TicketsAug. 4, 2006
CINCINNATI, Ohio--- To those in the University of Cincinnati community, the future of Bearcats Football looks bright. With third-year head coach Mark Dantonio now locked into a contract through the 2010 season, the UC program has the stability it needs to challenge for BIG EAST Championships, as well as making an impact on the national level. The foundation for that charge was laid last November when Dantonio was rewarded with a contract extension by then Director of Athletics Bob Goin.
Even with a change in leadership at the top with Mike Thomas replacing Goin, the same confidence that the latter had in Dantonio when he hired him following the 2003 season is shown in the new Director of Athletics.
"Coach Dantonio has certainly represented UC and the community in outstanding fashion," Thomas says. "He has been a great ambassador for this institution and the city of Cincinnati.
"I look forward to the future with Coach Dantonio as we build and grow the Bearcats football program," Thomas continued. "I think the infrastructure and foundation are in place for great things here. I believe the opportunities we have with the BIG EAST and the emergence of facilities on campus will provide us with the opportunity to compete at a high level both in the BIG EAST and nationally."
While Coach Dantonio and his staff have worked tirelessly to build a winner on the field, they have also helped the Bearcats become champions in the classroom. Following the 2005 season, the Bearcats were recognized by the American Football Coaches' Association (AFCA) as one of just 28 schools in the nation to achieve a graduation rate of 70 percent or above for the entering freshman class of 2000-01. In recent AFCA reports, over 85 percent of UC football players have earned degrees.
"Another great point is that it is obvious that Coach Dantonio's kids are working hard both between the lines and in the classroom as evidenced by the citation by the AFCA," Thomas added.
With the move to the BIG EAST, an upgrade in facilities, and a coach in place for seasons to come, Bearcats fans everywhere should have excitement and success to look forward to on the gridiron.