Opening at Wisconsin

[OCBison]

Might this be a bit more appealing than the vacancy at Ball State was?

http://www.uwbadgers.com/sport_news/wscr/headlines/story.html?sportid=140&storyid=9910

[ndsoccerfan]

I think that I would be more worried about the opening at IL State http://goredbirds.cstv.com/sports/w-soccer/spec-rel/111606aaa.html

No offense I don't think we have to worry about losing Pete to WI.

[D_One_here_we_come]

You would think he would be a top candadite at Illinois State since they were successful when he was there, and now with Head coaching experience and that success. *

Wisconsin would be too big of a jump.

[cabis]

Surprisingly neither the Wisconsin or Illinois State jobs has been filled yet as far as I can tell. I agree that Wisconsin is a stretch but Illinois State in the MVC would be a definate possibility. There is also an opening at SMU which is a very solid program. Pete is a TCU alum and I believe has family in the DFW area so that could be attractive also.
Hopefully the MidCon invite and the real possibility for an NCAA berth in 2008 are enough of a carrot to keep him in Fargo.

[sambini]

Penn State coach got the Badger job. Is that a better job than Penn State?

[cabis]

Penn State coach got the Badger job. Is that a better job than Penn State?
WOW! That is like the Ohio State football coach moving to Minnesota to coach the Gophers. Simply unbelievable.
In her six years as head coach at Penn State Wilkins led the team to two final fours, and three elite eights in the NCAA. Her only blemish was a second round exit in 2004 which stopped a string of about 8 or 9 elite eight or better finishes. She won six straight Big Ten regular season crowns and two tournament titles. She was national coach of the year in 2003. This team has been a continuous top ten team for over ten years.
Wisconsin on the other hand has been middle of the pack Big Ten. They have made the NCAA twice in the last four years and made it to the second round once.
Wisconsin has slipped to the point where they are probably the third best team in the state after UW-Milwaukee and Marquette. That could be a major motivator to hire somebody of Paula Wilkins' stature.
I am not sure what would possess Wilkins to make this move but it probably comes down to $$$$.

[OCBison]

Penn State coach got the Badger job. Is that a better job than Penn State?

I am not sure what would possess Wilkins to make this move but it probably comes down to $$$$.

I doubt it's just going to be $$$$. I'm sure quality of life might have something to do with her decision - Madison vs. University Park, PA. Or perhaps she's looking at it as an opportunity to get out from under the shadow cast by her predecessor, Pat Farmer? She does say that she's looking to grow as a coach and is looking forward to the challenge.

http://www.gopsusports.com/pressreleases/pressrelease.cfm?anncid=11665

If she's able to develop the Badger program and have them win a Big 10 championship then it will be because she laid the foundation for their success as compared to simply perpetuating what was already in place.

I know that sounds very simplistic and she had to do more then roll out the balls at PSU in order to take them to the Final Four but I think you have to respect the fact that someone wants to challenge themselves as a coach

[OCBison]

Here's the news on Illinois State's recent hiring.

http://goredbirds.cstv.com/sports/w-soccer/ilsu-w-soccer-body.html

[OCBison]

Perhaps the carosel will stop at Depaul?

http://ncaa.thetask.com/market/view_full.php?id=426

We all know it spins. It's just a question of where one gets off and where one gets on.

[cabis]

SMU job is now filled as well. It looks like the "obvious" choices for a move are gone so we should see Pete around for another year! Go Bison!!!