It’s Happening Here.

That’s the theme that accompanied the new University of Louisville graphic design program, complete with a cornucopia of variations. Much more to accomplish in all areas of the university, including the athletic programs. What do fans really want to happen? Really, not much of a secret: They want to win every time a group of athletes don the Cardinal gear.

What about in the grand scheme of things? If this were a corporate setting, these would be categorized as long-term objectives, a weaseling way of saying some of the goals aren’t going to be accomplished anytime soon. This is the real world and, well, for the record, here are the objectives this observer would include, with most of them being achieved within five years:

  1. Completion of the Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium expansion to more than 60,000 seats. That would be a dream come true for football fans who endured the lean years in the old baseball stadium. Where were all the Louisville leaders back then and what were they doing?
  2. The opening of a new 22,000-seat arena for the U of L basketball teams. Downtown, fairgrounds, campus, doesn’t matter. Freedom Hall is a great place to play with an unbelievable history but U of L needs a new arena. Time to move on.
  3. A return to the top 10 in football, competing and winning a second BCS bowl. Like him or hate him, Bobby Petrino’s football teams achieved national respect for the university’s overall athletic program. But the foundation was shaky. One hopes that Steve Kragthorpe is rewarded for doing it the right way.
  4. A third NCAA basketball championship, confirming UofL’s return to its rightful place among the nation’s elite roundball powers. Rick Pitino deserves another national championship for all he has endured over the last decade.
  5. Their first College World Series championship in Omaha for the baseball Cards, rewarding Dan McDonnell for his commitment to the university and for making baseball fun again in Louisville.
  6. National championship for the women’s basketball team and a dynasty for Jeff Walz.
  7. National championship for the women’s volleyball team.
  8. National championship for the women’s softball team.
  9. An annual top 10 designation in the Sears Cup competition, which ranks college athletic programs.
  10. A very long and satisfying career for Tom Jurich at U of L until he retires at the age of 90.

While fans may differ on their priorities, these are dreams that drive U of L fans — through the lean and good times. What are your thoughts? Different order of priorities? This observer doesn’t always have to have the last word.

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DC Moving On — The rehab plan apparently isn’t working out for Derrick Caracter, at least according to Card Chronicle who reports that the big guy is transferring next season. A post from an insider on Inside The Ville had suggested as much a few days ago. Caracter will be missed, moreso for all the discussions he sparked among fans than for his actual contributions on the court. Bye Derrick. Hope you find what you’re looking for, if you are looking for something.

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By Charlie Springer

Charlie Springer is a former Louisville editor and sportswriter, a public affairs consultant, a UofL grad and longtime fan.

8 thoughts on “Que Pasa Top 10”
  1. I would shoot for 80,000 seats as a long-range target and 100,000 as distant target for the football stadium.

  2. I would add expanding the U of L fan base about 50 miles in each direction and total domination of UK in every sport — no mercy, no prisoners!

  3. U of L was riding a national wave of prestige when football was going great guns. Everybody forgets in a couple of months who won the NCAA basketball championship. I would go with top 10 football as my number one. Good list, though.

  4. I think I would go with number three as number one. I hear what you’re saying about football; it does carry a lot more prestige. But damnit I am a basketball fan and can’t help it.

  5. I like your Happening Top 10, Charlie. Right now, I am so pumped about our football season coming up that I would definitely move your number 3 up to no. 1. I couldn’t agree more with you on the others – Rick has done a great job here with the Final Four and Elite 8…..it IS time for another BBall Championshipfor U of L and for Coach P. Baseball should be awesome too -It’s all good. TJ is THE man in Louisville, KY. Now, on 8/31, we’ll see if he’s done it again…….always Go CARDS!

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