An Open Letter to Friar Fans
Monday, December 03, 2012
In light of the current realignment mess within college athletics, there has been a fair amount of speculation over the future of "the basketball seven" within the Big East.
The list of seven schools who do not play Division I college football includes Providence. And much has been speculated over the reformation of the football league, the loss of long-time rivals and partner schools, and the decision of these "basketball seven" to remain partners with current football-playing schools...including schools located in the Pacific time zone.
Is this decision to remain loyal to a newer version of the Big East Conference - even a school like PC that was a founding member of the original league - in Providence's best interests?
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTThat's still to be determined. But Monday, PC Athletic Director Bob Driscoll did issue an open letter to Friar fans, students and alumni on where he feels this era is heading for Friar athletics.
December 3, 2012
Dear Friar Fans:
Providence College takes its commitment to the College's athletic programs, most specifically, the men’s basketball program, very seriously.
The Friar men’s basketball program is the cornerstone of our athletic department and a key component of Providence College. I want to assure our alumni and our fans that we are taking the necessary steps to ensure the future success of all of our athletic programs, including men’s basketball. We believe that Ed Cooley is one of the top coaches in the nation. In the last 18 months, Coach Cooley and his staff have brought some of the top players in the nation to Providence College. Ensuring that Coach Cooley is here to guide our program and that he has all the essential elements to run a championship caliber program is something we are working to solidify.
We believe that Providence College men’s basketball is poised for a run of great success and is on the verge of becoming one of the top college basketball teams in the country. We want to create an environment that allows us to sustain success and provide you, the fans, with the excitement that you deserve.
While it may appear to some that recent realignment news is eroding the environment for our men’s basketball program, we remain optimistic about our future. We believe that with change comes opportunity. There are opportunities now for us to position our athletic department and our men’s basketball program for long-term success. We will explore every opportunity in order to reach our goal.
We have some of the greatest fans in the nation. Please continue to support us and know that we working tirelessly to ensure that Providence College athletics and its men’s basketball program will continue to be strong and proud.
Sincerely,
Bob Driscoll
Athletics Director
Providence College
