|
Questions and Comments We've Received May 30, 2003 Dear Dr. Cowen- I'm a '72 alumnus of A & S, and I'm asking you to PLEASE boot Tulane football to a less competitive division. During my years at Tulane, '68-'72, the Tulane football games served as little more than cocktail parties before we walked back to the frat house for the final blowout. I can never remembering watching a game. Alas, our legislators have misguidedly raised the legal drinking age to 21 eliminating one of the true joys of being a student in S. LA. Furthermore, my son just finished his sophomore year in Tulane engineering, and he has never been to a game. The Superdome is just too remote from campus. I'm an ophthalmologist on the Westbank and have been occasionally amused when some elderly Y'at patient tells me that he is a long time season ticker holder. But these are very rare individuals. I consider alumni who support the footbal team at their alma mater and not academics profoundly confused individuals. Please spend the money on academics and don't waste it on the footbal team. Enough local resources are already wasted on the Saints. P.S. Your time could be better spend getting the legal drinking age lowered to 18 again. Tulane could raise their tuition if this happened. ***** Hello Board of Tulane, I just found out about the ongoing athletics review that will culminate in the meeting of June 10th. I would like to share the opinions of one sports-supporting Tulane alumni. I agree the ongoing financial losses incurred by Tulane athletics (particularly football) needs to be addressed in a serious manner, but I think that demoting all Tulane sports to a D3 status is much too drastic of a step. I also think abolishing (or even demoting to D3) the football program would be premature without trying some other solutions first. Here are my thoughts: 1. No more football in the dome. The dome does not provide a college football environment and probably costs the university way too much money (I thought that playing a trial game last year at Tad Gormley Stadium game was a great idea. I do not know how it turned out in terms of attendance/profit, but it was a good idea). I think the possibilities of either building another football stadium near campus or using City Park/Tad Gormley should be given serious consideration before the abolishment of the football program is even a possibility. 2. Going down to D3 in all sports would be very detrimental for the university. D1 athletics gives Tulane a lot of great PR and attracts many students that may otherwise go to the Emory's or Washington U's that are in the same academic league as Tulane but have much lower profile D3 sports programs. Not to mention the loss of all the excitement created by our Tulane D1 sports teams: the baseball team starts in the NCAA tourney tonight, the football team won a bowl game this year (almost single-handedly winning me my office bowl pool), the women's basketball team is a perennial contender, etc., etc. 3. Shawn Finney should be replaced. His teams are very poorly coached, and he does not come off well in interviews. We need a new coach to turn our men's basketball program into one that once again regularly competes for a spot in post season play, especially given the competitiveness of C-USA in men's basketball. I appreciate the fact that you have established this web site and email address to allow concerned alumni/community members such as myself to express our opinions. ***** I think that throwing away 100 years of football tradition is a MAJOR mistake. Until now, Tulane has been an example of what's right with college athletics - we have performed well on the field and graduated some 80+% of our athletes. I know that improvements in attendance are important, but I think we'll get there if given the chance. My family plans to purchase 3 season tickets. We can only hope that there'll be players on the field since so many of them are wondering if now is the time to choose another school. I don't appreciate the timing of all of this and I know that the student athletes don't appreciate it either. What really concerns me is that all of this seems to have started by the university president in a "behind closed doors" fashion that smacks of underhandedness and deceit. I also understand that not only is the future of football in jeopardy, but so are the futures of Newcomb College and the School of Architecture. Furthermore, why are we running a campus in Mississippi for casino managers? Are we also going to branch out into teaching card dealers? I want some answers about the direction of Tulane University since the reputation of the university impacts the worth of my degree. ***** To Whom It May Concern, I recently became a member of the TAF. I am writing in support of the new Tulane Swimming and Diving program. It was very exciting for me, having been a competitive swimmer for 14 years to find out that Tulane would be adding this sport to its all ready successful athletic line-up. As a previous college swimmer myself I can assure you that this program will not only add appeal to your all ready stellar university but it will also nuture your students athletically and academically. It was my involvement in my college swim team that encouraged me to strive even harder for good grades. By achieving high grades and fast times in the pool I was able to increase my opportunity for scholarships and strive to be an All American. It is my belief that by making Tulane's swimming program a D1 sport, you will reap many rewards. Please accept my sincere support for Coaches Irle and DeBord. I know that with their guidance that Tulane will be a tremendous success both in the classroom and in the pool! ROLL WAVE! ***** Just a quick thought-- The reason for the delay in deciding the future of Tulane's athletics program stems from the sudden shift in BCS conferences. The Big East is now severely lacking in teams, especially high profile teams. Does this not seem to present an ideal opportunity to switch leagues, just as Miami and co. have done? If Tulane could move itself into a BCS conference their financial worries would be greatly assuaged. Additionally, this would be complimented by the heightened national presence on television as our school would play more nationally recognized teams, thus creating a higher profile for ourselves. If our sports continue to succeed at the pace they do, Tulane would be a completely viable option to a switch into a BCS league. Not to mention, I am pretty sure it is fair to say that few are deeply attached to the young C-USA, as it has not had time to establish itself as anything national as of yet in comparison to the standard Pac-10, ACC etc. Move into a BCS conference and there will be more people attending the games, more television exposure, and more money from the league/sponsors. I would like to see some feedback on this issue as I feel it is a completely viable option, especially considering I work for a university in the ACC and have been involved in much of the switching that has taken place. It is time to take advantage of the turmoil at hand and use it to the betterment of our university. ***** If I understand correctly what I have heard and read today, the Board will consider as an option dropping football and remaining Division 1 in other sports (D1AAA). That is a horrible, extremely illusory "choice" to inject into this process at this time or any other. We have been told that the issue here is money. That direct costs for the athletic program are simply too far in excess of direct revenues. Never mind the value of the PR. Never mind the positive effects on enrollment, on diversity. Never mind the value to alums and the community. And never mind the fact that dropping football or changing divisions would have a tremendously negative impact on giving - and that is a fact, we just don't know how tremendous. Even if the issue is (over)simplified to cash-in/cash-out in this one department, dropping football is not the answer. The ONLY way to make money is WITH Division 1A football. The schools that make money do it with football. We ensure that we will never reach solid financial ground for intercollegiate athletics if we drop football. We guarantee a perpetual deficit. Also, if the BCS situation changes so that either our present conference participates (unlikely) or the BCS ends as it becomes more evident just how anticompetitive and destructive that cartel has grown (more likely), it won't make one iota of difference to Tulane if Tulane drops out now. We can't get our "fair share" if we don't stay in the game! This "review" has now proceeded to the point where any positives it could foster are far outweighed by the negatives. The administration and Board asked for input from students, alums, and the community. The input has been astronomically in favor of Division 1 and 1A football. The administration and Board asked the supporters of Tulane athletics to step up and demonstrate their commitment financially. In a very short period of time, tremendous amounts of cash have been raised with more to come. This deficit didn't happen overnight and to expect it to be cured overnight is unrealistic, but it is amazing just how fast the money is pouring in. There can be only one proper and acceptable outcome here given the overwhelming support for the current program, and that is to save it. To continue this review as if it is "close call" on what the stake-holders want and as if the monetary issues aren't being adequately addressed is just sheer folly, divisive to the Tulane community, disruptive to the lives of our athletes and coaches, and destructive to the future of Tulane. ***** The committee would be foolish to recommend that Tulane drop its Division I sports program. I am a recent graduate of Tulane and a huge supporter of its athletics program. In fact, less than 3 years ago, I wrote a report for a class at Tulane addressing the problem at hand. In my research I found countless alums and local supporters who were interested in putting up a new, multi-purpose athletic facitlity for Tulane sports. I personally spoke with neighbors on both sides of the campus. Not surprisingly, most recounted favorable stories of when the Sugar Bowl was within walking distance, tailgaiting all day Saturday for a Tulane football game; hearing tha crowd roar blocks away was not a nuisance, it was part of the existing community. I'll admit that I did not attend Tulane when the Sugar Bowl existed, but I would have liked to have been a part of that community. Having a sports program where locals participate creates immearsuable goodwill that cannot be matched by anything else, including monetary grants. I agree with many of the previous comments stating that it would be a mistake for Tulane to drop out of Division I sports. I came to Tulane because of the balance it offered and continues to offer. A great academic reputation, competitive sports program, top notch facilities, a great city, the positives are endless. I looked into other schools, but none had the balance that Tulane has achieved. If Tulane drops its Division I sports program, that balance will be disrupted. In addition, It will loose many of its supporters, including their funding. In reading previous comments, I believe that many others share my feelings that Tulane should keep its programs and explore new ways to make up the deficit. I am more than willing to share the research I gathered on improving its current programs. In fact, when I wrote that report, I had so much confidence that the plan was a winner, that I personally met with President Cowen. Judging by the current dilemma, I doubt that he or anyone else considered this an option. Thank you. Go GREENWAVE!!! ***** i am an alumi of and very proud supporter of Tulane and the athletic department. I currently live in the new orleans area and attended every football game and a lot of the baseball games this year. I think moving the athletic program to D-III or eliminating football would be horrible. Tulane football finally has a good coach that wants to stay. My question to the board making the decision about tulane football is this. Has their ever been a real commitment to Tulane football in the past 20yrs? I can anwser that for them. NO. By hiring coaches like greg davis, and buddy teevens the anwser is obvious. If their was a commitment to tulane football from a school standpoint ,not just from the athletic director and athletic department, the potential is their to bulid a program just as profitable as Miami for instance. If you remember the university of miami football and athletic program was in shambles in the 70's. They made a commitment. Tulane needs to stop worrying about how many new dorms it can build and how many new academic programs it can start because facts are facts. If the school( not just the athletic department) commits to buliding a solid program like we had in 97 and 98 fans will be in the seats and the money problems will end. I hope the board at Tulane makes the right decision, which is keeping tulane at the D-I level. If it dosent it might as well totally do away with the athletic department, moving to D-III is just plain insulting to the fans and all the athletic alumi. ***** Tulane gains more from the National exposure and the free good will ambassadorship provided by the athletes than they give to the athletes. If you truly add up what they have given to Tulane vs the expense... Tulane owes the Athletic department money. Yes, they owe the Athletic department MONEY $$$$. When Shaun King is playing -- they say "He went to Tulane" -- when Pat Ramsey plays -- they say "He went to Tulane" === This is free advertisement for Tulane (pure and simple). These free advertisements are equal to $$$. When Tulane played Hawaii (and won hands down) -- on Christmas Night -- That was a lot of free TV time for Tulane --- major national exposure. This is equal to a lot of $$$$!!! Even the fans here in Michigan took notice of Tulane --- That has a real value and money ($$$$)can be attached to this free advertisement provided by Tulane Athletics for Tulane. I don't know the people making the "decision" but obviously they don't really get it. The programs are successful -- this is the time to rejoice and build. Cowan is a fool for not recognizing the true value ($$$$ - in his terms) of the Athletic program. The committee is foolish if they don't factor in this major contribution ($$$$ free national advertisement) into their decision. ***** As an alumnus, I am very upset at the way that this "review" is being handled. I think that it is very important for the board and President Cowen to recognize that at the end of the day, they work for us as the entire Tulane community. I believe that we are owed a full and accurate accounting of a deficit that seems to grow from $4 million to $7 million to $14 million that I read today in an article on the New York Times web site. I also believe that we are owed a full accounting of what other factors are driving this decision. If you have read the thousands of messages sent here and noticed the increases in fund raising and ticket sales as a result of this episode, you would see that the community is overwhelmingly in favor of keeping 1A sports. Please don't make a huge mistake and hurt our great university. Most of us were here before you got here and will be here after you leave. If you drop football or move the entire program down, you may balance the budget in the short run. The lasting damage, though, will be great. It would be a shame if you found out how big a mistake that would be after it was already too late. Do the right thing - we're counting on you. ***** I read with interest yesterday Dr. Cohen's "new interpretation" of the current athletic review. Evidently, it is now more all-encompassing than the financial issue previously reported. Now, it is to determine the "kind of school" we want to have. Well, Case-Western is NOT the kind of school I want to have. I am an alumni of Tulane University. I am a "Stakeholder" in that university. When I am introduced as a graduate of Tulane University, it means something. It encompasses many years of tradition, academically, socially, and athletically. It partly defines who I am. If the Board of Administration decides to eliminate Division 1-A football, there will be a firestorm of protest effecting the future of the school. Already the city council, senior members of the state senate, and alumni from across the country are protesting. I am receiving so many calls and emails from other enraged alumni that I can hardly get any work done. If anyone thinks the financial drag empossed by football is a problem, think of the problems of several thousand alumni NEVER supporting the school again. We can get through the financial problems of the athletic department by following the plan put forth by Rick Dickson. We will not be able to get past the problem of large scale defections from support of the university by the people who love it the most. ***** Athletics are a great part of any school's image. Even the Ivy leage maintains an athletic presence. Ever since I set foot on campus in as a freshman, the aspirations were to be "Ivy Leage-like" (the t-shirts said "Harvard - the Tulane of the North"). I applaud the continued emphasis on academics and school's improved reputation, but I strongly believe that we need to maintain a robust (although perhaps not competitive on a national level) athletic program. Why not build an "Ivy Leage South" (Tulane, Emory, SMU, etc.) or try to join the Ivy league? Compete on that level ***** I am the father of an athlete who will attend Tulane University beginning this fall. She will be a member of the newly formed Tulane Swim and Dive Team. For my daughter, the decision to go to Tulane seemed an easy one. This, from someone who weighs every pro and every con of every decision. We were delighted when she decided to apply for Early Decision, was accepted, and was asked to be a part of the Swim and Dive Team. When we first visited Tulane, she was positive that Tulane had a good reputation for academics as well as athletics. Now, a cloud hangs over the whole athletic program. Now is not the time to take a step backwards. Tulane should remain a Division 1 school. We all hope that Tulane will get through this time and look back on it and know that the right decision was made, as a Division 1 school. 'Bottom line management' makes no sense here. The future of Tulane Athletics is at stake, as well as the reputation of the college as a whole. Athletes are ambassadors for the school. Weakening the athletic program will have a far reaching negative impact. No doubt it will be a challenge to remain Division 1, but Tulane University can and should rise to this challenge. The future of Tulane University is a stake. |