[NU Sports] Walker's Future

[DPENDERG at aol.com]

I think Walker will finish his contract but unless 2006 produces some  
significant results (and, really, after six years of such pathetic defense, can  
anybody realistically expect next year will be better?), I predict that he  will 
leave by "mutual" consent with the University.
 
A large part of the Walker/Bienen judgment will be what we saw on  Saturday:  
only 24k attendance for a Big Ten game on a pleasant afternoon  in September. 
 I mean, many D-II teams do as well.  Something is  wrong in Wildcat City, 
folks. The only time that Ryan fills is  when other teams bring their hordes of 
supporters (and may well happen with an  ocean of red we'll witness next week 
against Wiscy).  Of course, there is a  close correlation between fan interest 
and W's, which have not been exactly  abundant under Randy Walker.  Whatever 
platitudes that Murphy may utter,  D-IA football is still a business.  You 
perform or you're gone. 
 
In a message dated 9/28/2005 12:27:46 A.M. Eastern Standard Time,  
BSchooler at aol.com writes:

Regarding Walker's future, I think it's important to remember what Mark  
Murphy said in his first interview after being hired as Northwestern's AD.  
He said 
something like our student athletes having a positive experience  is just as 
important as wins and losses. I applauded these sentiments;  some thought it 
was 
settling for mediocrity. 

In any case, I don't  think Mark Murphy's rather progressive criteria for 
evaluating success  bodes well for Randy Walker's future. That and the 
continuing 
shortcomings  with recruiting, special teams and the defense. I know Roy 
Lamberton and  others will disagree, but that's my opinion based on what I 
know. 

Bob  Schooler
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