If Only Dreams Could Come True

While I was driving to the Maroon and Gold scrimmage I was listening to the Texas State pre-game radio broadcast as I’m sure many of you did throughout the central Texas area. I had been anticipating this scrimmage for a month because it had received so much coverage in central Texas media outlets.

As I was driving through Austin, I took note of the many billboards advertising TXSU’s third winning season in a row. I’m sure you all heard on ESPN how TXST’s football coach recently turned down nationwide offers from other schools because his salary is already on par with theirs. After all, he doesn’t really have time to respond because he is inundated with offers to be a Bobcat from the nation’s top recruits. Due to the fantastic fundraising efforts brilliantly executed by the Athletic Department, TXST has more funds than they know what to do with.

Are you all as sick as I am of being overwhelmed by the prominent articles in the state’s major newspapers reporting on all of TXST’s athletic programs? It bothered me that other schools aren’t getting the coverage they should. Isn’t it wonderful to be swimming in a sea of maroon and gold?

As it was chilly, I considered Cabela’s, but stopped off at Academy to pick up a TXST stadium blanket, a school flag, and a few other Bobcat branded items to give to my friends and relatives. I was stunned at the selection and variety of items they had available.

As I exited I-35 in San Marcos, I became even more excited as the din of Bobcat stadium drowned out the incessant bass pounding from the car stereo next to me. This was such a relief as traffic was backed up from Bobcat Stadium all the way to I-35, but then I’ve grown accustomed to this.

When I finally arrived, after a lengthy search for a parking place, I had to look carefully for a seat as the stadium was filled nearly to capacity. As the crowd cleared the field, I was impressed with seeing the new school logo in the center of the field. What a brilliant idea it was to develop a logo depicting the outline of the state of Texas surrounding a bobcat. I wished I had thought of that!

I received my fan appreciation shirt also depicting the new school logo. It amazed me how EVERYONE wears one of these because it clearly conveys who we are. I was also excited to get my annual fundraising packet. While it’s nice to land a big fish now and then, donations from a lot of little fish make a school. I was thankful that I was a long term season ticket holder so I didn’t have be subjected to the uncertainty associated with the season ticket lottery as all of the season tickets are routinely sold out.

Right before the team took the field, TXST’s Athletic Director gave an inspiring speech which detailed the current athletic strategic plan. As he read a progress report published in the newspaper, it was apparent they were right on track. As the fans were able to clearly see the direction TXSU was heading, they cheered with unbridled enthusiasm.

At halftime I thoroughly enjoyed another incredible performance from the nationally acclaimed Strutters and felt regret for the relatively unknown Rangerettes. While the Strutter’s performance was outstanding as it usually is, it was nothing compared to their televised performance at the presidential inauguration and Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. Wow! It was easy to see why they were recently chosen to be at the forefront of TXST’s public relations campaign. Choosing the Strutters as TXST’s emissaries was sheer brilliance as they are the only university drill team and have no competition!

As I was driving home, I was filled with pride that Old Main was lit up with maroon and gold lighting to honor the efforts of all TXST student athletes and wish them another fantastic season.

Unfortunately, that was when I awoke Sunday morning. As is my custom, I opened the Austin American Statesman while eating my breakfast. I remember it clearly. As I glanced at the front page of the sports section, that was the very moment I found myself transported back to reality.

For those of you who haven’t had the opportunity to read Kirk Bohls’ April 13 column, The state of the union for Texas State, you remain the fortunate ones for you didn’t endure the further embarrassment of seeing what he had to say to his vast readership. One thing of particular note that I took exception to was Dr. Teis’ response regarding UTSA’s Division 1 (D1) plans, “we’re worrying about Texas State and not anybody else.” It is exactly this kind of thinking that has kept and will continue to keep TXSU from achieving greatness. The UT system already has the the Austin market and is looking to capture the San Antonio market through UTSA.

Forgive me for thinking it is shortsighted not to worry about UTSA’s D1 plan, but how obvious can it be that if UT succeeds in beating TXSU to the D1 arena, they will achieve a complete stranglehold over TXSU. Let’s face it, since UT has competent administrators who have developed powerhouse fundraising and marketing programs as well as having achieved universal name recognition, how can they fail?

I think we need someone, preferably TXST’s Athletic Director, to worry about this. Frankly, this reeks of business as usual with regards to TXSU’s historically lackadaisical approach to responding to repeated attempts by the student body to achieve the goal of D1 football. Is this not just another example in a long, long chain of examples that TXSU’s administration will once again drag their feet and not accomplish the goal of D1 football? In my mind, how can failure to proactively respond to critical market factors be anything other than negligence?

Let’s put this into perspective. The outcry to move to D1 football was picked up again a few years ago. Committees were formed, plans were made, no real progress occurred, and now there is a moratorium in place. I can’t possibly be the only one to see that if TXST’s administration simply drags their feet again, UTSA will win the race to D1 and the goal will not be achieved yet again.

TXST’s administration has, through their own inaction, sown a climate of mistrust. In spite of recent announcements to the contrary, TXST’s fans and students remain skeptical. TXST’s students recently affirmed their support by passing legislation to increase the Athletic Service Fee. Clearly the students have shown they are capable of achieving results. Now it is time for TXST’s administration to be forthcoming, keep everyone informed and achieve results.

Oh, if only dreams could come true…

David Eyre

loyal2youtsu@yahoo.com