As I heard Padilla say a few times, we’re all playing for the same head coach. 

This means that next year Valpo will play 2 MVFC opponents in non-conference play for the second consecutive year, taking on Illinois State the week after.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is generally considered the most theologically and socially progressive of the major Lutheran bodies in the United States. Official positions include:

• Ordination of women.
• Ordination of clergy in same-sex marriages and LGBTQ relationships.
• Permitting same-sex marriage.
• Generally affirming transgender individuals in church life.
• Broad ecumenical partnerships with Episcopal, Methodist, Presbyterian (PCUSA), and other mainline churches.
• A relatively broad theological spectrum regarding biblical interpretation, with many pastors using historical-critical methods.

  Does he affirm these positions? 

Although any member of a university community should have the academic freedom to hold and express their beliefs, I honestly don't think that Rev. Konkol is here for the purpose of advancing his social positions. And I'm confident that the search committee vetted him and other finalists thoroughly as to compatibility with VU's overall mission.

If Valpo starts choosing sects within denominations, that pretty much means we can start circling the drain. Instead (and I speak as a non-Lutheran), I think we will see a commitment both to renewing Lutheran connections generally and to extending an invitation to those of other faiths and social beliefs for whom Valpo is a good place. 

There is little doubt that part of Valpo’s problems was that they lost touch will their historical roots—that is, being a Lutheran institution. And because Valpo is not nor never should be a Liberty, what type of Lutheran misses the point. Valpo is Lutheran but certainly welcoming to all branches of same as well to non-Lutherans, non-Christian and even atheists! It shouldn’t hide its heritage or drift away from those roots. The concern is, that if Valpo does, it runs the risk of, as OP stated, of becoming “just another Princeton” or just one of many who have lost their original religious mission.

The demographic profile that faces colleges and universities today -- including historically solid, regional, private universities like Valpo -- will not be experienced equally. 

It may be untoward to refer to this challenge as a deeply competitive one, as opposed to gentler references to marketing, recruiting, helping students find their right school, and so on, but a dogged competition it will be. Schools that are mission-driven towards helping students, with a strong sense of their own institutional identity, will have an advantage. 

Might he have been excused early to prep for The Bahamas?

https://valpoathletics.com/news/2026/7/17/mens-basketball-valpo-mens-basketball-earns-2025-2026-nabc-team-academic-excellence-award.aspx?fbclid=IwdGRjcATJoIZwZG9mBWZkaWQWUK1GZgEPMX3ROeqrOrI-xfWYs9qnxWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR7H5XCQryCTz5190iO5DOBSpLBtbPsNi4ualGfsayZlTrDK2eDwQVbNOrD3uQ_aem_0ybBYrPXo-ZiNKCcNlihpQ

A while back somebody reached out to discuss donations and support. I have gotten a couple updates from them since.