Rocket Report with Bryan B. Blair - January 2025
1/23/2025 7:09:00 AM | Athletics
January 23, 2024
Team Toledo,Â
2025 is here and we are fired up for another great year!Â
While we are experiencing a period of unprecedented change in college athletics, I have never been more excited and optimistic about the future of Toledo Athletics. I firmly believe we are poised to thrive in this new environment, in 2025 and in the years to come!Â
As I've mentioned before, change creates new opportunities, and we believe this is our chance to elevate Toledo Athletics to new heights. However, we can't simply wait for success to find us. Reaching greatness requires dedication from each of us. That's why I'm so appreciative of everyone who has stepped up to support our vision of making Toledo the Gold Standard in college athletics. While we still have a long journey ahead to achieve our ambitious goals, there's no question we're headed in the right direction!Â
MORE THAN 2.5 MILLION VIEWERS WATCH ROCKETS DEFEAT PITT AT THE GAMEABOVE SPORTS BOWL!
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The national impact that college athletics can have on a University and its community was never more evident than in our football team's incredible 48-46, six-overtime victory over Pitt in the GameAbove Sports Bowl at Ford Field in Detroit on Dec. 26! Not only did the game provide our fans and alumni an opportunity to gather to cheer on the Rockets in a bowl game just one hour from Toledo, but the contest was also watched by 2.56 million viewers on ESPN! That's the largest number ever to watch the Rockets in a bowl game and the second-most of any game in school history. The contest also had nearly one million more viewers than the next-highest bowl game featuring a Mid-American Conference school. Â
In addition, 870 television and radio stations from around the country featured highlights or mentions of the contest on the day of the game and the following day. Among the national programs featuring highlights were ABC's Good Morning America, CNN and Fox News. The game also received considerable attention on social media, with congratulatory posts from Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur.
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A huge shout-out to Head Coach Jason Candle for tying Gary Pinkel as our all-time victory leader after winning his 73rd game as head coach at the bowl game. And congrats to the Rockets for defeating their second Power Four opponent of the season—marking just the second time in school history they've accomplished this feat— with the other being a dominant 41-17 win over SEC foe Mississippi State in Starkville!Â
I can't wait to see what this team accomplishes next. With the No. 1 recruiting class in the Mid-American Conference and a talented group of transfers combined with a solid core of returning players, the 2025 season is shaping up to be an exciting one! Â
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Next season starts with a game at SEC foe Kentucky on Aug. 30 followed by the Biggest Party in Toledo at the Glass Bowl on Saturday, Sept. 6 vs. Western Kentucky. Our entire 2025 schedule, including six home games, will be released in March. You can reserve your season tickets here.
Football ticket can be found here: UTRockets.com/FBTix
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| WATCH VIDEO |
UPDATE ON HOUSE V. NCAA/OHIO HB 315 LEGISLATION
Two ongoing developments – one settlement, and one state law – will have a significant impact on Toledo Athletics going forward. The preliminary approved House v. NCAA settlement, which will pay back damages to former student-athletes, set roster limits in all sports, and allow athletic departments to pay student-athletes for their name, image, and likeness (NIL), is expected by many to be approved this spring. In addition, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed Ohio House Bill 315 earlier this month, which allows us to immediately begin compensating student-athletes directly for the use of their NIL. Â
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| "With NIL era ending, college sports is on verge of seismic change. How will schools adapt with industry in upheaval?"Â |
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| READ ARTICLE |
In essence, NIL funding, which previously had to come from and be managed by third parties (e.g., collectives), can now come directly from department revenues, including our Rocket Fund & 1923 Society donations, which also provide various tax benefits. We are currently exploring how we can partner with our NIL collective leaders and supporters to use our department's fundraising and revenue generation arms as NIL vehicles moving forward, which will only enhance our sense of collaboration along this shared mission.Â
In addition to increasing our revenue generation efforts, we are actively discussing ways to be more efficient with our budget and streamlining our fundraising efforts and donor solicitations.Â
While these changes will be significant, we hope to avoid layoffs, maintain current scholarship levels, and preserve our transformational student-athlete experience. Â
In the last three years, college athletics has undergone more change than ever before. I don't believe it's a coincidence that Toledo Athletics has experienced more success than ever before, including 13 MAC Championships and three straight Cartwright Awards. It's critically important that we aggressively pursue these changes as opportunities to enhance Toledo Athletics and our impact on the University and NW Ohio community. We've previously outlined our value proposition and success in this new age will only bolster those efforts. NIL compensation is mission-critical moving forward as we seek to recruit, retain, and develop the very best student-athletes. Frankly, standing still is not an option, as it would jeopardize the future of Toledo Athletics in inconceivable ways.  The bottom line is that to fulfill our mission of graduating champions who excel both academically and athletically, we must be innovative in how we allocate our resources and explore new revenue streams. It won't be an easy task, but with your support, we have the potential to reach higher heights than ever before!Â
Team Toledo, please join us on this mission through the Rocket Fund or the 1923 Society.Â
EVERY TOLEDO TEAM TOPS 3.0 MARK FOR THE FOURTH CONSECUTIVE SEMESTER
Congratulations to our student-athletes for another fine semester in the classroom! Our Rockets earned a grade-point average of 3.368 in the 2024 fall semester, which is their 11th-consecutive term of a 3.3 GPA or higher!Â
All teams achieved a 3.0 GPA or higher for the fourth consecutive semester and 12 teams were above a 3.3. For the first time in program history, Women's Basketball (3.820) achieved the highest GPA in the department, followed by Women's Tennis(3.774 GPA) and Men's Golf (3.760). Nearly half of all Rockets made the Dean's List (3.5+ GPA) and over 77 percent made the Honor Roll (3.0+ GPA).Â
One of the most rewarding aspects of working in college athletics is being able to share achievements like these. Our ultimate goal is for every student-athlete to earn a meaningful degree along with a championship ring. There's nothing more fulfilling than watching a student-athlete walk across the stage at Savage Arena to receive their diploma, fully prepared to take on the next chapter of their life!Â
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WELCOMING OUR TWO NEW HEAD COACHESÂ
A major component to our Strategic Plan ("Rise Together") is to recruit, retain and develop the best student-athletes, coaches and staff. No part of that objective is more important than finding the right head coaches to lead our teams. I feel we have achieved that with the recent hiring of Chris Bailey-Greene (Women's Rowing) and Brian Wright (Women's Volleyball).Â
We had the opportunity to introduce both coaches to Rocket Nation this month. Both men bring with them the experience and enthusiasm that will help them lead and inspire our student-athletes to achieve greatness. Â
Women's Volleyball is the fastest-growing sport nationally. Our Rockets have made the post-season in three of the last four seasons, and have the potential to become a dominant force in the Mid-American Conference. Women's Rowing will make history on the Maumee River in downtown Toledo this fall as our first new varsity sport in almost 30 years, forging a renewed partnership with Toledo Metroparks and the Toledo Rowing Foundation.Â
I'm so excited for the potential of both of these programs. We hope you will come out and support them next fall!Â
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| CHRIS BAILEY-GREENEÂ PRESS CONFERENCE | BRIAN WRIGHTÂ PRESS CONFERENCE |
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BASKETBALL TEAMS IN THE HUNT FOR MAC TITLES!
Our men's and women's basketball teams are in the heart of Mid-American Conference play as they attempt to continue their remarkable streaks of league dominance.Â
Tod Kowalczyk's men's team won its first three league contests in January to begin its quest for an unprecedented fifth-straight MAC title. First-year Head Coach Ginny Boggess' women's squad won four of its first six MAC games as her Rockets look to capture their fourth consecutive crown.Â
There are numerous critical MAC contests coming up on the both team's schedules, so come on out and give these amazing student-athletes the support they deserve!Â
One of the biggest games of the year is coming up when our women host "That Team Down South" on Saturday, Jan. 25. We have drawn more than 6,000 fans in each of the past two seasons for this rivalry game and we hope to top those figures this time around! And don't forget to circle Saturday, Feb. 22 on your calendar when the men's version of the Battle of I-75 takes place at Savage Arena. Â
Great seats are still available for all home games, as well as the new Fast Break Pass, which provides a standing-room ticket for all remaining home men's and women's contests for just $49.99.Â
Men's & Women's Basketball season ticket information can be found here: WBB Tickets & MBB Tickets
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JOIN US FOR NETWORKING & NIL NIGHT AND NIL TOWN HALL
We have two great opportunities coming up for our business community to engage with our student-athletes.Â
First, we are partnering with Opendorse to host a virtual Name, Image & Likeness (NIL) Townhall on Thursday, Jan. 30 at 4:00 p.m. This is a great opportunity for local businesses, donors, fans, and alumni to learn more about NIL, how it impacts the student-athlete experience, and how they can engage in NIL with Toledo student-athletes. Â
The event is free and open to everyone. Registration is required. A zoom link will be provided upon registration.Â
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| CLICK HERE TO REGISTER |
Next, we are hosting our second annual "Rockets Rise: Networking & NIL Night" on Wednesday, Feb. 12 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. in Savage Arena. This is a great opportunity for employers to connect with current student-athletes on potential opportunities and employment, whether they be internships, mentorships, NIL, part-time, or full-time employment.Â
We are encouraging participation of our business community even if there are no immediate internship or job opportunities. This event will benefit the student-athletes as they explore various career paths and seek valuable networking experiences, and employers can identify potential talent for future partnerships.Â
The deadline to register is Jan. 25. Once registration and payment are complete, a confirmation will be sent out with additional details.
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| CLICK HERE TO REGISTER |
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Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to visit Nashville for the annual NCAA Convention. While it was great to visit with colleagues and exchange ideas, the most impactful moment was the Division I membership's vote on adding a financial incentive to WBB NCAA Tournament success. While NCAA units have been a staple of the men's tournament for decades, next year will be the first time ever that the women's basketball tournament participants have the opportunity to earn financial incentives for making and advancing in the postseason. Â
While this change was a symbolic victory for all women's sports, it also incentivizes all schools to invest heavily into women's basketball as now there is a financial ROI. Toledo Women's Basketball has always been a leader nationally in success, investment, and fan support, and we're excited to see those efforts may be rewarded financially in future years as our program reaches new levels of success.Â
Speaking of Women's Basketball, I want to say a special thank you to the Igniters for their unwavering support of our program. Very few programs around the country have the amazing home crowds that we regularly experience, and an even smaller number see their fans organize away game travel which often outnumbers the home team's crowd. While the Igniters have been a staple of our program's support, we must never take them for granted. THANK YOU!Â
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I'd like to close by wishing all of #TeamToledo a Happy New Year. There is no doubt that 2025 will be a year of change, and I hope that excites you as much as it does me. With all we've accomplished this past year, I feel like we are only just beginning. The best is yet to come!Â
This Community. This University. This Athletics Department.Â
Together, we will accomplish the "impossible."Â
Go Rockets!Â
