I remember going to games my first couple of years at YSU (1984 -1985) the team was not very good, nor was attendance. Something needed to change. Unfortunate given the circumstances, fighting cancer and all.
And yes, Bill Narduzzi was instrumental in getting the stadium built. So that was another piece I think that led to some bitterness. Fired (or not renewed) after four years at the new stadium that he pushed to get built. (Though, I always wished they had put stands on the east side from the beginning).
All that said, you can’t argue with the move from Narduzzi to Tressel.