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Jim Sterk

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Chat with Director of Athletics Jim Sterk, Wednesday, Dec. 17, at Noon.

Moderator: Good afternoon Cougar fans and Happy Holidays! Thank you for visiting wsucougars.com and today's end-of-the-year chat with WSU Director of Athletics Jim Sterk. Jim, thank you for joining us today.

Jim Sterk: I'm glad to be here. Those of you who enjoy the snow and cold weather would be in heaven today on the Palouse!

Moderator: Yes they would. It will be a White Christmas on the Palouse this year. Let's get to some questions.

Thomas (Beaverton, Oregon): When will the 2009 football schedule be posted? it helps us who have to set up travel plans to have the schedule as early as possible. Even if all the games are not yet set, please post the schedule on the cougar athletics web site. The link for future schedules is still there. Thank you. Thomas

Jim Sterk: Thomas, normally we would have posted our football schedule long before this point in time; however, the Pac-10 schedule has not been finalized. I was on a conference call this morning with the Pac-10 Athletic Directors and we hope to finalize the schedule before the first of the year. We have proposed future schedules for the Pac-10; however, our TV partners have been trying to tweak it to allow some possible Thursday night and end-of-the-year match-ups.

Dan (Bellevue): Why was the Cougar Hardwood Classic not during break after finals are over so students can go watch the game?

Jim Sterk: First of all, thank you to everyone who was able to attend last Saturday's game at KeyArena. This is the fourth year we have brought a "home" basketball game to the west side. My preference is to play that game when our students are on break and are able to attend. I've asked our promoter and basketball staff to try to schedule the Classic during student break in the future. Sometimes, due to opponents, previous non-conference agreements, and facility availability, it may not be possible; however, we'll make every effort to do that in the future.

John (Touchet): I was not surprised by the delay of the remaining phases in the Martin Stadium renovation. However are there any other significant changes in facility update plans? (i.e. Beasley, Bailey, or Bohler). One more quick question. I purchased one of the sideline courtside premium seats and was wondering if those have made any financial headway for athletics? Thanks again!

Jim Sterk: Thank you for your questions John. After successfully completing Phases I and II of the stadium renovation, we are continuing to move forward with our planning for the third phase. We had targeted January of 2009 as a possible start date for construction; however, numerous financial factors have caused us to adjust that schedule. After the first of the year, we plan to move forward with a more public phase of selling premium seating and soliciting donations for the project. This will allow us to be in a position for when the financial markets make a comeback. When that happens, financing for Phase III will be more readily available. As for the other facilities, we have completed our hydrotherapy building, which student-athletes are starting to utilize at this time. A major renovation at Bohler Pool took place beginning last summer with the construction of an indoor rowing facility. That is close to being completed, and should be ready by the time the student-athletes return in January. Lastly, the selling of the premium seats has raised over $50,000 annually in additional revenue, so we thank those folks who are enjoying the "Jack Nicholson" view of the game.

Dieter (Fox Island, WA): After bringing in a new coach from a smaller school, are you satisfied with coach Wulff's performance this season?

Jim Sterk: First, as you may know, Coach Wulff was a former player at Washington State and reached All-America status during his time here. He also has experience in the professional ranks as a player prior to returning to the Northwest as a coach. Paul's experience as an I-AA assistant and then head coach is not unlike other coaches that made a successful transition to I-A (i.e., Jim Tressel at Ohio State, Bobby Johnson at Vanderbilt just to name a couple). Apple Cup notwithstanding, the results of the Pac-10 season were not satisfactory. Coach Wulff, his staff, and all areas within the department that impact the football program, have and will continue to evaluate and improve so that positive results will be seen on the field. Probably the most immediate impact that will be evident next season will come from the experience the younger players gained this season as well as the student-athletes who redshirted. Long-term the positive recruiting results of Coach Wulff and this staff will bring Cougar Football back to a level that we all enjoy.

Dan (Pullman): Mr. Sterk Thank you for your hard work for WSU athletics. My question is, Is there any chance in the future to move the Gonzaga basketball game at the Kennel to the Spokane Arena? Zag fans can almost always get a ticket at Beasely but it is difficult for Coug fans to get a ticket at the McCarthey center.

Jim Sterk: Dan, in past years we have gone to the campus sites for the Gonzaga basketball game. This has allowed the students from both universities and the fans to enjoy great non-conference basketball. Playing the game on a neutral site limits that opportunity; therefore, we will continue to play the games on campus. You may be interested to know that I proposed a few years ago of playing a second WSU-Gonzaga game each year at a neutral site; however, the coaches at that time preferred to stick with one game a year.

Moderator: Okay, that's all the time we have. Jim, thank you once again for joining us today.

Jim Sterk: Thank you for having me. I want to wish you all a very blessed holiday season. I'm looking forward to a great 2009. Go Cougs!

Moderator: And thank you to everyone for your questions. Remember, to get all the information about WSU Athletics, go no further than wsucougars.com, the official website of Cougar Athletics. Please check back to wsucougars.com for future online chats.