Dave Brandon and Mark Hollis, Athletic Directors at Michigan and Michigan State, respectively, spoke to the Marketing and Sales Executives of Detroit earlier today, and lacrosse was a hot topic. First, Brandon on lacrosse facilities in Ann Arbor:
“Those plans are already under way, and we’re already in the process of fundraising to make that come to life,” said Brandon.
Then, Hollis talked about a future for lacrosse at Michigan State:
Hollis said the Spartans have no immediate plans for adding a lacrosse program, but there is a long-term possibility they would do so.
“I just can’t do it without having revenues in place,” he said. “What you’ll do is deplete the programs that you already have in place. Never say never, but it’s probably not going to happen tomorrow. We love to add sports, but it’s resource-driven. (Expansion is) not in our short-term plans.”
Michigan’s addition of lacrosse does not create an incentive for the Spartans to follow suit, Hollis said.
That’s… moderately depressing, especially for those who (like me) thought that Michigan’s addition of a varsity program would help convince the Spartans to pull the trigger as well.
Thanks to Kyle Meinke of AnnArbor.com for pestering Hollis at my request. For video of the event, check out the MSED website.