here: Tackett tells Daily News more about ruling to move Region 4 basketball tournaments | Zach Greenwell, Daily News reporter

 

 

This is the e-mail that accompanied the decision: Read KHSAA commissioner?s full ruling on sites for Region 4 basketball tournaments | Zach Greenwell, Daily News reporter

 

The most important part I feel is in that one is:

 

While I think some of the internal charges being charged by WKU are negotiable and may simply need on campus collaboration of administrators and the like, it is of particular concern to me the charges that are being passed directly to the fans (parking, concession pricing, etc.) that while not impacting the bottom line payout to the schools, do have an impact on the overall tournament satisfaction.

Interesting but may want to tread lightly there.......not a whole lot of other options for Football and Girls B-ball. Could end up like Soccer with nowhere to go.

Just asking.

 

Isn't there enough high schools located in the center of the state where the game could be held?

Three on Friday and one school and three on Sat at another school.

 

The crowds I.M.O. are not large enough to justify the games having to be at a large college.

 

Or maybe put them at a smaller college??

Seems like both could be held @ EKU

Seems like both could be held @ EKU

 

Since they were such big fans of the All-A? Good luck selling EKU on anyone.

Seems like both could be held @ EKU

 

I sure hope not.

 

They'll go back to the Pizza Box and Louisville if anything else.

 

Actually, I don't think they will leave WKU.

Seems like both could be held @ EKU

 

All-A left EKU because of the cost involved with Parking, Police, etc. and not because EKU wasn't a good host. It is not as easy to find a place as everyone thinks. No one bid on the Soccer finals.

All-A left EKU because of the cost involved with Parking, Police, etc. and not because EKU wasn't a good host. It is not as easy to find a place as everyone thinks. No one bid on the Soccer finals.

 

Here is guessing b/c it's just not that big of a deal? Nothing negative, just isn't. Not that KY HS football is either when compared to states like Ohio, Georgia, Bama, Texas, Cali, etc….but, for discussions sakes, I'm guessing that's why nobody bid on soccer. Places were probably losing more money hiring labor than they were bringing in?

Could BOK be a contender for the girl's tournament?

All-A left EKU because of the cost involved with Parking, Police, etc. and not because EKU wasn't a good host. It is not as easy to find a place as everyone thinks. No one bid on the Soccer finals.

Are you sure? I know it was hashed out here but I can't remember the details. I thought it was a Richmond city decision. Again, I may be wrong.

Could BOK be a contender for the girl's tournament?

 

I think it should be. Great place to watch a game.

Are you sure? I know it was hashed out here but I can't remember the details. I thought it was a Richmond city decision. Again, I may be wrong.

 

That is what I referred to. The money spent to provide Police to keep traffic moving to provide alternative Parking with classes in session, etc. made the costs too high. A lot of things were not in control of EKU solely. The city was involved too.

Here is guessing b/c it's just not that big of a deal? Nothing negative, just isn't. Not that KY HS football is either when compared to states like Ohio, Georgia, Bama, Texas, Cali, etc….but, for discussions sakes, I'm guessing that's why nobody bid on soccer. Places were probably losing more money hiring labor than they were bringing in?

 

I agree with Soccer not drawing but Girls B-ball is not a huge money-maker and fan draw and football is multiple days with 6 classes now. Not easy to justify the cost for either. And look at the what the weather did this year.

Louisville and UL don't seem to be interested for various reasons............UK can't handle it field-wise and does not seem to be interested. EKU we've discussed. Kind of out of options unless it is moved to high school facilities.

And don't even get me started on Title IX and Girls B-ball if they lose WKU because Rupp is not going to host them.

For small colleges they depend on the tuition brought in by football as well as the gate for funding the other sports..I would bet my bottom dollar that the small colleges would FIGHT for the rights to the state championships. Get those kids on their campus...why wouldn't you?? Soccer doesn't generate anything at any level...it exists to get more kids on campus and satisfy title 9. Not a knock, please don't misinterpret...it just is what it is.

As someone who plans similar type events I can tell you that I understand exactly what Tackett is stating here. Infact him and I had this very discussion on the MS task force a few years ago. Holding events at a college campus, any of them, even ones like Thomas More, are a real pain and bring up a large amount of little things that either make them a super hassell or just not cost effective.