Meanwhile, it has become abundantly clear major changes in direction must be made in men’s hockey and women’s basketball. In both programs, fan support is waning, the bottom line is being negatively affected and there are few signs of positive momentum going forward. Unless a well-thought-out plan for recovery can be presented, the best way to effect the necessary change is to change coaches and start over.

Alvarez sent a message to men’s hockey coach Mike Eaves and women’s basketball coach Bobbie Kelsey in April when they didn’t get their usual one-year contract extensions. In doing so, he cited their lack of competitive success as the reason.

Nothing much has changed this season. Although the hockey team has shown improvement, it might not be enough for Eaves to see a 15th season. And despite having a senior-dominated team, Kelsey’s fifth season isn’t any better than her first four.

The hockey team is losing at a historic rate — only 10 wins in its past 61 games — and fan support is in decline. The Badgers were 4-26-5 last season, the worst record in program history. They’re a more competitive 6-13-7 this season, but the stain of last month’s sweep at the hands of arch-rival Minnesota, a series in which UW was outscored 13-2, won’t go away soon.