Thanks to all the visitors and supporters of this endeavor.  The response to BU Beat was much greater than anticipated and the amount of visitors was greatly underestimated at the onset.  It quickly turned from a mid-season hobby to a second full-time job; however, I enjoyed it and hope I brought a worthwhile product to the Butler fan base for the second half of the 2007-2008 campaign.

With the season unfortunately in the rear view mirror, I am planning on taking an indefinite leave of absence from BU Beat.  If I do post in the off-season, it will be very sporadic and only when there is major information to dispense. 

Realisitically, I’m not sure if I can continue next season, and if I do continue, it likely can’t be at the same pace unless I have a clone or some assistance from another party.  With it being all volunteer work without any kickback, I have to consider how much time I am compromising in other areas of my life (i.e. my real job). 

From the response the site has received without any marketing push (except for a handful of posts on the message board), I’m confident BU Beat could have a bright future.  I’m sure there are advertisers in and around the Indianapolis area (and on other College Bball sites) who would at least give a second look at posting an ad; however, with what else I have going on, that’s not something I would likely devote my time to before next season.

If there is a qualified, ambitious individual out there who would be interested in working with me on the site in some capacity and potentially taking it to the next level, feel free to email bubeat@gmail.com.  I am open to any suggestions and comments.

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And to the Seniors (and the other Players/Coaches):

Thank you for making this season (and last) so special for myself and the entire fan base.  Unfortunately you will likely never receive near the deserved credit for all you accomplished and overcame.  Those of us near and dear to the team understand and appreciate it.  I just feel sorry for those across the state and country who missed out.  Their loss.  Our gain.

You were a joy to follow on the court, but more importantly, what makes you so rare is your conduct and demeanor off the court.  You did it the right way.  There was no illegal recruiting, no drug scandals, no public feuds or complaints.  Just a group of unbelievable young men who went about their business with great dignity, precision, and humility. 

You are a tenacious group that no doubt has success to come in your life after Butler.  We’ve all heard the quotes about how Butler may not be a breeding ground for NBA players, but for elite professionals in other fields – like Drew Streicher preparing for Medical School and AJ Graves on the cusp of adding greatness to the arena of Actuarial Science.  Additionally, I’m confident your success after Butler will also be defined by you being an asset to your families and communities as upstanding husbands, fathers, and citizens.

You will think of the Tennessee game often and continually think of the woulda, coulda, shoulda scenarios.  It’s natural.  It’s tough to move on, and it should be.  When you have something as special as the bond you all had, it’s a hard pill to swallow.  I just hope you guys can find some comfort in all the great joy and pride you brought to not only the basketball program, but the university as a whole. 

You set a whole new level for excellence and helped put a small, mostly unkown private school in Indiana on the map…and for all the right reasons.

I could go on and on.  I could talk about the Sweet 16 from last year, the 30 wins from this year, the Horizon League dominance, the BCS competition dominance, the fact that your last loss by more than 8 points came in March of 2005 (which is downright unreal all things considered).  The list could continue on for many pages…

But let me just conclude by once again saying thank you.  Your time on the court at Butler may be over, but your legacy will live for a long time to come.  I know that I, for one, will always point back to your tenure as the foundation for success at Butler.

Thanks for the memories, thanks for the passion, the dedication, and the excellence….and above all, thanks for doing it The Butler Way.

Sincerely,

Brandon Gaudin

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