Wichita State President John Bardo speaks during a press conference announcing Wichita State’s acceptance into the American Athletic Conference. (April 7, 2017)
President John Bardo was around during the semi-good years of Wichita State football. He described these memories fondly, and let many believe he would be the one to resurrect the school’s football program.
With teases on social media, a prized black Shocker helmet in his office and a $60,000 feasibility study, it would appear football was the late president’s big sports project.
Bardo never lived to see the project reach completion. Wichita State’s interest in football stymied in 2016.