Providence College Athletics
Bob's Blog
5/19/2011 12:00:00 AM | General
May 19, 2011
Fans,
Another academic year has come to a close here in Friartown. On Sunday, nearly 900 undergraduates, along with their loved ones, gathered inside the Dunkin' Donuts Center for the College's 93rd commencement. At the ceremony I came across students and student-athletes who I have gotten to know over the past four years. When I see these students and think back to when they were freshmen, it makes me proud to think how far they've come as Friars. Although we face some of the toughest economic challenges in American history, I am optimistic that the Class of 2011 will rise to the occasion. I wish each and every one of our graduates peace, success and happiness in their future endeavors.
As we look ahead, next week (Week of May 23, 2011) I will attend the 2011 BIG EAST meeting in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. Each spring, officials from the Conference's governing body, athletic directors and presenting councils meet to discuss the state of the conference, progress on action items and what comes next. At this year's meeting, I expect much of the dialogue to be centered on TV contracts. As we have seen in the other five "power-six conferences," revenue brought in through television contracts represents a huge playing chip when it comes to securing the conference's continuity and finances. It will be interesting to see if the Pac-10's recent blockbuster deal with ESPN/Fox will end up helping or hurting bargaining negotiations as the BIG EAST moves towards inking a new agreement.
Go Friars!
BD
