The progress made to date basically equates to a new football stadium addition with the Fields’ name on it (rightfully so), along with suites for TXST management and existing advertisers.  It is my understanding that the recent stadium addition is only a small portion of what will be needed to bring the stadium within FBS compliance, so where will the additional funding be generated?

It was announced during the recent UT vs. Alabama national championship football game that the President of Texas Tech University was in attendance to observe coaches for recruitment purposes. What a fantastic message of support and solidarity. TXST’s President absolutely must make continual statements of affirmation and generate the funding necessary to support the move to FBS. Without this type of leadership, attaining the FBS goal will fail.

There is a steady murmur of discontent regarding TXST athletics. “The Drive” campaign is essentially a lost cause. I have previously stated my objections concerning “The Drive” campaign. In the past year, what specific advancements have occurred to achieve the goal of moving to FBS? What momentum has been gained?

There have been recent comments questioning Coach Wright. In my opinion, questioning Coach Wright is simply a deflection of where blame should squarely be placed – on TXST’s Athletics Director. If there is one thing I’ve learned in life, it is that you can not just sit back in your recliner and wait for magic to happen. It takes hard work, personal comittment, grit, dogged determination, and someone who knows how to make it happen. Everyone I talk to is sick of excuses, so where is the accountability? Whether Coach Wright is the best man for the job cannot be established without TXST’s administration fully supporting the program. Regardless, he obviously cares about the program and has the desire to succeed. Who can deny he has the competitive spirit TXST needs?

It has been a little over a year since I have written a column for BobcatFans Magazine. I decided to give TXST’s leadership a chance to make some progress toward the move to FBS. I wrote the following list of TXST shortcomings over a year ago and in reviewing it was struck again by how little has been achieved.

• Not recruiting leadership qualified to advance athletic programs beyond their present status.
• Not having a results-based system of accountability.
• Not recognizing the importance of athletic programs in attracting top quality educators, athletes, students, and in portraying an image of excellence.
• Very limited detailed information regarding TXST iniatives is made available to the public.
• Not adopting best practices that other universities employ that are proven to be successful.
• Having numerous athletic programs and not supporting them in the manner other successful universities do.
• Not hiring a professional marketing agency.
• Not advertising outside of the San Marcos area.
• Not having radio station broadcasts of athletic events outside of the San Marcos area.
• Not having TXST-licensed promotional items available in major metropolitan areas.
• Removing the TXST name from the football uniforms.

Inaction is an action in itself!

David Eyre

loyal2youtsu@yahoo.com

I would like to acknowledge Mr. Steve Thompson of Dallas, Texas for writing his Texas State University – San Marcos Athletic Manifesto and his related petition drive.  You can review Steve’s manifesto at the following website: http://www.petitiononline.com/78666TSU/petition.html

I ask you to think about the significance of this.  Do you think any business would take three years to develop a logo? Especially a logo that was generated from one already in existence?  Is this reasonable?  It’s not reasonable to me, but apparently it is to the folks in charge of marketing at TXST.  It remains inconceivable to me that in three years TXST could not incorporate the shape of the State of Texas into their logo when the name of the University is Texas State University.  I guess they would have had to hire an out-of-state consultant for several hundred thousand dollars to figure that out.  Maybe a think tank?

Several years ago in a letter to TXST, I suggested the use of a variation of the wildly successful “Don’t Mess with Texas” slogan which was “Don’t Mess with Texas State.”  I was told in essence that TXST did not wish to align itself with a refuse campaign.  I was shocked that someone would draw that conclusion.  A while later, I had an opportunity to have a discussion with a senior-level member of UT’s marketing department and I mentioned this idea.  Oddly enough, UT saw the merit in this idea have have adopted this slogan.  Cleary THEY don’t think it invokes thoughts of a refuse campaign and frankly, neither does anybody else outside of TXST’s microcosm.  This is yet another in a long, long list of examples that TXST’s key decision makers do not know how to market the University.

An excerpt from the Austin American Statesman’s October 25, 2008 issue states “While the Bobcats’ playoff prospects remain, [TXST’s Head Football Coach Brad] Wright cautioned against looking ahead, saying it would be symptomatic of “20 years of mediocrity,” in which whatever gains Texas State has made have been foiled by complacency and letdowns.”

The Coach can see that problems exist.  The biggest problem is that nobody else seems to care enough to speak up.  Until enough people care, the status quo will remain.  I’ll make a prediction.  For many reasons, TXST will never successfully make the move to FBS.

Here is a list of my own thoughts as well as thoughts conveyed to me by others depicting serious shortcomings at TXST.

• Not adopting best practices that other universities employ that are proven to be successful.
• Not recruiting leadership qualified to advance athletic programs beyond their present status.
• Not recognizing the importance of athletic programs in attracting top quality educators, athletes, students, and in portraying an image of excellence.
• Not having a results-based system of accountability.
• Having numerous athletic programs and not supporting them in the manner other successful universities do.
• Not having a real student orientation to make a strong connection to TXST, instill pride, identify TXST student obligations, and allow students to bond and form friendships in a new environment.
• The students actually having to demand TXST move to FBS.
• Very limited detailed information regarding TXST iniatives is made available to the public.
• Not advertising outside of the San Marcos area.
• Not having a real media presence.
• Not using the shape of the State of Texas in marketing efforts.
• Removing the TXST name from the football uniforms.
• Not having radio station broadcasts of athletic events outside of the San Marcos area.
• Not capitalizing on the Strutters, the only university-level drill team, to market TXST.
• Not having all TXST organization uniforms portray a western-themed style to depict Texas State.
• Not having TXST-licensed promotional items available in major metropolitan areas.
• Not hiring a professional marketing agency.
• Buying attendence instead of using funds to promote TXST.
• Renaming the Texas State Athletic Foundation to the Bobcat Club.

From the list above, there is a very clear message conveyed by TXST’s administrators.  It is a message that I have received loud and clear.  I get it.  The Coach gets it.  But when it comes to those in charge of marketing TXST, they just don’t get it.

Either you get it or you don’t.

The defining moment came when one of my daughters, a TXST summa cum laude graduate, came to me and said, “Dad, I love my school, but I’m not proud of my school.” I put a lot of thought into her words.  This statement had a profound affect on the way I viewed TXST.  I started to more actively look into the many different facets of the university.

I interviewed several students on campus and they all generally felt no connection to the school and weren’t inspired by TXST athletic programs.  One student felt TXST has an inferiority complex, another student felt TXSU had a bad image, and yet another said they really didn’t care.

I have been to many athletic functions and it really bothered me that the hard work of all involved (athletes, coaches, band, Strutters. etc.) were rewarded by minimal attendance.  I continually saw the same things being done, or not being done, and the same mediocre effort being put into things.  I’m reminded of the old maxim, “If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got.”

The other day, as I was headed to a TXST football game a neighbor was headed to the UT fooball game dressed all in orange and white.  I know both he and his wife graduated from SWT.  I asked him why he supports UT instead of his alma mater and he said, “Because it hurts too much.”  While I’ve heard many views about TXST, I found this this to be so powerful because it conveys the raw emotion attached to his view of TXST.

It is unfortunate that the vast majority of people can see when and where problems exist, but they won’t step up to try and make a difference.  I write these columns because it doesn’t appear to me that TXST’s administration meets the student’s expectations with equal zeal.  Yes, people now seem to care and they seem to be trying.  While this is truly fantastic, I only care about TXST’s students achieving the respect they so richly deserve.  It is important to remember that the only reason TXST is finally making an effort to move to FBS is that the students demanded it.

There’s a perception that TXST is a second-rate institution.  If you don’t believe this perception of TXST exists, you have your head in the sand.  While I know unequivocally that TXST offers a first-rate education, this image is something that can no longer be ignored.  Everyone knows that perception is reality and until this perception is addressed, TXST will continue to be viewed as a second-rate institution.

While some people may not like hearing negative things about TXST’s reputation, the fact remains that like all reputations, it was earned.  To be clear, this reputation was not earned by the students.  This situation can be overcome, but in order to accomplish this TXST must be at the very least equal to or better than their competition and the way to do it is through marketing.

TXST has two logos, a Bobcat and a star.  The Bobcat logo alone could be any kind of cat (think tiger, cougar, panther, wildcat, etc.) and the star has lines which depict movement.  The latest campain introduces yet another logo, a shield.  The point is that none of these logos mean anything to anyone who doesn’t already know what they are, nor are they interrelated.  Neither carry any intrinsic meaning as relating to Texas State University.  Contrast this with the Longhorn logo.  Is there anyone who doesn’t know where Longhorns come from?  Additionally, the Bobcats literature is good, but there is very little mention of Texas State University in any of it.  Again, you have to know that the Bobcats represent TXST athletics to derive any meaning.  For those of you who think I’m comparing TXST’s efforts to those of the Longhorns, here is a little hint.  I am.  I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again, COPY SUCCESS!

TXST must make every effort to gain name recognition.  Counter to this concept, Texas State no longer has their name on their football uniforms.  Do you think a professional marketing firm would recommend this?

The best illustration I’ve found yet of what needs to occur at TXST I came across while reading the University of Texas Football Vault, The Story of the Texas Longhorns by Steve Richardson.  Here is an excerpt from the Forward by Mack Brown, Head Football Coach:

“This project reminds me of one of the first conversations I had with Coach Royal when Sally and I were considering coming to The University of Texas.  I asked him why, in his opinion, things hadn’t worked so well for Texas football over many of the years since he quit coaching in 1976.”  He told me, “The University of Texas football program is like a bunch of BBs that got spilled and rolled all over the floor.  The alumni, the students, the faculty, and the football program have gotten scattered in a lot of different directions.  Your job is to get all of the factions pulling together.  You need to get all of the BBs back in the box.”

I know TXST is not UT and they don’t have the financial resources UT does, yet this excerpt illustrates that funding is not the source of TXST’s image problem.  It also shows that universities at all levels have experienced similar problems and that they can be overcome.  This is what I mean by a coordinated effort.

With that said, what graphical representation would be instantly recognized by the masses as a logo to depict Texas State University?  How about a snowmobile?  What about a spaceship?  Wait, I know… What about the shape of the State of Texas?  After all, Texas State is the name of the university.

I’m sure you can come up with others that depict Texas, such as an armadillo, a cowboy, or boots with spurs, but what other simple graphical representation can better say Texas State?  Why do other schools use the shape of the State of Texas to create name recognition yet it is not their name?  You don’t see the shape of Texas and think University of Hawaii, do you?  Most people in other countries (heck, even the good old US of A) cannot define the shape of the State of Iowa, but they unequivocally know the shape of Texas.  While you may not like this idea, how can you honestly argue with immediate global recognition? We need to hang our hat on a marketing symbol that everyone already knows and reveres.  This will also boost sales of promotional items.

What do you think of when you think of Texas?  I think of bigger, better, strength and Texas pride.  It is exactly this type of recognition TXST must achieve to advance its reputation and standing.

You may think I’m a pessimist, but I’m actually an optimist.  With the present marketing concepts, TXST’s students may someday get the recognition and respect that is so richly deserved, but should that day be a long way off?  It can happen a lot sooner than you think with the right people in place.  How?  Hire a professional marketing firm.  They will know how to get the BBs back in the box.

Finally, I would like to acknowledge Mr. Steve Thompson of Dallas, Texas for writing his Texas State University – San Marcos Athletic Manifesto and his related petition drive.  You can review Steve’s manifesto at the following website: http://www.petitiononline.com/78666TSU/petition.html

David Eyre

loyal2youtsu@yahoo.com

In reviewing the materials, I found a list of benchmarks that TXST must attain to make the move to FBS. One would assume this is a business plan for achieving success. However, what I was not able to find was a timeline for achieving each benchmark, nor did I find who is accountable for achieving the benchmarks. Does this sound familiar? My biggest concern; however, with the new Drive campaign is that it is disconnected from any other TXST marketing efforts. I have always felt that the shape of the great State of Texas surrounding a Bobcat more clearly depicts TXST.  Personal feelings aside and even though I did not personally care for “The Rising Star of Texas” slogan, it is the official TXST slogan. It is therefore imperative that all other TXST marketing efforts directly connect to the official slogan and TXST has a comprehensive marketing effort. Brand continuity is pretty much the most basic tenet of marketing.

It all boils down to two, yes two, amazingly simple core goals: (1) more dollars donated, and (2) athletic stadiums filled to capacity. Where is the plan to accomplish these two goals? Maybe letting someone outside of San Marcos know that Texas State exists would be a good start. The current focus on advertising only in the San Marcos area severely limits TXST’s ability to influence people outside of San Marcos to accomplish the two core goals. How many people in Austin and San Antonio send their children to TXST? I’m willing to bet more students come from these two cities than all of San Marcos, so why not focus advertising efforts where the majority of the students come from? The university is not San Marcos State University, it is Texas State University and it is time TXST adopts a statewide marketing effort. TXST cannot keep wishing the fans will suddenly fill the stadium or sponsors will magically donate vast sums of cash. The big question is, “WHY aren’t the fans and sponsors participating?” Clearly, this is the elephant in the room that no one at TXST wants to discuss. This naturally leads to the next big question. “At what point are TXST’s administrators accountable for not achieving the goals?

Forgive my naivety, but isn’t the first principle of advertising is getting the word out? There has been no press release, or if there was one, nobody I have spoken to knows about it. There has been no word in the major metropolitan newspapers, no discussion on sports talk radio, and on and on. While a website is a great way of making information available, do you really think that most people over 40 years old (think “people with disposable income”) can’t wait to rush home and sit at their computers all evening and read websites? Isn’t it more likely that they read the newspaper or watch the news on television? TXST’s message needs to be in traditional media outlets right beside other school’s information. Why do other schools understand this concept, but TXST does not? The Athletics marketing staff should watch “Rudy” and “Invincible” and the administrative staff should also watch “We are Marshall.” These movies depict what it means to aggressively pursue a goal. TXST cannot possibly hope to find new sources of revenue or participation by contacting the same sources time after time. Let’s face it, an overused well eventually dries up.

The new “Drive” campaign appears with a shield or a coat of arms, I’m not sure which. Where is the brand continuity? Where is the connection to the “Rising Star of Texas” slogan? What message is “Drive” supposed to convey? How does “Drive” equate to a move to FBS? I decided to do an experiment with some friends and in less than ten minutes, we came up with a few potential slogans that fit in with the current “Rising Star of Texas” slogan:

Future Bobcat Stars

Future Bobcats Soar

Future Brighter Stars

Future’s Brightest Stars

The primary reason people donate is they have a strong belief that their money is going to support a worthwhile effort. Clearly, trust plays a major role here. Giving TXST every conceivable benefit of the doubt, we don’t have a snowball’s chance in a very warm climate of achieving the FBS goal unless TXST gets the word out. I believe TXST will only accomplish success with talented, caring, accountable staff that focus on results and aggressively pursue the goals.

Will Our Star Ever Rise?

Finally, I would like to acknowledge Mr. Steve Thompson of Dallas, Texas for writing his Texas State University – San Marcos Athletic Manifesto and his related petition drive. You can review Steve’s manifesto at the following website:

http://www.petitiononline.com/78666TSU/petition.html

David Eyre

loyal2youtsu@yahoo.com

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

I have given this much thought and am led to one key opinion. I feel the problem is the lack of desire to move TXST athletics forward in a deliberate and publicized fashion. It would be fantastic to hear the athletic department say, “Let’s begin by outlining our goals and the process through which we will achieve them.” If TXST’s athletics department is incapable of determining a formula to move forward, isn’t it time for change? Continually blaming the students and fans for core issues such as poor attendance at athletic events is not the solution. This only goes so far when TXST has had only five winning football seasons in the past twenty-three years as stated by TXST’s Athletic Director in the Ask the AD forum on TXST’s website. This is in a lackluster conference which is rarely televised or reported on by TXST or other media. Doesn’t this speak directly to a sustained lack of leadership?

When the athletic department is perceived as “just going through the motions”, is it really fair to blame the students and fans, or rather the athletic department who seems to do the same thing, year after year? How can the students or the fans be expected to remain positive and supportive over the long haul when things never seem to change? How many Bobcats do you know who graduate and end up supporting the Longhorns or other schools?

So what leads to these thoughts? Without boring you with a diatribe, the answer is obvious. All you have to do is take a look at any other successful and respected program for the solution. I guess until TXST’s student body is chanting “We are Texas State!” TXST’s best (both academics and athletes) will continue to leave for Texas’ flagship institutions; either that or just not consider TXST in the first place. Just look up the street and think of how the Longhorns are perceived and there is clearly no appreciable difference in the students. Just as clearly the problem isn’t the fans. I think TXST needs to stop blaming the student body and the fans and take an honest, unbiased look at themselves. I guess you either get it or you don’t. Isn’t the best predictor of future success past performance?

People align themselves with respected, well run institutions. Obviously winning is nice, but it isn’t everything. The heart of the issue is well beyond that. People choose quality academic and athletic programs, not mediocrity. TXST will not be viewed as successful until they understand this concept. Clearly TXST has the academics. To quote Coach Bailiff, “The difference between us and the Longhorns is attitude.” Coach Bailiff clearly understood this and now he’s gone. What does his leaving convey?

Especially in Texas, from grade schools through college, athletics is what captures the hearts and minds of the populace. Further, it is no secret that football is the most closely followed sport with the largest fan base. The high school athletics program my children attended were better run and more respected than TXST and there were never any excuses or scapegoats. To adapt a famous Edmund Burke quote, the only way to maintain the status quo is to foster apathy and ensure there is no accountability. TXST needs to foster the attitude of champions and then perceptions will change. You can’t just say it, you have to do it.

Plans for moving into the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) were recently reported in the University Star; however after reading the article closely, I found no definitive statement that TXST will actually effect this change. I find it coincidental that this announcement comes when there is an existing moratorium on moving to the FBS. Frankly, with the way the athletics department is managed, I have to wonder if this change will ever really come to fruition. Shouldn’t this have been done twenty years ago?

I can only imagine a day when Texas State University lives up to its name and is nationally known and respected. While I know this compilation of my thoughts as well as those of others may offend the sensibilities of some, if you are offended just remember that inaction maintains the status quo. Also remember that the problem isn’t the students or the fans.

David Eyre

loyal2youtsu@yahoo.com

It is my firm belief that athletics are the key to achieving success in publicizing TXST. If academics represent the primary draw, success will only come if TXST is in the same class as Princeton, Harvard or Yale. Success to other than Ivy League schools has come primarily from one thing – the success of their athletics programs. The fact of the matter is that athletic program success generates publicity, publicity generates interest, interest generates participation and participation generates revenue and stature. This statement does not belittle or lessen the value or importance of academics. Higher student attendance at TXST is the way to further the goal of education. However, consistently publicizing successful athletic programs is the way to increase attendance.

Regarding athletics, Associated Student Government President Reagan Pugh’s article, FBS at Texas State: A Long Time Coming is a scathing indictment of the systemic problems in achieving the goal of obtaining FBS status. A history of over 100 years of trying to advance the football program is nothing short of appalling. From changes by the NCAA to failures on the part of TXST’s Administration, serious efforts to advance TXST’s football program to Division 1 sports have met with repeated failure. Thanks to the Administration’s recent failure to execute the necessary paperwork prior to June 1, 2007, an NCAA moratorium on advancing to the FBS is in effect until 2011. The tone of the Emergency Legislation dated October 29, 2007 unmistakably illustrates the ASG’s frustration. This speaks volumes towards the ASG’s level of trust concerning the current TXST leadership’s ability, or even worse, desire to achieve the goal.

Is it any wonder there is a general lack of confidence and apathy among the students, fans and alumni? Reading the above referenced articles, how does one not see the pattern? It’s easy to say the problems lie with not enough funding, student apathy or lack of participation. However, isn’t the source of the problem much deeper than that? It is extremely difficult to generate support for a program with no direction. Support is like respect. It isn’t granted, it must be earned. It seems to me TXST’s Administration has a “build it and they will come” mentality. Unfortunately, they seem to be focused on building new scoreboards and buying inflatable Bobcats. Shouldn’t they be focused on improving student morale, building inroads with jaded alumni and other financial supporters, and sound marketing efforts? If these things were improved, wouldn’t this lead to increased support and donation? Wouldn’t this better serve the idea of “build it and they will come?” Doesn’t the thinking seem to be in reverse? Successful programs’ inspiration comes from the school leadership. At TXST, the students have had to provide the inspiration and essentially force the school to adopt their wishes, all the while being browbeaten and blamed for lack of participation.
I cannot stress strongly enough that Texas State must return the efforts of its students with equal zeal. To illustrate this point, I recall attending a Texas State basketball game. The crowd consisted of mostly parents, Strutters, cheerleaders, officials and the band. How do you think the athletes feel about this? How can this not be detrimental to recruiting efforts? There are so many examples of similar situations that I won’t bore you with the details; however, there is a direct correlation between how the students view the school’s reputation and their personal perception of themselves. Winners want to play for a crowd, not just go through the motions. It is no secret gifted athletes want to do well so recruiters will see their abilities and they will have a chance at a professional sports career. What chance do they have of accomplishing this goal if TXST’s Athletics Department doesn’t afford them this opportunity through their neglect of the existing programs? While the focus of any educational institution must be on educating students, as a Texas State parent it makes me feel terrible for the students who sacrifice so much in order to participate in TXST sports activities.

With that said, TXST needs more than symbolic gestures. Police departments all over the country have citizen’s review boards to review and monitor departmental actions. At this point, TXST needs a representative oversight board. As the current ASG President has proven himself to represent the voice of the students, he would be an appropriate person to determine the board makeup. To provide the necessary power, the oversight board should have approval authority for expenditures of all non-university Athletic Department funds. In my mind, the current lack of support, attendance and financial contribution constitutes a de facto form of monitoring and provides justification for the need of an oversight board. Without oversight, I’m afraid the current momentum will be lost once again.

TXST needs leadership with passion. Since the Athletic Department Administration has not been able to sustain a legacy of successful athletic programs, what makes us think they can create and execute a successful FBS football program? I am not referring to the coaches, as they are some of the most dedicated, hard working people at TXST. In my generation, Lee Iococca was a leader and a visionary with enthusiastic passion for the pursuit of excellence. He clearly demonstrated the attributes of someone who knew how to turn things around. If our current Athletic Department leadership is unable to turn things around, it will be like déjà vu all over again.

Dave can be reached at loyal2youtsu@yahoo.com