Krebs: MAC needs to earn more respect

3/24/2006

With the success of mid-major basketball programs this year in the NCAA tournament, the Mid-American Conference needs to devise a plan to get more of its men's teams in, said Paul Krebs, Bowling Green State University athletics director.

Four teams from the Missouri Valley Conference and two from the Colonial Athletic Association received bids this season, three advancing to the Sweet 16. The MAC has not received an at-large invitation since 1999.

"I think the MAC has to earn respect," Krebs said during a taping of The Editors television program. "I don't think we've been very strategic. The league has recognized we have to do better."

After seven years at BGSU, Krebs is leaving at the end of next month to be the AD at the University of New Mexico. He said he feels confident BGSU will maintain excellence.

"We have really worked hard at establishing a foundation for success," Krebs said. "I feel comfortable leaving, I think the foundation is there for my successor to be successful."

One of the main reasons Krebs was hired at New Mexico was because of the high academic marks garnered by BGSU student-athletes.

"It really starts with coaches making academics a priority in recruiting," Krebs said. "Probably the majority of credit goes to the young women and men themselves. I think BGSU and their alumni should feel proud of what their athletes are accomplishing in the classroom."

A main priority for Krebs' successor will be continuing the facilities drive, and a key decision is approaching regarding whether to renovate Anderson Arena or build a convocation center. Krebs said the results of feasibility studies are in front of school president Sidney Ribeau and the board of trustees.

"In the coming couple of months, you'll see some direction on the decision we're going to go with. We're at the point we'll choose from the fork in the road," Krebs said.

Krebs was questioned by Thomas Walton, vice president and editor of The Blade.

The Editors will be broadcast at 9 tonight on WGTE-TV, Channel 30, and at 12:30 p.m. Sunday on WBGU, Channel 27.