CCHA boss Beagan to call it quits

By Sharat Raju
Daily Sports Writer

After overseeing the daily operations of the conference for the past 12 seasons, CCHA commissioner Bill Beagan is retiring.

"I can think of no place on this planet that I would have sooner spent the past 12 years," Beagan said.

Beagan announced his retirement on Aug. 18 and it will be effective June 30, 1998, after the conclusion of the hockey season.

Although he isn't stepping down immediately, a search committee has already been organized and is currently investigating possible successors. No candidates have been disclosed, but the next commissioner will undoubtedly have to live up to the high standards set by Beagan.

"Since he's been commissioner we've had Notre Dame, Alaska-Fairbanks and Northern Michigan come back," CCHA assistant commissioner Jeff Weiss said. "That kind of thing is very important in college hockey - to save programs and help programs along."

Beagan might have been better suited to be a promoter rather than a commissioner. His most significant achievements have involved increasing widespread interest in hockey at the college level.

"I think the major accomplishment was to raise the profile of the CCHA and NCAA Division I college hockey to a much higher national level," Beagan said.

Beagan helped spearhead a groundbreaking deal with Prime Sports in July 1996. The deal allowed one game per week to be televised nationally, enabling more viewers to watch the sport than ever before.

"Twelve years ago, NCAA hockey only had some regional coverage by television," Beagan said.

The efforts of Beagan and his staff to increase college hockey's popularity has reached an unprecedented level for this upcoming season. Just last week, Beagan signed another groundbreaking deal, this time with Fox Sports Net, which will televise 20 CCHA games during the season.

"Now with the announcement of us going to Fox Sports Net, this year is kind of like the climax of a mission to situate the CCHA in very high profile in terms of national television," Beagan said.

Although it seems that college hockey might be on its way to increased national popularity, Beagan expressed his disappointment with how long the process has taken.

"At the present time, there is no consolidated thrust to position Division I college hockey as an entity in the forefront in terms of a national game of the week," Beagan said. "Marquee games consisting of teams from across the country - that national coverage does not exist."

Beagan also feels that other previously under-represented sports have surpassed hockey, such as women's basketball. He certainly recognizes the necessity of national exposure.

"Fundamental to the success of college hockey is that we must have a national presence on television," Beagan said.

But in the college hockey realm, the CCHA has asserted itself as the premier conference during his tenure. Five national champions during his 12 years hail from the conference.

Still, Beagan's efforts toward the promotion of the sport is for what he will most likely be remembered.

"Right now the CCHA is the best hockey conference in the country in terms of national exposure," Beagan said. "But I'm optimistic. I see ESPN coming to us, now that Fox has made such a significant financial commitment."

09-03-97