Sorry to interupt the scholarly discussion on the expansion of Big Ten, but this old article neglected some interesting details of the decision of the expansion committee.
Big Ten hires firm to research potential expansion candidates - JSOnline
Big Ten hires firm to research potential expansion candidates
Initial list of 15 doesn't include Texas;
Madison ? Wisconsin athletic director Barry Alvarez said Friday that Big Ten officials have hired a firm to research potential candidates as the conference considers expansion and that 15 programs were included in an initial report.
"They basically broke down what they would bring to the table," Alvarez said at a meeting of the UW athletic board. "They talked about academics. They talked about size. They talked about size of their arenas. They talked about attendance. They talked about the populace in that specific area."
The JS interview with Barry Alvarez neglected to include the following:
JS "So Barry, you indicate that a consulting firm has been hired to explore what potential candidates would bring to the table in a Big 10 relationship.
Any word on the firm that has been hired and what additional information they might offer?"
BA "Yes we considered many of those match making services that offer a picture and a paragraph, but chose a company that through scientific research and study discovers certain characteristics can predict compatibility, and lead to more satisfying relationships. They also promised us compatibility at a deeper level of intimacy. The Big 10 is a family and we want to continue that facade.
In consultating with the founder, Dr. Neil Clark Warren, he recommended, "Prospective Big 10 members will complete a proprietary questionnaire that purports to determine characteristics, beliefs, values, emotional health and skills. Matching algorithms ? the basis of the matching system Warren developed, we believe matches school's core traits and values to replicate the traits of happy couples." These answers will best match our member institutions with potential compatible candidates."
JS "Were there any other options for researching potential candidates beside hiring a consulting firm?"
BA "Well actually yea, Smith and Gee wanted us to take a look at this website out of Columbus, Buckeye Planet. They have an online survey of Big 10 fans and some of the best research about potential candidates that had ever been compiled. He moved that we take the top three from the poll and extend offers to those schools. When it came down to a vote his idea lost by a 6-5 margin and the penalty for losing was that Gee would have to pay for the Eharmony consulting firm."
JS "Any idea how OSU plans to come up with the millions in consulting fees?"
BA "Yeah Gee said he was going to recommend to his trustees that they go first after renegade tailgaters with the secondary option of a price increase on tickets."