Dick Falls said Tuesday during an open forum that increasing student attendance at athletic events, completing the football stadium and keeping Division 1-A status are among his goals if chosen as Ball State's new athletic director.
He spoke to a crowd of people interested in the future of Ball State athletics as part of his interview for the Ball State athletics director position.
Senior associate athletic director since 1995 and a member of Ball State's athletic administration since 1982, Falls, Ball State's in-house candidate, was the first to begin the formal, 1 1/2 day athletic director interview process Monday.
Candidates will meet with the schools's coaches, administrators, financial affairs personnel, the search committee and Cardinal Varsity Club.
During the forum Falls spoke about what he thought the athletic department's strengths and weaknesses are.
He mentioned the possible threats of losing status as a Division I-A institution and the importance of enhancing the football program as well as tracking down more alumni to donate to the programs.
He said affiliation with the Mid-American Conference and "being more external" are the two most pressing issues for the program.
"We've got to be out there in front," Falls said. "We have to lead."
When asked where Falls saw Ball State athletically, he said he sees Ball State "right where we are."
"I'm not saying we can't compete with the Big Ten," Falls said. "Will we ever be in the Big Ten? No.
"The MAC is a perfect fit."
Falls said Ball State needs to focus on "tooting our horn" and recognizing the positive attributes of the athletic program instead of the negative to advance public awareness and support of the department.
Falls said although all of his experience was obtained in Muncie, he does not see it as a hindrance but as a positive attribute.
"I think it's positive - I really do," Falls said. "I have a vast knowledge of the MAC at Ball State - if there is anybody who can get us started again and get us back on track - I think it's myself."
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