"That’s why Jennifer Brenning paid a visit to Quebec City earlier this year. As athletics director at Carleton University, which is planning to revive its Ravens football team, she came to see and hear about Laval’s program firsthand. 'We wanted to learn from the best,' says Ms. Brenning, one of many athletic officials from Canadian universities who have visited or called Mr. Lépine and Mr. Constantin in recent months.At the least, it's an interesting wrinkle. People have said it is just a matter of time before someone tries to duplicate the Laval model in Ontario.
" 'Gilles and Glen were very forthcoming and willing to share their marketing methods and corporative model,' says Ms. Brenning.' I didn’t see anything that I would not be comfortable with seeing implemented (at Carleton).' "
Related:
Laval’s field of dreams; The university has built a powerhouse football program that is the envy of interuniversity sport throughout Canada. Here’s how (Mark Cardwell, University Affairs)
Let the debate begin about what university athletics in Canada are supposed to mean. Clearly, the OUA and its partner institutions are hesitant in opening the doors to the scholarship-boogieman. I’m not sure how the OUA could allow one of its participants to adopt the Laval Model unless there are already moves afoot that are leading in that direction.
ReplyDeleteThe Score inadvertently lightly touched on the scholarship issue during last years Vanier Cup coverage. Ottawa’s Denis Piche corrected the Bison’s head coach as to the competitive slope of the current playing field, to which the UManitoba coach professed or faked ignorance. I love spontaneous awkward moments.
That said, I love Carlton. When I decided to head to university their registrar was the friendliest and most accommodating I encountered. Imagine, being able to speak to real people on the phone.
That ship has already sailed in the OUA. It's called Lakehead Hockey.
ReplyDeleteThe biggest thing is putting butts in the seats. This is done at Lakehead, Nipissing and Laval. Not so sure this can be done at Carleton. Taken knowing they will be competing with a CFL team, The Gee-Gees and the history of past Carleton teams.
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