Chris Del Conte TCU

NM Green · December 19, 2015

At the top of the Killerfrogs site is an interview with TCU's AD, Chris Del Conte. He was being interviewed about the new basketball arena opening and TCU's incredible accomplishments since his arrival in 2007. I didn't watch the whole interview but what stuck out was when he mentioned that in 6 years he helped get TCU into the Big 12, get their football stadium redone and built the new basketball arena. I particularly love where they placed their Hall of Fame, in a location where everyone can see it often. Could we do something like that with the Alumni Pavilion to make it more of a draw - "Here friend, let me show you some history about North Texas."

The other thing he mentioned was his strategy for R&D included stealing as many good well executed ideas at other universities. He spends half a day on every trip examining what other programs do well and sees how he can integrate them at TCU. I love that idea and I would love to see UNT have a team dedicated to seeing what works at our level, higher levels and lower levels from game day experiences to promotional efforts, communication strategies and facility logistics. I would LOVE to see the Green Brigade have their own scouting group of effective marching band efforts and traditions that stir the energy of fans in bball venues and stadiums around the land.

The last thing that I heard that I loved was his belief in what his responsibility is and that included setting his coaches up with the tools to be successful, but also igniting and rallying the community. When RV retires/leaves our next AD needs to really WIN right here. Imagine what could be in the land of GREEN if they would get the masses on the sidelines more involved. In fact, many of us see phenomenal ideas in action around the country when we take in game days and see what top programs do. If the Mean Green would even set up a virtual suggestion box or allow the thousands of eyes ears and motivated to offer suggestions and report findings now you have mobilized the Nation.

This is what Chris has done so successfully at TCU and could be replicated with the right ignition switch in Denton. Give it a look over on the Killerfrogs site. He also said they realized after the SWC breakout they needed to earn their new desired place, and they have.

GMG

untjim1995 · December 19, 2015

At the top of the Killerfrogs site is an interview with TCU's AD, Chris Del Conte. He was being interviewed about the new basketball arena opening and TCU's incredible accomplishments since his arrival in 2007. I didn't watch the whole interview but what stuck out was when he mentioned that in 6 years he helped get TCU into the Big 12, get their football stadium redone and built the new basketball arena. I particularly love where they placed their Hall of Fame, in a location where everyone can see it often. Could we do something like that with the Alumni Pavilion to make it more of a draw - "Here friend, let me show you some history about North Texas."
The other thing he mentioned was his strategy for R&D included stealing as many good well executed ideas at other universities. He spends half a day on every trip examining what other programs do well and sees how he can integrate them at TCU. I love that idea and I would love to see UNT have a team dedicated to seeing what works at our level, higher levels and lower levels from game day experiences to promotional efforts, communication strategies and facility logistics. I would LOVE to see the Green Brigade have their own scouting group of effective marching band efforts and traditions that stir the energy of fans in bball venues and stadiums around the land.
The last thing that I heard that I loved was his belief in what his responsibility is and that included setting his coaches up with the tools to be successful, but also igniting and rallying the community. When RV retires/leaves our next AD needs to really WIN right here. Imagine what could be in the land of GREEN if they would get the masses on the sidelines more involved. In fact, many of us see phenomenal ideas in action around the country when we take in game days and see what top programs do. If the Mean Green would even set up a virtual suggestion box or allow the thousands of eyes ears and motivated to offer suggestions and report findings now you have mobilized the Nation.
This is what Chris has done so successfully at TCU and could be replicated with the right ignition switch in Denton. Give it a look over on the Killerfrogs site. He also said they realized after the SWC breakout they needed to earn their new desired place, and they have.
GMG

there is no doubt that they are the biggest success story in the history of the last 20 years of major college football. From where they get dropped in 1996--away from the major players in the state as a conference mate--to being in th Big Xii with most of them again is a testament to the leadership of their school. They went to their alumni and asked them if winning at football still mattered now that they weren't in the SWC anymore. They went to the civic leaders and FW and asked them if they would be interested in helping build support for the hometown team even if it meant playing schools not in the Big XII or the Power Conferences. Then they upgraded at football coach and at AD. When Eric Hyman left as AD to go to South Carolina, they hired Chris Del Conte, who made their progress continue to get stronger. Same with Gary Patterson after Dennis Franchione built them into a ranked team and left to go to Alabama. That's a school that got it. They knew that beating SMU and UH and Rice wasn't enough. They had to make themselves higher than those guys--to get to Big 12 status even if they weren't in that conference. Then, when realignment gave them the chance to get in there, they were ready to go.

Mike Jackson · December 19, 2015

The last thing that I heard that I loved was his belief in what his responsibility is and that included setting his coaches up with the tools to be successful, but also igniting and rallying the community.
GMG

RV is an absolute failure in this capacity which is why it is a crime that he still has this position. It seems there was no plans at UNT for anything beyond building new facilities and starting a baseball program to get into a better conference. Great programs just don't have the support of a select few donors with deep pockets they have community support.

Rudy · December 20, 2015

It only took us 12 years to get into a watered down CUSA.

StealthEagle84 · December 21, 2015

To the point of trying new things and looking at other universities to gauge what works and what doesn't, I had a thought earlier this year while attending a Baylor game. Baylor has the tradition of 'The Baylor Line', where the president and student body (maybe just freshman) run out of the tunnel before the team makes their way out. The students then create a tunnel for the players to run through as they make their way onto to the field.. As I watched this unfold, I thought how cool it would be for us to try this out. On one hand, I worry about us 'stealing' traditions from other schools, especially other schools from Texas (i.e. tortilla tossing). But on the other hand, I see this tradition in particular as a great way to engage the student body and to get them involved with the game day experience. I see it as a great way for the students to connect with the team and make them feel like they are part of the program. Just thought it was worth mention.

GMG24 · December 21, 2015

Baylor line is Freshman only if I am not mistaken. Great idea very cool and super engaging way to keep kids excited about your program. Create a CULTURE where fans are excited about something. Yes, winning heals all, but having fun traditions besides sit outside on a hill get wasted and go home are good places to start.