The Bobby Petrino Situation--what next for the Razorbacks?

One does not need to be born in Arkansas to know Razorback football is big news most of the time. It is also big business. Thus I am as saddened as anyone to learn of Head Coach Bobby Petrino’s motorcycle accident and the events preceding and succeeding it. Radio, TV, newspapers and just about everyone has been talking about it.

I am not going to judge Coach Petrino’s actions – there is plenty of that going around without me weighing in.

I am, however, very concerned about the players, remaining coaches, backers, fans, and the University of Arkansas as a whole. I understand the search has already started for the next head coach.

In the meanwhile, the public seems to be lining up to take sides over Petrino’s firing. There is no doubt Bobby Petrino is an effective coach. He proved it several times, culminating in taking U of A to the Cotton Bowl earlier this year. Hopes were running high for even more successes in the near future. So it is easy to understand why many fans hoped a way could be found to retain Coach Petrino.

Another group of fans and the public felt honesty, integrity, living up to one’s contracts, and upholding the prestige of the university were of the utmost priority. Ultimately, the university leaders took this position and Bobby Petrino was fired. Fallout today has the young lady resigning her position at the U of A, the Arkansas Children’s Hospital canceling their Bobby Petrino Charity Golf Classic (originally scheduled for June), and the University getting two separate donations totaling $1.25 million for “doing the right thing”.

A sad situation.

The U of A Rocks--updates at the University of Arkansas

I have written in the past about how the University of Arkansas contributes to the economy of Fayetteville, how Fayetteville has been rated as one of the best college towns in the country, and how Fayetteville has been at the top of many “best places” lists, often because of the university.

I ran across some additional facts about the University recently that I wanted to share.

First is a video about renovation plans for the university. I’m glad to see this happening because to offer a top quality education, students need good facilities—labs, classrooms, technology, etc.

Awhile back the U of A had made an offer to purchase Fayetteville HS. The idea was that Fayetteville schools would then use the money to help build a new, state-of-the-art high school. When the University withdrew their offer, I always wondered why, and this video explains it.

I’m sorry that Fayetteville HS will have to be remodeled and stay in the same place, but on the other hand, some facilities at the University need remodeling too. And that’s where the money that was originally going to be used to purchase Fayetteville HS is going.

Another indication of its commitment to excellence can be found in the music department which has set plans in motion to become an “all-Steinway” school, one of only 113 colleges and universities worldwide to attain this status. It's going to cost about $1.3 million, with funds being sought from private donors. So if you have some spare change ...

Second, the University of Arkansas permits people who are at least 60 years old to attend classes for free on a space available basis as part of the Senior Razorback program. They may be degree-seeking or non-degree-seeking. According to one of the employees of the admissions office, the oldest person she knew of who got her Bachelor’s degree through this program was 83 years old! I guess we’re never too old to learn.

And there are some fun things that can be done. An acquaintance of mine took Italian classes with his wife and then went to Italy on vacation to “practice.”

Finally, for those who are interested, the fall Razorback football schedule is out:

Razorback enthusiasm is palpable during the school year, and the team enjoys support from the entire community. Because there are no professional teams in Arkansas (except the NW Arkansas Naturals baseball team), Arkansas sports fans have tailgate parties and other events to promote and support the team.

The Razorbacks website also has all kinds of information about the teams, traditions, facilities, tickets, shopping for Razorback gear—you name it.

And if you really want to find out about the right way to do that hog call, listen in. Woo Pig Soooie!

PS. For those who might be interested actually getting a college education, the University's main website has information about the usual stuff: admissions, financial aid, courses, etc.