SI.com: SMU's dream realized as ACC marks new era

[PonyPride]

From SI.com:

SMU's dream realized as ACC move marks new era for Mustangs football

SMU enters new era in ACC move a culmination of years of investment and success
Ali Jawad

SMU's historic move to the ACC is a culmination of years of strategic planning, financial investment, and athletic achievement.

After decades of competing in non-Power Five conferences, the Mustangs have finally secured their spot among the nation's elite football programs. This long-awaited transition represents a significant milestone for the university, showcasing their commitment to building a nationally recognized athletics program.

"A dream come true," said SMU Athletic Director Rick Hart. "This is really the culmination of 37 years of investments and efforts and outcomes, the excitement level is off the charts."

The move, while requiring sacrifices in initial TV revenue, is viewed as a strategic investment in the future. SMU has demonstrated its commitment to competing at the highest level by allocating substantial funds towards facility upgrades, staff salaries, and recruiting efforts.

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[Water Pony]

Thanks for sharing, Pony Pride

I joined Ponyfans in 2001 the same year my son enrolled @ SMU, which was 33 years after I graduated. I must confess that despite my love of the Hilltop and longtime support for our Swimming & Diving program, I wasn't very vested in our overall athletics until '01. During the '00's, '10's, and early '20's. I became much more active despite our many conference memberships and mediocre results against mid-level competition.

It was hard to imagine during the above time, we would ever become relevant again given our affiliations and wariness by our former SWC conference mates to expect a return to the national stage in a Power 5 Conference.

To now being a member of a P4 Conference with its academic and athletic reputation at the highest level was not only difficult to hope for but unlikely in any practical sense. Our invitation to the ACC and new season excitement in this conference by all our teams changes how we and the nation will view us. Although this outcome was never probable, we should enjoy and value our return to the national stage.

I am humbled by what has been achieved on our behalf by our Donors/Benefactors, Athletic Department, Administration, Coaches, and Board of Trustees. Our future is now one of promise and new challenges. We can finally enjoy and embrace it, including new demands and expectations.

To quote John Belushi's Bluto Blutarsky in Animal House: "Let's Do It!"