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THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF FORDHAM UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS

Ask the AD - 1314

 

August 5, 2014
What efforts have been made to capitalize on Fordham Athletics fundraising? Is Frank McLaughlin still involved in this role? There seems to be significant alumni waiting in the wings ready to support athletics if a cohesive plan was unveiled, be it facilities or staffing.


Thank you for your question in regards to fundraising.  We do have a staff of 4 in the Development office that are focused on raising funds for the athletics dept.  They have been very successful throughout the last few years.

We are currently in a search to replace Lynnette Gioffre who was the Director of that office.  Frank McLaughlin has been in his new role as Assoc VP for athletic alumni relations and external affairs for two years. We are currently working on our overall priorities for the future.  I would be pleased to talk with any alumni who have interest in supporting our student-athletes.  Go Rams!


August 4, 2014
Can you use the main logo (Ramhead with Block F) on the center of the football field instead of just the block F? We finally have a good log and we should be consistent in utilizing it.
Also, has the overweight charging pseudo ram looking creature finally been retired as a logo? Please tell us yes as it is embarrassing.


Thank you for your interest. The Coffey Field resurfacing will be completed in a little over a week.  The field will have the block F similar to the one that was installed on Murphy field last summer.  We no longer use the old logo. Go Rams!


July 25, 2014
After a couple of seasons of less than stellar performance, the Fordham women's soccer program seems poised for a rebound. New and positive coaching additions, good recruitment for "Class of 2018", and a returning core of established players bodes well. Question: given the increased national interest in soccer (both collegiate and professional), the upcoming women's world cup (next year in Canada), for example, how is Fordham attempting to leverage this to promote both women's athletics, and the University. For example, the community around the Rose Hill campus is heavily Hispanic. Does the University make an effort to attract a fan base? Does WFUV provide any special programming (en Espanol)?, and there is generally a drought of information about Fordham's soccer programs in the New York media. Michael Kay often mentions Fordham during his Yankee broadcasts, can this connection be used to advantage?

 
Thank you for your question.  We are excited about both soccer seasons.  The World Cup certainly generated much interest in soccer and I hope it translates into interest in the collegiate game.  We do reach out to the local community for certain games and our coaches have been active locally.  WFUV provides the play by play for our internet broadcasts.  Those broadcasts are in English.  The new turf, new chair back seats and new PA system will add to the game day experience.
 
Thanks for you interest and support of Fordham soccer.  Go Rams!


July 25, 2014
Why do men's and women's soccer only play an eight game A-10 schedule? Particularly when only eight teams qualify for the tournament. Seems to be an unfair way to get to a champion.


Thank you for your question.  The A-10 soccer coaches prefer the 8 game schedule to be able to raise their RPI with strong non-conference games for NCAA selection and seeding.  We are looking forward to two exciting soccer seasons!  Go Rams!


May 12, 2014
Our friends at West Point are already selling tickets to the Fordham-Army football game. Will the Fordham faithful be able to buy any through Fordham?
Also like to congratulate the Lady Rams for winning the regular season and tournament A10 Softball Championship again!! Go Rams!

 
We will be selling tickets to Fordham fans once Army sends us our allotment which should be around mid-summer.  Tickets will be $39 each and located in the South East Endzone.
Go Rams!


April 22, 2014
Any plans to enhance Coffey Field turf? A nice block F similar to the practice field would look great for games. Or something in the end-zones? Go Rams!


The field turf on Coffey will be replaced this summer.  It will be the same field turf that was installed last summer on Murphy Field.  Coffey will have the multi-colored Block F that is on Murphy.
We will not be putting anything permanently in the end zone because we also play soccer on Coffey.  We will also install new chair back seats and a new PA system.  Hope to see you at games
this fall.  Go Rams!


March 28, 2014
My question concerns the RHG. First of all, I like the new scoreboards- great move.
I know this may not be popular with many alums, but I personally love the RHG. As our program moves forward instead of building a new facility(with no history) is the option of expanding and upgrading the RHG still on the table. We live in an era where Old and traditional is good. As you know, even the new ball parks are designed to simulate the older facilities. We have an historic gem which just needs a major upgrade.


Thanks for the question in regards to the RHG. Glad you like the video boards. I thought the boards enhanced the game experience. We want to take a look at adding restrooms and a new concessions area. Long term we would also like to study if adding seats would be practical.

Let's fill RHG for every men's and women's basketball game. Go Rams!


March 14, 2014
I was wondering when the football schedule for 2014 will be posted on the web site. Thanks and Go Rams!

The 2014 football schedule has been posted under future schedules (http://fordhamsports.com/sports/2013/12/16/FB_1216132111.aspx?path=football) for awhile and will be moved to the schedule page soon.  Thanks for your interest.

Go Rams!


February 11, 2014
It's almost mid-February and the men's basketball team has yet to win 10 games, despite an extremely favorable out of conference schedule. It seems like every year it's "wait until next year" to see if this program can make any kind of progress. I have a 2 part question: (1) do you think the program can ever be consistently competitive in any conference, let alone the A-10, with the Rose Hill Gym as its home; and (2) are there any plans in the offseason to change the style of play on the court, which does not appear to be effective in the A-10.


The A10 conference is the best basketball centric conference in the country.   We are providing the program the resources necessary to make us more competitive.  I do firmly believe in time we will be able to compete consistently in the A-10.  In regards to your second question I leave the style of play, etc., to our coaches.
Thanks and go Rams!


February 3, 2014
As a football season ticket holder, I was a little blindsided by the note in this season's renewal letter stating there would be a new tailgating policy. I have a few questions regarding this: 1) Why is this "new" policy not being disclosed before we have to pay for the next season? 2) Does anyone outside of University have input into this policy? I'm thinking that a focus group of season ticket holders might not be the worst idea in order to gain some idea of what we do and do not like about the current tailgating situation. 3) There are rumors that current duration will be cut back to 90 minutes, is there any truth to this? I apologize in advance for the skeptical nature of my question, but its usually been my experience that the University overreacts to situations when things get even slightly out of hand rather than make small changes that can improve the experience for everyone.


Thank you for your question.  The new tailgating policy will be more flexible than it was in the past.  As an example Lot A will open for tailgating 3 hours prior to kickoff.  I want to finalize all aspects of the policy before putting it up on our web site and sending out to season ticket holders.  Thanks for your interest and Go Rams!


Was wondering if actual football jerseys were going to be made available for sale. You had suggested in earlier posting that game/replica jerseys would be available but the only ones that are up for sale on LIDS site are "design your own" jerseys that have no resemblance to the actual ones worn. Was hoping actual fordham football jerseys would be made available, I think they would be extremely popular.
 
I need to check with LIDS as they are adding 25-30 new additional items this month!  I will ask about replica jerseys.  Presently we are limited to Nike apparel.  Go Rams!



February 2, 2014
1. Would it be possible to have hand rails installed within the aisles of the football stadium. Over the years I have seen senior alums and fans struggle at times making their way up the aisle to their seats as well as alums/fans with young children/infants in their arms with no support. I think hand rails would provide support and safety for all concerned.

2. Can we use actual footage of Vince Lombardi, including audio, prior to each Football game rather than what appears to be that of Dan Lauria, the actor, impersonating Vince Lombardi?


Thank you for your questions.  In regards to railings at Coffey I will check with facilities to see if railings would be possible.  I will check to see if we can 
secure some footage of Coach Lombardi from the NFL.  Excellent suggestion.  Go Rams!



January 23, 2014
Even though it is embarrassing that Fordham has to play football on a baseball field & vice versa -- Do you think to make the appearance better -- you could at least mandate that Jack Coffey Field is for 'football only' during the fall... and 'baseball only' during the spring semester. This way you could put in temporary bleachers on visting side for football & remove all of the eyesores like batting cages, overturned soccer nets, and baseball equipment that appears in the background on TV, etc. & make the field a little more tolerable & sport-specific. (Football can practice on Murphy Field in spring & Baseball can practice off campus in the fall) Fordham is the only Division 1 school in the country to have to have a facility that has football/baseball on the same field. I realize that Fordham has some space limitations -- however, if there were more pride and determination in the athletic department -- Fordham could find a way to make the facilities better & what the student-athlete truly deserves. Fordham now has a Top 10 FCS football team playing on a Division 3 field ( more like a borderline high school level field ). And a baseball team in the prestigious A-10 playing with a field goal post down the left field line & temporary fencing that doesnt look good at all. I think it is time for the Fordham athletic department to make significant upgrades to improve Jack Coffey Field other than the new turf field. (There are numerous things that can be done that don't have alot of cost involved that would add nice touches to the field) Since Fordham clearly has the worst football field in the Patriot League -- what are your plans to make it more attractive to players, future recruits, fans, alumni, etc.?


Thanks for your question.  You have brought up many different observations and thoughts.  The much needed resurfacing of Coffey field this summer will help make the entire field more usable and attractive for our student-athletes and fans. It will include a new fence and the moving of the baseball batting cages.  In regards to football we are installing new individual chair back seats and removing the current bench seat that has the railing back.  In addition we will expand the number of chair backs by adding two more sections for a total of 600 additional chair back seats.  We will start selling football season tickets in a week or two.  We plan to bring in portable bleachers next season beginning with the URI game.  These seats will be located in the scoreboard end zone.  We also have plans to install a new PA system for Coffey Field.  We will certainly make every effort to better store soccer goals etc. and to improve the game day atmosphere.  Best wishes for a great 2014!

Go Rams!


January 20, 2014
Given Fordham's location - what is the possibility that Fordham is invited to the ACC? If not the ACC will Fordham maintain the status quo and stay in the Patriot League and A-10 ?


Thanks for your question about conference affiliation.  We are perfectly happy with our current conference affiliations of the A-10 for our all sport conference and the Patriot League for football.

Have a great day and Go Rams!


January 3, 2014
Happy New Year. How's the search going for the new Women's Soccer Coach? Can we expect to hear an announcement soon?


We hope to announce the women's soccer coach just prior to classes starting.
Go Rams!


December 19, 2013
Following the 2007 PL championship, school produced a dvd of the season. I recognize 2007 also marked our 125 anniversar of football but has there been any thought to producing something similar for 2013? Perhaps distributed to season ticket holders? Donors at a certain level? Sold for a minimal cost? It would be a great momento of a truly memorable season.


We are looking at putting together a highlight dvd to commemorate tremendous 2013 season.  Hope to have it ready for the team banquet in February.
Go Rams!


December 5, 2013
Mr. Roach, I really like the fact that you are trying to improve the athletic apparel. Is there any way to add more items such as jackets, wind breakers, polo shirts, etc., all with embroidered designs? Also, would love to get some better style hats not just low profile hats, maybe authentic style baseball hats. Thanks, for all that you do.
GO RAMS!


Thanks for your question.  I'm pleased that you like the athletic apparel store. We plan to add 30-35 items to the on-line store just after 1/1/14. 
Go Rams!


November 25, 2013
Will there be temporary stands behind the visitor's bench at Jack Coffey Field for the Sacred Heart game on November 30? If so, how many seats will be added?


There will not be temporary seating for the Sacred Heart game.  With our students on break we feel we will be okay with our present seating.  If we were to host a later round game we will add temporary seating.  We are excited to have a home playoff game.

Go Rams!


November 23, 2013
Since when do we have to pay to watch a WBB Game at Rose Hill? Not good- is the A10 that hard up for money?


Thank you for your question.  We are in transition with a new provider for web streaming.  With the upgrade in the broadcast there are additional expenses.  We will certainly re-evaluate this at the end of the year.

Go Rams!


November 20, 2013
Are there specific qualifications and/or credentials you're looking for in your new women's soccer coach?
Thanks.


We are looking for someone who knows the game, is an excellent recruiter and will give our student-athletes a positive and successful experience. I like to refer it as the X factor in a coach.  Which is someone who one can tell when you meet them that they have what it takes to be an excellent coach.

Go Rams!


November 19, 2013
Former football player here. I was just curious, Fordham Football won the 1942 Sugar bowl 2-0 vs. Missouri. It is a source of Pride for the school and the football program. However, throughout my four years there I never once saw a Sugar Bowl Trophy. Has it just disappeared? Texas A&M won in 1940 and they have proof of their victory.


Thanks for your question in regards to the 1942 Sugar Bowl trophy.  We will look to see if the Trophy is still on campus. If not I would certainly look into having a replica made to display in the Athletics Dept.

Go Rams!


November 18, 2013
Any word on the new online store with the Nike Fordham gear? Really looking forward to purchasing some Nike Fordham fan gear including tshirts, sweatshirts, sweatpants, shorts etc.  There is hardly any Fordham gear available to fans compared to other division 1 programs. This area needs to be improved as Fordham sports are on the rise!

Great news in that you can now purchase Fordham gear from our official Lids site.
Go Rams!


October 31, 2013
Can you provide clarification on the "tailgating policy" at Fordham. Communications and reality appear to be quite different. Many alum's will be arriving for tomorrows game and have been told that the lot opens 90 minutes before game time?! Thanks! Go Rams!!


The University allows tailgating in Lot A 90 minutes prior to kickoff.  We are all looking forward to the game. Go Rams!


October 30, 2013
Why is the football team not eligible for the Patriot title?


We are not eligible for the Patriot League title until the 2014 season.  This was because we started giving football merit aid with the 2010 incoming class while the rest of the PL schools just started granting merit aid this fall.  We are in the midst of a special season and hope to receive an at-large bid to the NCAA playoffs.

Go Rams!


October 28, 2013
Will the new turf for JCF be the same type as the beautiful new FieldTurf on Murphy field? Will the logo behind home plate on the baseball field have the block F with the ram logo rather than just an "F"? Are there any plans to improve the dugouts? Has there been any thought about a new and larger lockeroom for the baseball/soccer teams? Finally, I have heard of a new weightroom being put in for the athletic teams use, when is that happening? Thanks


Thank you for your questions.  When we replace the surface on Jack Coffey Field will will install the same Field Turf that is on Murphy.  We will also use the same logo that is on Murphy and Softball. The project does not include the dugouts or a locker room. We do have plans for a new much needed varsity Strength and Conditioning facility.  We just need the funds for the project.

Go Rams!


October 23, 2013
Would you consider selling photos or posters of Sam Ajala's game winning catch against Temple? I would love to have one to hang in my home or office - especially the photo from behind where he is just about to catch the ball. The clock in the photo says 6 seconds and the billboard says Play to Win.


I will look into the possibility of making some highlight photos of this season available.  The season has been very exciting and we are looking forward to our remaining games.  Go Rams!


October 15, 2013
Has any thought been given to adding end zone (permanent seating not interfering with Baseball) to JCF. If we are going to continue to compete in the FCS an upgrade is warranted.

We have had some excellent crowds this year for football. We plan to explore having temporary seating behind the visiting team bench which would be removed after every game for fall baseball practice.
Go Rams!


October 10, 2013
On the website there is a picture of Michael Nebrich getting ready to throw a football - with the Fordham logo on it. Thoughts on offering such footballs for sale? I for one would buy one.


That's a great idea.  I will look into that.  Could be great for our alums and fans .
Go Rams!


October 7, 2013
Our men's basketball team has a bloated roster of 19 players. We have six(6) walk-ons and our roster is far larger than any other A-10 team. Most have 1-2 walk-ons at most, and many have none. Why do we need so many walk-ons when we have a full 13 scholarships to give? It is unprecedented in conference.


Thank you for your question in regards to our basketball roster.  There are many different ways to run a program in regards to the number of student-athletes. The number of student-athletes on a team is entirely up to the individual coach and how they like to run their practices.

We are all looking forward to the 2013-14 season!
Go Rams!



October 4, 2013
When will the new store be online?


We have signed a contract with Lids and the store will be up in approximately 4 weeks.  We are excited about making this available. Go Rams!

Is Fordham considering adding Girls Lacrosse as a Varsity sport in the next couple of years?

Thanks for your question.  At this time we have no plans to add any sports to our intercollegiate program. Go Rams!


September 30, 2013
How do I get all the Fordham Football games both home and away on my computer?
I seem to be having trouble with PLN. I could not find the St Francis game.


All home games and road games against Patriot League opponents are streamed on the Patriot League Network (http://new.livestream.com/PatriotLeagueNetwork/fordham). All road non-conference games, such as the Saint Francis game, are streamed by the host school. Links to video streams for non-conference road games are posted on the Fordham football schedule. Please note that the Lehigh game on Saturday will not be streamed as it is being broadcast live on the CBS Sports Network.Go Rams!


September 24, 2013
As our incredibly exciting Football season progresses, the contest against Lehigh in 2 weeks will be huge. They have a loyal fans base who will travel to the Bronx. As you have mentioned- will we have portable bleachers ready in case of a sellout?

And a suggestion- The new website is great- but can the Event Calendar main page also include the time for each game, eliminating the need for the extra click to open the event?

Thanks for all of your efforts- it is showing!


We are expecting a terrific crowd for Lehigh.  Any portable seating won't be a possibility this year.  We will look into putting the game time on the event calendar.  Thanks for you interest and support.  Go Rams!


September 23, 2013
Please consider having a town hall type of discussion to make Jack Coffey Field a football/soccer stadium only. From landscaping, to bleachers on both sides, to permanent features, etc. It is time that Fordham takes the steps to have a better field. ( Fordham has the worst football field in the Patriot League -- the worst ! That is a fact -- that should not be accepted/tolerated ) I cringe at the thought of watching the upcoming Top 20 showdown of Fordham / Lehigh on national TV & having to look at a baseball diamond & a facility that is below average. Fordham is afraid to find a different spot for the baseball team... but, in turn, they could turn Jack Coffey Field into a really nice facility. The time has come to tackle this issue & get the ball rolling. We need to take some pride in getting this problem resolved. Fordham should seek to have the best in everything ( in proportion to their league ). It won't take alot of money to turn Jack Coffey Field into a really nice place -- but it will take some pride & a vision... Has this ever been discussed ??

Next summer we will install new field turf at Coffey.  I'm also looking into portable bleachers that can be rolled out for every football game to have at least 1500 seats for visiting fans.  Done right it could make a big difference. Great crowd for the terrific win over Columbia.  Go Rams!


September 10, 2013
Great win over Villanova this past weekend!! Hey I have been attending Fordham sports for many years and been a huge supporter of athletics, but I must say I have noticed very low morale from staff and coaches within the department the past year. I know change with a new AD is always imminent, but having been involved with college sports and how small college athletics really is, this seemed to be the issue in your previous stops at Brown and Colgate. Unhappy coaches and administrators won't make for much success in any organization don't you agree? Thanks for answering my question and let's get another big win Football!!

Glad you enjoyed the Villanova game.  It was a terrific win for our program and Fordham.  Your question is interesting because I have never felt that coaches and administrators who are motivated and have a passion for working with student athletes have low morale.  We had a very nice weekend overall for all of our fall sports. Change can be difficult some times but for any organization to progress it always needs to be moving forward.  Feel free to contact me directly if you wish to discuss.


September 4,
Any chance, as per an earlier question posed on August 23, that the store starts selling Fordham football/basketball jerseys? Would be great as most college programs do this, and think they would sell very well. Maybe a replica football jersey honoring Vince Lombardi?

I will suggest that game jerseys be available once the on line store is up and running.  We would love to see our fans wearing the jerseys.  Go Rams!