Rick Chryst Quotations

Whether you call it parity or balance, we now see teams that haven't been dominant programs rise up and have special years. It probably starts with the scholarship limits, but the other big difference we've seen is as television opportunities have escalated, everyone's now investing in facilities.

Several years we thought we had deserving teams, and for whatever reason, it hasn't happened.

If it's a part, it's just a part. Each institution is different. TV might be a part for some schools, and nonexistent for others.

I think we're early on in what could be one of the watershed moments in intercollegiate athletics. This is clearly a pivotal time in terms of the next decade or so, both in terms of conference membership and what the next generation of the postseason will look like. Not withstanding some of the Darwinian aspects to it, I do think there will be a place for everybody.

We're working hard on that. We're working hard with each school.

We need to bring a plan to our presidents that is comprehensive and informed.

This is about graduation. Our schools are graduating at a better rate than anyone else in the country.

It's been a good thing for our football, especially early on because it drew attention to the conference when we weren't getting much. It has been a foundational part of the television growth that we've had, primarily with ESPN.

In March, the days are getting longer. March Madness is a good way to get through the month. The sites are rotated, so people really do get a chance to attend. It touches every part of the country. Not just hard-core basketball fans, it reaches out to even the casual fan. It's something that people really connect with.

I really respect the committee and the work they do. I certainly don't go in thinking it's Charlie Brown and Lucy. At the same time, we've got to find ways to better support our programs.

I don't think if we're on television 20 times, we're going to automatically be in the tournament.