I recently learned that the "Bubba Cunningham Era" at Ball State University's Department of Intercollegiate Athletics has abruptly come to a close.
As a former student-athlete for Ball State, this news was initially very exciting for me. However, it is evident that Cunningham leaves Muncie amidst numerous questions that still need to be answered about his personal legacy, where the Athletics Department is going and what implications this has on the university's reputation across the country.
In the coming weeks, much will be printed about the tremendous tasks that Cunningham and his staff have accomplished over the last few years. There will be talk of permanent stadium lights, marketing deals with outside agencies and fundraising initiatives for the additions to the football stadium. All of these things are true.
However, I think it is important that Cunningham also be remembered for a few less glamorous things.
We must remember that it was Cunningham +â-¡- and Cunningham alone - who is responsible for the unnecessary cutting of the men's track and field and cross country programs, despite no hard evidence that this was even a profitable move. It is also important to remember that the permanent lights added to the stadium will only be used once during this football season, and one must argue whether the cost to install them was offset by additional tickets sold. And, of course, it is impossible to forget the current student-athlete book scandal that has occurred on his watch as he scurries out the back door.
I hope Ball State is able to understand the true cowardice of his actions as he departs from the university.
I realize, however, simply bashing his career does not answer the very real question: Where does our Athletics Department go from here?
Unfortunately, the tendency is going to be a huge national search to bring in the biggest and brightest names on the lower tier of NCAA athletics to Muncie. And to be honest, this search will bring in some very good names and some very good speakers with very impressive resumes.
The new candidates will "wow" listeners and onlookers just like Cunningham was able to wow us all when he came into town a few short years ago. They will speak of turning our football program around and bringing national prominence to Ball State. But none of them will really know what Ball State really is. They can do research, and they can put on a Cardinal hat. Heck, they can even dress their kids in the finest Ball State apparel.
But will they really have the insight to push the Athletics Department in the right direction? Maybe.
Unfortunately, if they are able to turn things around, and possibly even improve our football team, the chances are good that they will be on their way to bigger and better things as soon as the first big university comes calling.
Some will say that is simply the nature of the beast. I disagree. I am fairly certain there are people within the Ball State "circle" that are truly dedicated to the university and really do know what it means to be a Ball State Cardinal.
Many will be upset to see Bubba go; I am not one of them. I think this is an excellent opportunity for our Athletics Department to step up and show its true colors. It is an opportunity for those in the department to look within themselves and for once try to understand what Ball State is all about and how they can best utilize our strengths in all sports to make a unique name for the university.
The person to replace Cunningham must have a passion for the mission of the university and the city of Muncie.
The decision will not be easy, and in the end, I can only hope that President Jo Ann Gora is able to look within, consult the right people and ask the right questions that will continue to push our Athletics Department and university in the right directions.
Write to Michael at johnsonmichaelv@yahoo.com
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