Northwestern University Athletics
Photo by: Northwestern Athletics
Positively Dr. Gragg – February 2024
2/23/2024 1:36:00 PM | General
Wildcats,
You often hear that change is the only constant in life. Change can be the catalyst for growth, but it can also be difficult.
These words are certainly applicable to the current state of intercollegiate athletics.
As we shared at our recent athletics all-staff meeting, there are many opportunities and challenges in both the short and long-term that will impact Northwestern, the Big Ten Conference, and all college sports. This includes the multiple ongoing legal challenges regarding NIL, transfer rules, student employee status and unionization; the rising costs of operating an elite-level athletics program; the uncertainty regarding the future of the NCAA and its scope and oversight; the make-up of the College Football Playoff and the distribution of associated revenues; and the emergence of private equity as a potential force in the future. What is certain is the uncertainty.
This reality does not mean that we are powerless, innocent bystanders to the world around us. Northwestern University will continue to take a leading role in shaping the future of intercollegiate sports, and we must remind ourselves that what we do and why we do it, will not change. Our mission will not change. Our R.I.S.E. values – Respect, Integrity, Service and Excellence – will not change. Our unqualified commitment to the student-athlete, to our university and to our pursuit of excellence in competition will not change. Regardless of what comes next, we will stay true to who we are – and we will be ready.
Change is also happening with Ryan Field. Demolition has begun and we are moving forward with multiple aspects of the project. I would like to thank the student-athletes and staff for their flexibility and patience as the construction continues. You can visit the updated RebuildRyanField.com to learn more.
As we near the close of our winter sports seasons, and as our spring sports are now in full swing, I encourage each of you to play an active role in focusing on our student-athletes and their holistic experience here in Evanston. Northwestern Athletics is one-of-a-kind and our uniqueness is what sets us apart. Let us never forget our why and have the confidence that no matter what lies ahead, together, we can do anything.
God Bless and Go 'Cats!
Positively,
Dr. Gragg
Quote of the month: "I'd rather regret the risks that didn't work out than the chances I didn't take at all." Simone Biles
Reading recommendation: The One Truth by Jon Gordon
You often hear that change is the only constant in life. Change can be the catalyst for growth, but it can also be difficult.
These words are certainly applicable to the current state of intercollegiate athletics.
As we shared at our recent athletics all-staff meeting, there are many opportunities and challenges in both the short and long-term that will impact Northwestern, the Big Ten Conference, and all college sports. This includes the multiple ongoing legal challenges regarding NIL, transfer rules, student employee status and unionization; the rising costs of operating an elite-level athletics program; the uncertainty regarding the future of the NCAA and its scope and oversight; the make-up of the College Football Playoff and the distribution of associated revenues; and the emergence of private equity as a potential force in the future. What is certain is the uncertainty.
This reality does not mean that we are powerless, innocent bystanders to the world around us. Northwestern University will continue to take a leading role in shaping the future of intercollegiate sports, and we must remind ourselves that what we do and why we do it, will not change. Our mission will not change. Our R.I.S.E. values – Respect, Integrity, Service and Excellence – will not change. Our unqualified commitment to the student-athlete, to our university and to our pursuit of excellence in competition will not change. Regardless of what comes next, we will stay true to who we are – and we will be ready.
Change is also happening with Ryan Field. Demolition has begun and we are moving forward with multiple aspects of the project. I would like to thank the student-athletes and staff for their flexibility and patience as the construction continues. You can visit the updated RebuildRyanField.com to learn more.
As we near the close of our winter sports seasons, and as our spring sports are now in full swing, I encourage each of you to play an active role in focusing on our student-athletes and their holistic experience here in Evanston. Northwestern Athletics is one-of-a-kind and our uniqueness is what sets us apart. Let us never forget our why and have the confidence that no matter what lies ahead, together, we can do anything.
God Bless and Go 'Cats!
Positively,
Dr. Gragg
Quote of the month: "I'd rather regret the risks that didn't work out than the chances I didn't take at all." Simone Biles
Reading recommendation: The One Truth by Jon Gordon
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