No one has yet responded publicly to Joe Dumas's invitation to discuss
elimination of the football program at UTC. I have decided to do so.

I do not have recent figures on the costs of running the football program
at UTC. But I do have at my disposal documents that pertain to the
athletic budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1996.  In that year,
total operating expenditures for men's football amounted to $1,497,181;
operating revenues for football (mostly derived from institutional
support, ticket sales, and game guarantees) totaled $490,973.  Anyone who
would like to see these documents is welcome to stop by my office and have
a look.

I note in this morning's paper that our new basketball coach is guaranteed
a 5% annual raise every year he stays with us. He also gets a new Lexus
and so does his wife.

In the name of faculty and staff, I have a modest proposal. Let's abandon
football.  There might be sufficient funds saved so that every faculty
member will have enough money for a down payment on a used Yugo. We know
our place.  A Lexus is not for us.  Sorry, staff, I don't think much will
be left for you. Maybe new bikes.

Cheers,
Mike Russell


On Fri, 19 Apr 2002, Dr. Joe Dumas wrote:

> Hello faculty and staff,
>
> At the risk of starting another "streets debate" I would like to ask for
> your responses to this question:
>
> Given that THEC has adopted a policy against using state money to fund
> athletics, and given that football is far and away the most expensive
> sport at UTC (it requires by far the most scholarships, the most
> expensive equipment, the most coaches, etc., yet brings in little in the
> way of revenue), should UTC discontinue its football program?
>
> Another thing to consider is that UTC has just been given Engel Stadium
> which could be used as the home of a baseball team.  Baseball is a much
> less expensive sport than football.  However, given gender equity laws
> it is unlikely that UTC will ever be able to add a baseball team, or any
> other men's sport, given the amount spent on football.
>
> So, should UTC:
>
> (a) drop its football program and replace it with baseball
>
> (b) drop football and replace it with nothing
>
> (c) keep the football team (status quo)
>
> Thanks in advance for your responses!
>
> Joe
>