Gophers sports: Teague's resignation comes at critical time

University of Minnesota President Eric Kaler didn't appear overly concerned Friday with the effect Norwood Teague's departure as athletics director might have on the University of Minnesota's fundraising efforts.

"I believe our donors are giving to an athletic village program for the University of Minnesota. They were not giving to an athletic village program for Norwood Teague," Kaler said at a news conference.

The university is in the process of fundraising for an Athletes Village, a project Teague introduced in 2013 that carries an estimated price tag of $190 million.

At Big Ten media days in Chicago in late July, Gophers football coach Jerry Kill said he expected the football program's new practice facility — one component of the Athletes Village plan — to break ground in late September or October.

Kill's position on that date didn't appear to change after news of Teague's resignation came down on Friday.

"Everybody says we are going to get that thing (the practice facility) started," Kill said after Friday's practice. "We are going to get that done, and nothing is going to stop us. We put that behind you and, you know, get it all over today and let's go to work tomorrow and move on."

The problem with the fundraising efforts is that they haven't moved forward. As of early July, the university was still stuck on the $70 million mark — $80 million short of the university guideline for starting a project.

"It shouldn't be that hard to raise that money," said Dick Ames, a University of Minnesota athletics donor and Burnsville construction magnate, "and it's like pulling teeth."

Former Gophers hockey standout and booster Lou Nanne was tabbed to lead fundraising efforts in December 2013.

"Why did they get Lou in there?" Ames asked. "(Teague) wasn't getting the job done."

'Time for a change'

Ames said he wasn't disappointed with Teague's resignation.

"I want to wish the best to Norwood," Ames said, "but I think it was time for a change."

Despite the absence of any major announced donations in months, Kaler said the university's momentum behind the fundraising efforts is high.

"I've spoken with several members of the Board of Regents who expect us to continue to advance this project and bring it forward on schedule," Kaler said.

That will largely be on the shoulders of Kaler, Nanne and the next athletics director. Former Gophers AD Joel Maturi said he doesn't believe the Teague incident will make fundraising "difficult at all."

"In fact," Maturi said on WCCO Radio, "in some ways some people might feel 'You know what? Now's the time to come forward, because of the negativity and now we need even more assistance to show that we do care about this place.'"

Nanne said people involved in the fundraising efforts have contacted numerous donors since the news of Teague's resignation came to light.

"The donors say 'We're still supporting the university,' " Nanne said. "And we're glad to hear that."

Moving forward, Kill said everyone from interim athletics director Beth Goetz to himself will have to redouble efforts.

"We have to step our game up," Kill said. "I may have to do a little bit more fundraising and close the gaps and (open) doors, and President Kaler is willing to do that. I trust the man at the top. From what I know, he's handled it 100 percent. Boom. Get it done with."

Nanne said the next AD has to understand the importance of fundraising and the necessity of it to have successful sports programs.

"We need that kind of fuel to have the commitment to fundraising," Nanne said. "We need a person who can relate to the community, relate to the coaches and the athletes and be a person that's got the type of personality to work with people and work through tough times and tough things and do what's best for the university at the end of the day."