So...what's going on with the Bobcat Club? I haven't heard from them at all this year, there's only general info on the Ohio giving page (no specific info on game parking this year), and the link to the club website is broken. I'm left to assume that they don't need my money.

There's a new director this year. Seems like a nice guy.

I re-upped my OBC membership online about a month ago. No one ever contacted me as they have in the past, and I’ve gotten no communication after-the-fact thanking me for my contribution. Someone does seem asleep at the switch.

During the last couple years, my passion for college football and basketball has been eroding. It's been getting to feel too much like the NFL and NBA, neither of which I follow.

Back in 1996 or '97, I bought into the Tower Club so that my late wife Lynne could continue enjoying game days. The drugs she was taking to keep her autoimmune disease in check didn't mix well with prolonged exposure to sunshine. Tower Club provided shade. She was having difficulty with steps. Elevator to the Tower Club. Walking long distances was becoming challenging. As a Tower Club member we parked in the Peden lot.

After she died in early 2014, I decided to keep my two TC seats. I had little difficulty finding someone to use the second seat. When travels precluded attending a game, I usually found a taker for the two seats.

This year? For the package of reasons why my passion for college football has been eroding, I decided not to renew the TC seats. Last season I attended only one game - the opener against Syracuse. The better part of that day was visiting the spot where I sprinkled Lynne's ashes in the Hocking. I also enjoyed shopping for Ohio-themed Christmas tree decorations in the College Bookstore. And sipping, nibling and reading in the Front Room was pleasant. The game? It did nothing to stop the erosion.

Mike, thanks for your personal reflections. I, too, am finding that my passion for college athletics is eroding. It's not yet at the point that you've reached, but it's headed in the same direction. I'm not sure that this feeling is unique to fans of G5 conference schools. I'd not be surprised to see that at many P5 programs as well. And, further, I don't think it'll be confined to people in our age cohort.

Another sign of my eroding interest: For the first time since 2000, I didn't buy Phil Steele's preview. My other passions - reading, writing, traveling, staying connected with friends, involvement with non-profits - remain intact. Which reminds me, last Wednesday I returned from France. A couple days ago on my Facebook page, I posted an account of one of the trip's highlights. It felt good to reconnect in person with some long-time friends.

In March of 2021, I came out of retirement, sort of, to help my alma mater (Muskingum) raise money as a development officer. I had been in yearbook sales and sales management for 34 years so it was a natural fit. Giving to colleges and universities as a percentage of graduates continues to decline. One of the best predictors of future giving is engagement while in college whether it be membership in an organization or consistent attendance at events. Additionally younger folks in particular and a growing number of adults in general are giving to causes versus institutions.

I was disappointed to see during the Open House portion of my daughter’s Orientation that the only booth not staffed was Athletics. What a missed opportunity to talk to incoming students and parents who could be potential season ticket holders. I get it it’s Summer etc. Just surprised.