What Does The Student Money Really Mean

Currently, a huge opportunity for Texas State lies in the hands of the University. The outcome of this move to FBS could drastically change how people in Texas and the rest of the country see Texas State University. Of course, the approval means much more than just changing football classifications. The students’ recent approval to fund the move to FBS will allow Texas State to reach the athletic potential that most of us believe is possible.

Among other things, this move will help build new athletic facilities and improve upon existing facilities. We could see a football stadium that seats 25,000 fans, an improved press box, as well as a remarkable game day experience that we will all be able to enjoy not only as students but as alumni. We would have the opportunity to come back to Bobcat Stadium as alumni and see our Bobcats take on the likes of Houston, SMU, UTEP, Rice, and maybe even Oklahoma State or Baylor. This could bring in additional revenue and national recognition to our university. Before you naysayers declare this as impossible, don’t forget that a former Southland Conference foe, Troy, was able to bring in the Big 12’s Oklahoma State Cowboys and defeat them this past season.

Not only does this give Texas State the opportunity to compete at the highest level in college football, it also elevates every sport in which Texas State participates. For example, the student fees will allow two of our most nationally competitive sports, Baseball and Softball, to take their programs to a different level. As of now both teams are very competitive, but through the additional student fees, we will be able to build a new Baseball and Softball Complex. This new complex will allow the Bobcats to bring in top competition for non-conference games, which give these respective teams the experience needed to excel in conference, as well as prepare themselves for the NCAA tournament. Furthermore, the new facilities will allow Texas State recruiters to bring in the best talent available to this University that we all love.

Changing conferences would also place Texas State into a conference that often receives multiple NCAA tournament bids in volleyball, basketball, and baseball. Currently, we are in the Southland Conference. Generally speaking, the conference is a one bid conference for all sports aforementioned. This means if you don’t win the conference tournament, you are sitting at home when it comes time for the NCAA tournament. This in turn nullifies any success that the Bobcats may or may not have had during the regular season.

All of this being said, there is no guarantee that Texas State will land itself in the FBS and consequently in a different conference. However, since we already compete at the highest collegiate level in every sport except football, with the students’ vote to move to FBS it is now very possible for Texas State to have the facilities necessary to be even more competitive, regardless of the conference the Bobcats are in. After all the facilities are built, Texas State would have a football atmosphere that is very attractive, allowing us to either be competitive at the FBS level or possibly dominant at the FCS level. Seems like a win-win situation for our Bobcats.

The students have now set a new vision for what Texas State is to become- a University with not only solid academic rigor, but also some of the finest collegiate athletic programs within the Lone Star State. Because of the Texas State students’ vision and dedication, the future is now brighter than ever at the Rising Star of Texas.

By: Jody Campbell jody@bobcatfans.com