Richard Chaifetz got to see the Saint Louis University men’s basketball team claim its first victory against South Carolina Upstate in his arena. Chaifetz may be the biggest Saint Louis University basketball fan. After all, he paid $12 million in support of the organization, and the arena was named in his honor. That being said, Chaifetz is ready to cheer on the Billikens again this season.
“I’m very encouraged. I know that Brian [Conklin] will be missed, but the team is in a better position than last year,” Chaifetz said.
Chaifetz, like most Billiken fans, was shocked when head coach Rick Majerus announced his leave of absence. He has not spoken with Majerus since his announcement and calls Majerus’ absence an “unexpected blow.”
“Rick is a dear friend of mine and I wish him nothing but the best,” Chaifetz said.
Despite the absence of his friend, Chaifetz has full confidence in interim head coach Jim Crews.
“Jim Crews brings years of experience, and he will continue to build upon the success from last season,” Chaifetz said.
Chaifetz also said that Conklin’s leadership last season was a huge part of the Bills’ sucess, and they will need other players to step into that role this season.
“Brian was a great leader; he will be missed. He engendered enthusiasm and confidence,” Chaifetz said. “It also hurts that Kwamain [Mitchell] will be out, but there is great depth and experience, which will help the team.”
Chaifetz is encouraged by the progress the team has made in the arena he played such a large part in building. Though Chaifetz has invested so much into the basketball arena, he does not play any further role with the team.
“The best thing that I can do is be an enthusiast for the University, supporting the school and talking about the team,” Chaifetz said. “The arena is one of the best in the world.”
Besides basketball games, the arena hosted the 2012 VISA Championships, roller derby competitions and other athletic events. In addition, the arena has become one of St. Louis’ hottest music venues, hosting big names such as Lupe Fiasco, Wiz Khalifa, The Black Keys and many others.
The athletic and cultural talent is enough to impress anyone. However, Chaifetz sees sports as having an important economic effect on the University.
“Sports are important because they attract students to the university and create a national reputation for the school,” Chaifetz said.
Chaifetz cites fellow Atlantic 10 schools Butler University and Duke University as prime examples of the way in which athletics can impact academics. Duke, a private school, is a traditional basketball powerhouse.
According to Butler University Athletics, after the men’s basketball team’s 2010 Final Four appearance, applications to Butler rose 41 percent, and season ticket sales for the men’s basketball team rose 25 percent. In the same study, appearance in the Final Four generated over $600 million in publicity value for Butler University.
However, Chaifetz does recognize that athletics are not the “sole factor” in making a great school.
“Athletics are a way to round out the college experience,” Chaifetz said.
Chaifetz has high hopes for the season.
“I’m excited to come to SLU for the season. We have a great schedule and the team looks very strong,” Chaifetz said. “Going to a game is a great way to spend three hours; it is energizing and exciting.”
Chaifetz’s pride and loyalty for the University is as obvious in what he says as is his name on the arena’s sign.
