The Univ. of Cincinnati is "one of the programs tasked with shouldering the purgatorial American Athletic Conference to national relevance," but that "hasn't dampened their ambition," according to Justin Williams of THE ATHLETIC. UC AD Mike Bohn said, "Long term, regardless of any of that (conference realignment) speculation, we feel good about our investment in our facilities. We're proud of them. We're working on our vision to be the class of the league, and that hasn't changed. That's where our focus is." After an unsuccessful bid to join the Big 12 in '16, UC is "still dressing for the job it wants" and is keen to "make the most of its current situation." Bohn said, "I'm encouraged by what our league is doing, and I'm extremely encouraged by the competitive nature of [AAC Commissioner Mike Aresco] and his work and preparation for a new TV agreement. I have high hopes for that." UC has "made a concerted effort to invest in the things it can control," such as signing a 10-year, $47M apparel deal with Under Armour, retaining basketball coach Mick Cronin through '21, making over Fifth Third Arena, upgrading Nippert Stadium, hiring football coach Luke Fickell and "seeking big-name opponents, especially on the gridiron." Bohn: "We're excited about our home-and-home with Nebraska, we're home-and-home with UCLA and Boston College and Indiana and Pitt. Those are marquee games for us." But UC needs to "do more than spruce up their facilities to draw fans and establish the football program as the class of the AAC -- they have to consistently compete for conference championships in football and basketball." Bohn said, "It's an intensity that we've got to continue to feel. I've got to believe the new arena will help us with that" (THEATHLETIC.com, 6/26).
