Question #1 – Soccer Venue Enhancements

Ask the AD: Is there anything in the works on an improved soccer stadium? – Joe, a Towson senior

Hermann: Yes, Joe, we have been working with the university planners to design enhancements to our soccer venue, including stadium style seating, restrooms and concessions amenities as well as enhancing the irrigation and drainage for the playing field. We are also considering lights for the facility. Now that we have a design and price estimate, we are forming a campaign committee of soccer supporters to help us fund raise for this important project. Our soccer program has terrific support and I’m optimistic we can find sufficient funds to enhance the facility.

Question #2 – Video Scoreboard for Unitas Stadium? 

Ask the AD: Is Towson considering a state of the art video scoreboard, similar to those at larger schools? I find it more difficult to follow the football games at Towson with its current scoreboard. – Michael, a 1984 Towson alum

Hermann: First, Michael, thanks for your attendance at our football games. We set a record by averaging over 7,000 fans per game this season. Regarding the video board, yes, we are planning to purchase a board for the upcoming football season and have begun meeting with our corporate partners to offer them the opportunity to advertise on the new, state-of-the art board. I agree with you that it would really enhance our gameday experience for football, lacrosse and other events in Unitas Stadium. We want to keep Unitas Stadium as the top football and lacrosse venue in our league!

Question #3 – Why the Contract Extensions after Losing Seasons?

Ask the AD: Why are we rehiring coaches with losing records? Are we trying to compete at a higher level or stay at the same mediocre level we have been at for some time now? – Nick, a 2006 Towson alum

Hermann: Nick, I love your passion. We do expect our programs to win more games. As you know, we extended Pat Kennedy’s contract last year and Gordy Combs’ contract this fall. In both cases, the most recent season was not a winning year. However, both coaches have built a strong foundation for future success. Also, in both cases, the university has adjusted its commitment recently to these programs and it takes time for those adjustments to germinate and have impact. Both programs have positive momentum and the successful seasons that we desire are on the near horizon.

In my opinion, too often in our industry, coaching changes are the quick response after a disappointing season. My philosophy is that if you believe you have the right coach in place, providing patient support will lead to success more quickly than a transition in coaches. As I look to some of the most successful coaches in our men’s basketball league – Jim Larranaga, Blaine Taylor – I find coaches that have been at their institution making steady progress for a number of years. Patient support is not always the right answer, but in these cases, I believe it is.

Question #4 –  How do you increase attendance at basketball game?

Ask the AD: What are some of the ways you are going to build school spirit and boost attendance? I know we increased our football attendance but it seems that we should be able to have more than 1% of our students attend basketball games. – Nick, a 2006 Towson alum

Hermann: Another good question, Nick. Our marketing staff did a great job with football, increasing all the factors that contribute to attendance – students, season tickets, group sales and individual game tickets. I was pleased that the students and the community responded so well.

Regarding basketball, the same strategy is in place. We need success in all areas to have the crowds our program deserves. We have sold about 150 new season tickets this year, thanks in large part to the work by Towson alum Ray Tannahill. The marketing staff has also focused getting the crowd out for several key games, including the Saturday, January 12 game with Drexel, since the game will be televised on CN8. We want to make sure the entire East Coast knows what a great basketball program we have at Towson!