Athletics Facilities Makeover: Vanderbilt Edition

I had a chance to watch the Vanderbilt press conference outlining the facility upgrade plan yesterday and came away very impressed.

You had the who's who of Vanderbilt in attendance -- Vice Chancellor of University Affairs and Student Athletics David Williams, Board of Trust Athletics Committee Chair John Ingram, football coach Bobby Johnson, men's basketball coach Kevin Stallings and women's basketball coach Melanie Balcomb -- all sounding optimistic about this university's future.

Sure, Vanderbilt may never win the "arms race" of athletics facilities, particularly in the sports-obsessed and booster-rich Southeastern Conference, but we don't want to, nor could we afford to. What this project proves to me, as well as the coaches in attendance, is that the administration is committed to winning and providing the programs with the necessary resources to do so, which is all you can ever ask for.

"I'm really pleased that over the last five or 10 years we have changed the perception of Vanderbilt from lovable losers to serious competitors," Ingram said. "That's what we want to be and I think that's where we'll stay."

With improved facilities, coaches believe that their programs will be able to take the next step. For Balcomb and Stallings, it's getting from the Sweet 16 to the Final Four (Stallings is already talking national titles). For Johnson, it's qualifying for a bowl game. Corbin has already seen what renovations can do for his program. The improvements to Hawkins Field have enabled him to attract the nation's top recruits and thus contend for a national title year in and year out.

Here's Vanderbilt's five-phase, $55-million, self-funded project:

Phase I - $11 million-$12 million (currently under way)

• Memorial Gym Basketball Locker Rooms
• Vanderbilt Stadium Facility Renovation:
Work will include a new exterior stadium facade between Gates 2 and 3; renovation of the eastside stadium concourse; and exterior/interior paint and interior signage to Stadium Press Box/Suite Tower
• Hawkins Field Baseball Stadium Expansion: $3 million-$3.3 million
• Football Synthetic Surfaces at John Rich Practice Facility and Wedgewood Recreation Field: $2 million

Phase II - $11 million-$12 million

• McGugin Center Renovation:
Work will include construction of the Vanderbilt Athletics Hall of Fame, renovation of position and team meeting rooms for football, and renovation of the athletic training room.
• Vanderbilt Stadium Renovation:
Work will include rebuilding of Gates 2 and 3; exterior facade along Natchez Trace; and development of a plaza in front of Gate 2.

Phase III - $7 million-$8 million

• Vanderbilt Stadium:
Plans call for the renovation of Gates 1 and 4 in north endzone of stadium along with construction of plaza area.
• McGugin Center:
First phase of renovation to support staff of Stratton Foster Academic Center area, and renovation to football coaches' offices, support staff offices and coaches' locker rooms.

Phase IV - $16 million-$18 million

• Vanderbilt Stadium:
Work will include construction of north endzone building and seating; addition of synthetic turf in stadium.
• McGugin Center:
Renovation of the football locker rooms, equipment rooms, and athletic training room; Olympic Sport locker rooms and meeting rooms will be constructed on second floor.

Phase V - $1 million-$2 million

• McGugin Center:
Renovation and expansion of Hendrix Room dining facility; addition of offices and suites.

Thanks to VUCommodores, which has all the latest on the project:

Facilities Upgrade Central (pictures, videos, timeline, etc.)
Official Press Release
Quotes from press conference

Beating Maryland will be no small task

They don’t make as much news as their male counterparts. Most people probably couldn’t name their starting lineup. But tonight, the Lady Commodores are the center of attention as they take on first-seeded Maryland in the regional semifinals in Spokane. Not only is it against a heavily favored offensive juggernaut, but a win would put Vanderbilt in the Elite Eight for the first time in six years.

Vanderbilt is also battling history; since 2002, No. 1 seeds are 21-2 in the round of 16. The only two teams to pull off the upsets in the regional semifinals in that time were Rutgers over Duke in 2007 and LSU over Texas in 2004, and both reached the Final Four.

To pull the upset, I think Vanderbilt’s got to focus heavily on two things: negating Maryland’s height advantage on the boards and taking away their inside game. The Commodores are obviously an outstanding defensive team; look to their smothering of the Mountaineers last weekend for proof of that. However, rebounding is a weak point, and Maryland can expose that with their excellent frontcourt in All-American Crystal Langhorne and Lauren Harper, who stand at 6-2 and 6-4 respectively. The Commodores were the worst in the SEC in rebounding, and no one in Vanderbilt’s starting line-up is taller than 6-1. It doesn’t take a genius to note that senior Liz Sherwood will need to be a force on the boards coming off the bench.

Also, forcing Maryland into shooting from the outside is a must. A theme in Maryland’s rare losses was that they jacked up far more 3-pointers than usual and shot poorly when they did. The Terrapins hit just 14 out of 68 attempts in losses to UNC, Rutgers and Duke this year, about 23 attempts per game, when they usually take just 16, and only against Duke was Maryland furiously firing up shots in an attempt to comeback. Taking away their inside game won’t be easy, but Vanderbilt has to do it if it wants to advance.

Tip-off is at 8:00 CT, and ESPN will broadcast. Go Dores!

Vanderbilt women move on to Sweet 16

Christina Wirth scored 21 points and Jessica Mooney added 11 off the bench, and the Commodores advanced to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2005 with a 64-46 victory over 5th-seeded West Virginia.

Vanderbilt had fallen in the second round of the NCAA Tournament in 2006 and 2007 but this time it broke through with a strong second half, holding the Mountaineers to just 17 points.

Q & A with Christina Wirth

Before the fourth-seeded Commodores take on Montana Saturday, junior forward Christina Wirth talked with The Sports VU about a number of topics, including the motivation from last year's loss and her favorite part about March Madness.

Q: You guys were obviously expecting to be in the tournament, but what was it like to wait until the final region to hear your name called?

A: I thought it was actually kind of fun. In previous years, our team was called relatively early in the selection show so the suspense never had a chance to build. This year we had to wait until the last regional so there was plenty of time to speculate about possible matchups and things like that.

Q: What seed were you guys anticipating and how pleased are you with how things turned out?

A: I think that we were expecting about a 4 or a 5 seed, so getting a 4 seed was great. Personally, I'm really happy with our seeding. I think that we are in a good position. Also, Albuquerque is the closest first and second round site to Arizona (where I'm from) so geographically, it's nice for me.

Q: It's been a while since you guys have a played a game. What have you done to stay focused?

A: We have been practicing very hard. Our team is extremely competitive so when we compete at practice, we really go at it. I think in a lot of ways, practice is harder than games, so I am confident that the intensity of our practices has prepared us for our upcoming games.

Q: How much does losing in the second round last year motivate you all now?

A: It motivates us a lot. Obviously this is a different team than last year, but there are still quite a few players who were on that team and who remember how it felt to lose so early last year. We have talked about that, and that has helped to motivate us to get better and work on our weaknesses during the break between SECs and NCAAs so that we go into the tournament hungry. At the same time, we are not focused on last year. We are excited about this team and the opportunities that we have ahead of us.

Q: I sense that you are guys are very good defensively and unselfish on offense. What do you see as your team's strengths and what will it take for you guys do make a deep tourney run?

A: Like you said, we are a very good defensive team, and that has been our bread and butter this year. In order for us to make a deep tourney run, we need to dictate on the defensive end of the floor, rebound well and take care of the ball.

Q: I'm sure you guys are close with the men's team. Who would you say is the funniest player on their team?

A: Alan Metcalfe is very outgoing and goofy so I would probably say him.

Q: What is your favorite part about March Madness?

A: March Madness is a lot of fun. Anything can happen so that by itself makes these games so much fun to play in. I love all of the upsets, and I love the way that it forces you to bring your A game every single night.

Q: What's the best class you've taken at Vandy?

A: HOD 2510 – Health Services to Diverse Populations.

Q: If you could play pick-up with any four people in the world, who would you take?

A: Jen Risper, Steve Nash, Michael Jordan, Lebron James.

Q: Favorite song?

A: Audience of One (Big Daddy Weave).

Q: Favorite place to eat in Nashville?

A: P.F. Chang's.

Q: Favorite movie?

A: I have lots of favorites. Disney movies, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, Meet the Robinson's, Remember the Titans, Prince of Egypt – to name a few.

Q: Favorite sports team (other than Vandy)?

A: Phoenix Suns.

Q & A with Merideth Marsh

As the fourth-seeded Commodores prepare for their first round matchup with No. 13 Montana Saturday in Albuquerque, New Mexico, sophomore guard Merideth Marsh sat down with The Sports VU to discuss everything from her favorite part about March Madness to her ideal pick-up team.

Q: What seed were you all anticipating, and how pleased are you with how things turned out?
A: We were hoping for a 4 seed, but I thought for sure we would come out with a 5 seed. We are extremely happy with our seed because we feel that we are in a great position to advance far into the tournament.

Q: You guys were obviously expecting to be in the tournament, but what was it like to wait until the final region to hear your name called?
A: Well I think most of us were anticipating that we were going to be in the Spokane Region because that’s what a lot of people were predicting. We honestly didn’t care where we went or how long it took to find out I guess. We just wanted to know when and who we played.

Q: It's been a while since you guys have a played a game. What have you done to stay focused?
A: The coaching staff took a different approach than last year to our two weeks off. We have been practicing very hard and competing against each other trying to make one another better each practice. We had a few practices where we focused a lot on individual strengths and weaknesses. We also did a lot of repetition of offensive sets just to make sure that everyone is on the same page. We have scrimmaged at the end of every practice thus far which I feel will help keep our focus on playing hard and making each other better so that we will be prepared for whoever we play. We were given a few days off so that we were allowed to catch up on school work and rest.

Q: How much does losing in the second round last year motivate you all now?
A: We all know that last year was a big disappointment to those of who was a part of the team. We also don’t like how we performed in the SEC Tournament so we are happy that we get a chance to redeem ourselves. We know how good we are and we believe that we can truly go far in this tournament. It’s always an inner motivation of each player of a team to do better than the team before them did so that in itself gives us motivation.

Q: What do you see as your team's strengths and what will it take for you guys do make a deep tourney run?
A: Honestly, this year we have completely changed our style of play compared to last year. A huge strength of ours this year has to be our defense. We have completely taken our defense to another level. We now take pride in our defense and our ability to confuse the offense. Another strength that we have continued to excel in is our shooting. We all believe that we are great shooters and coach definitely encourages shooting. A huge strength that a lot of teams don’t have is a strong bench. We have Jessica Mooney and Liz Sherwood coming off the bench contributing huge minutes and points. They bring energy, and we know that when we sub we aren’t losing anything but gaining fresh legs. It’s crucial to have a deep bench because the farther you go in the tourney the more legs you need to perform at your best.

Q: I'm sure you guys are close with the men's team. Who would you say is the funniest player on their team?
A: Alan Metcalfe or Jermaine Beal.

Q: What is your favorite part about March Madness?
A: The fact that anything can happen, and small Cinderella teams can shine. It’s the best month of college basketball and every collegiate athlete lives for this time in their season.

Q: What's the best class you've taken at Vandy?
A: My favorite is EDUC 1020 or PYS 2310

Q: If you could play pick-up with any four people in the world, who would you take?
A: Pete “Pistol” Maravich, Steve Nash, Michael Jordan and Dwyane Wade.

Q: Favorite song?
A: That is too hard of question. Here are a few of my favorite artists…Josh Kelly, Colbie Caillat, Jeremy Camp, Aaron Shust, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Rascal Flatts, Chuck Wicks, Ryan Adams, Garth Brooks, George Strait, Lifehouse, Griffin House, Josh Gracin, Kelly Pickler, Martina McBride, Stephen Speaks, Derek Webb. I love music!

Q: Favorite place to eat in Nashville?
A: San Antonio Taco Company

Q: Favorite movie?
A: Oh now that’s way too hard. I am a movie fanatic! Finding Nemo, Gone Baby Gone, Love & Basketball, Chronicles of Narnia, XMEN, Freedom Writers, Dumb and Dumber, Pretty Woman, Crash, Insomnia, A Beautiful Mind. Pretty much anything…

Q: Favorite sports team (other than Vandy)?
A: University of Kentucky. I grew up a Wildcat fan! I bleed blue besides when Vandy plays UK.

Thanks for your time, Merideth, and best of luck in the tournament, even if you’re a Wildcat fan!

Commodore Banter (3/18)

Join our Facebook group and our Facebook tournament bracket.

Tim Corbin commented on one of Vandy's top recruits for next year, who we hope won't be entering the MLB draft.

Bruce Pearl gives props to the SEC in an interview with Stan Crawley.

The RPI should be RIP, writes Steve Phillips.

Shan Foster wins AP Player of the Year and Ogilvy earns an Honorable Mention.

Don't forget about women's basketball in the state of Tennessee. There are four pretty darn good teams in the NCAA women's tournament.

Nick Calathes was picked as the Freshman of the Year in the SEC, think Billy Donovan knows?

Martin Fennelly offers a nice little profile of Siena. It's funny how the Commodores' recent success in the tournament changes the dynamics in such a way that the Vanderbilt has suddenly become a powerhouse basketball school.

"Even if they get by Siena in the first round...," writes Seth Davis. Give me a break.

Five of five experts agree, Siena over Vanderbilt in the first round according to SI's latest mock brackets.

Alex Gordon has changed the face of the Commodores, and has helped make it a winning program, writes Maurice Patton.

Vanderbilt has a difficult road ahead, first playing a team of extremes in Siena, and then potentially facing one of the nation's most underrated teams in Clemson, writes Paul Rugani.

Women's lacrosse gets back on track against Cornell.

Ogilvy will be guarded by the "three headed monster," writes Mike MacAdam.

Did you know that Siena students are on spring break this week? Not sure if that will help or hurt them.

For Siena, "fear is not in the vocabulary."

6'7'' Josh Duell, who has guarded Stanford's Robin Lopez and Rider's Jason Thompson three times this season, has another big challenge in Ogilvy.

Siena's fans are old.

One Indiana blog wants no part of Kevin Stallings in the Hoosiers' search for a coach.

In case you missed our...

• Q&A's with Jamont Gordon, Caleb Cotham, Curt Casali
• Ask a 'Dore with Parker Hanks and Josie Earnest.
• Billy Donovan has gone mad: Exhibit A, Exhibit B.

Vandy Women Will Dance With #4 Seed

While they may not be getting as much hype as their male counterparts, the Vanderbilt's women's basketball team also received a #4 seed on Monday, and will face Montana in the first round of the NCAA in Albuquerque on Saturday at 9:30 p.m. CST.

Montana is a strong team, and they will be coming into the game with momentum, after a 101-65 blowout win in the title game of the Big Sky tournament. Still, you have to like Vandy in this first round matchup.

Montana boasts a 25-6 record this season. However, the Lady Griz benefited greatly from home court advantage, winning all 17 of their games at Dahlberg Arena, an advantage they won't have Saturday, when they face a top 25 team for the first time this season.

The Vanderbilt women are also taking care of business when it comes to unseeded opponents, with a 22-2 record against teams unranked by the AP poll this season. It should be mentioned that the Commodores are also very young this year, with just three upperclassmen on the roster in Jennifer Risper, Christina Wirth, and Liz Sherwood.

They have all played big roles in Vanderbilt's balanced attack this year, which, as ESPN's Melanie Jackson points out, has five players averaging 8.8 points or more per game, but none with more than 12.9. If Vanderbilt is going to go deep in this tournament, it is imperative that the three set the tone.

Should Vanderbilt win on Saturday, it will go on to face the winner of an interesting matchup between #5 West Virginia, and #12 New Mexico, who will be playing at home, and maybe a very dangerous opponent having won six straight games coming into the tournament.