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NEWS
| October 14, 2004
Athletics
Alumni respond to expansion study
After reviewing the cost analysis,
the association asks for public feedback.
By Esther
Wong
The Shorthorn Staff
University Athletic Alumni Association
members responded as a group for the first time to the sports expansion
cost analysis Wednesday.
About 20 former student athletes discussed how the expansion could
help increase the association’s membership. The expansion
was released to the public Sep. 30.
Gerry Mecca, alumnus and former university football player, said
most support for the sports proposal would come from the university’s
alumni, especially in financial support.
According to the cost analysis, which was prepared by Neinas Sports
Services, Inc., the cost of the Athletics Department could change
in the next five years for the addition of football, women’s
soccer and women’s golf. The sports will bring the cost of
new equipment, construction, faculty and staff.
“They [alumni] are trying to find out what the procedure is
to the cost analysis study,” said Athletics Director Pete
Carlon, the liaison between the university and the alumni association.
The total cost for expanding the university’s athletics program
for a five-year period is estimated to range from $13.8 million
to $17.5 million, depending upon the type of facilities constructed
to meet the needs of the expansion.
The association’s secretary Mac Whiddon said the study struck
him as an organized, neutral study.
“I thought it was very balanced,” he said.
If the university were to start with the most basic facilities,
according to the conservative numbers given, the athletics program
could start for less than $5 million, he added.
Carlon said there are three components to the expansion. The first
component consists of the cost analysis component, recently completed.
The marketability assessment constitutes the second component, which
may or may not include fund-raising. The third comprises the strategic
planning and implementation phases, he added.
The sports facilities will present the biggest challenge to the
expansion proposal, he added.
Whiddon and Mecca said the $2 increase in tuition fees would fund
the whole program if the university could get the students to agree
to it.
In November, President James Spaniolo will attend the Athletic Alumni
Association’s meeting for an informational session to gage
the members’ feedback, Carlon said.
Spaniolo had said he will not make a decision on the sports expansion
program until he has enough information to make one, Carlon said.
A Web site specifically dedicated to receive the public’s
comments has been linked on the university Web site.
“Please send in how you feel on the cost analysis and the
sorts expansion program,” Carlon said in a bid to encourage
alumni and students to participate in the process.
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| Pete Carlon,
athletics director, said there are three components
to the study being reviewed |
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