Well, we know how the game turned out the next evening! Here is the detailed report of our meeting, the day prior:
Head Football Coach Ryan Carty and Director of Athletics Chrissi
Rawak Speak at the Inaugural Blue Hen Touchdown Club Lunch for 2024
“Pressure is a Privilege”
Ryan Carty when asked about the move to the FBS.
“We are focused on what will not change”
Chrissi Rawak’s response to the changing environment of college
sports.
In a lengthy and thorough question and answer time, both Coach Carty and
AD Rawak amplified and confirmed the preparation that was accomplished
and their constant view forward to the inevitable changes yet to come in
college sports.
Understandably, Carty was focused on the game with Bryant University but
took time to talk about changes in recruiting. He and his staff have already
focused more nationally and the brand of Conference USA is bringing
greater recognition of Delaware among recruits. The key he said was to
push and compete for even higher levels of talent.
With the transition to CUSA, Carty admitted he was somewhat worried
about an 11- game schedule with no playoff or conference championship
goals at year end. He adamantly stated, however, that he was no longer
concerned as very few players transferred out and the team culture being
built over the past three years is even stronger now. Players want to join a
winning culture and UD is awesome to begin with. He stated that players
joining the team through the transfer portal have become some of the
biggest advocates for UD. The teams core values of Committed,
Relentless, Finish have been ingrained throughout the team.
Rawak emphasized that athletics is necessarily becoming more business-
like. She stated though that UD will not compromise its commitment to
each student’s education. When asked if the big money influence in
professional sports will affect college sports, she simply stated “…it’s
already here”.
The money influence has affected everything from staff decisions (ensuring
that Athletics staff have the right skill sets) to capital improvements. Rawak
stated they are not yet ready to announce publicly details on the North
Endzone project. But fund raising is ongoing and they are looking toward
other revenue streams from corporations and real estate development to
make the project a success. The influence of going bigger has attracted
donors like the Schell Brothers and the Starboard.
With the advent of games being televised nationally in 2025 via the ESPN
networks and CBS Sports Network, Rawak said she could not be happier
with UD’s move to Conference USA and the Football Bowl Subdivision.
She “feels for” her colleagues in the CAA as there continues a trend for
less visibility and exposure at that level.
AD Rawak has led the department to go “0-30 mph rather than 0-60 mph”
like the Power 4 conferences in terms of NIL and private equity investment.
UD in consultation with its new Group of 5 colleagues will continue to
compete and win but not to jump. “We’re going to let the P4 make the
mistakes to clearly see the continuing changes,” she emphasized.
Many other topics were covered by both Coach Carty and AD Rawak. You
can get all the information directly from BHTC luncheon speakers by
attending the next club lunch. You can get further information including
time, dates, speakers, and cost simply by scrolling down. It’s great fun to
be able to speak with some interesting folks over lunch and celebrate the
Fightin’ Blue Hens each week.
Go Hens!
Photos: Mark Campbell
We are just three weeks away from UD’s home opener! On Wednesday, August 28th, the Touchdown Club will hear from Director of Athletics and Recreation, Chrissi Rawak, and Head Coach, Ryan Carty.
Coach Carty will give us a view of this year’s squad, and A.D. Rawak can inform us of progress towards our 2025 move to CONFERENCE USA.
The Bob Carpenter Club doors open at 11:00 AM. We will enjoy a “Lazy Summer Barbecue” buffet (BBQ Chicken and Sliced Brisket) at 11:15, then hear from our invited speakers at Noon.
Parking is possible in the small lot in front of the basketball practice facility (including handicap parking), as well as behind the BCC, between the soccer and softball fields. Please do NOT park in the Gold VIP lot in front of the stadium.
$26- Members $31 – Non-Members
Please reserve by Friday, 8/23/2024 PAYMENT LINK HERE: Weekly Reservation
For ALL weekly lunches (Pay for 10, Get 11) PAYMENT LINK HERE: All Weeks Luncheon Option
