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I like the fact that he came in with demands. This is the shakeup the program needed. Although it came with the Tubbs controversy, Orsini and Coach D understand the importance here to right the ship. This wouldn't have happened without a new AD and understanding we can't keep doing the same thing and expect different results.

SMU officials agreed to build a practice facility within three years. If they don't, Doherty can get out of his contract or receive an automatic renewal for five more years.

Orsini said the goal is to start the foundation for a practice facility this summer with the hopes of also upgrading aging Moody Coliseum.

Turner said today that Moody needs some structural changes but wants to keep the feel....that's exactly what is needed.

I'm starting to think things are actually going to change. Thank goodness.

my dream:
they began building the new practice facility this summer where the natatorium is. CRUSHING THE BANDHALL, thereby forcing us [the mustang band] to move into our space in the dedman on smu's tab.

i can always dream, right?

Pony_Fan wrote:
Orsini said the goal is to start the foundation for a practice facility this summer

What the hell does that mean? Does he literally mean start the structural foundation of the facility, if so why didn't he simply say commence construction this summer. Or, is he talking about a monetary foundation or fundraising foundation beginning this summer. Anyone care to shed some light on this?

If the timeframe is within 3 years I doubt it is a physical foundation.

Posted by smu diamond m:

my dream:
they began building the new practice facility this summer where the natatorium is. CRUSHING THE BANDHALL, thereby forcing us [the mustang band] to move into our space in the dedman on smu's tab.

i can always dream, right?

A new aquatic center would need to be constructed elsewhere on campus before anything else is built at the current Perkins Natatorium site. Swimming is one of SMU's top intercollegiate sports and has been for decades. SMU swimmers are consistently excellent without the benefit of a modern or NCAA swimming and diving meets facility.

As Water Pony says SMU needs a new aquatic center as soon as possible (although it is behind a basketball practice facility and Moody upgrades and probably soccer facility improvements ).

tennis courts begone..is there a better place on campus to add it.. the players can easily have a full court, nice coaches offices, players lounge, meetings rooms and a tutoring room.. and of course a nice lockerroom.. that could all easily fit where the tennis courts are and be connected to moody...

what does the tennis team do? well last i checked there are multiple Country clubs around here and it hasn't hurt the golf team to go play at a country club.. hell i am sure HP would gladly rent out if not let the tennis team practice at their indoor facility

Current STUDent wrote:

Pony_Fan wrote:
Orsini said the goal is to start the foundation for a practice facility this summer

What the hell does that mean? Does he literally mean start the structural foundation of the facility, if so why didn't he simply say commence construction this summer. Or, is he talking about a monetary foundation or fundraising foundation beginning this summer. Anyone care to shed some light on this?

Foundation? Maybe the fund raising in high gear? From what I understand the blueprints have already been made. Corporate Naming!! Let's get it done now.

Cheesesteak wrote:Posted by smu diamond m:

my dream:
they began building the new practice facility this summer where the natatorium is. CRUSHING THE BANDHALL, thereby forcing us [the mustang band] to move into our space in the dedman on smu's tab.

i can always dream, right?

A new aquatic center would need to be constructed elsewhere on campus before anything else is built at the current Perkins Natatorium site. Swimming is one of SMU's top intercollegiate sports and has been for decades. SMU swimmers are consistently excellent without the benefit of a modern or NCAA swimming and diving meets facility.

As Water Pony says SMU needs a new aquatic center as soon as possible (although it is behind a basketball practice facility and Moody upgrades and probably soccer facility improvements ).

To SMU Diamond M:

Good guess about tearing down the Natatorium, but it won't be for a BB Practice Court, which will be integrated into Moody. Your wish will come true.

Thanks, Cheesesteak for the endorsement for our program.

Renovating Moody, adding a practice court, upgrading Westcott, and building a new Natatorium would address most remaining athletic facility needs, except for finding an on-campus solution for tennis (assuming BB practice courts go there) and more intramural fields. We are short in that regard.

Change is in the air: Steve O said people, facilities and resources are required to be a Top 25 Program. Sounds like a plan.

Obviously, the basketball practice facility will be connected to Moody Coliseum (or Plucker's Pavillion) or whatever it will end up being called. A state-of-the-art tennis complex is needed (and well-deserved) and a Barr-McMillion Natatorium, too. Bulldoze the neighborhood between SMU Blvd. and Lovers Lane from Central to Airline (except for the Greek habitats). That oughta be enough for indoor and outdoor facilities, locker rooms, offices and parking.

i was under the impression the swimmers' are in the same boat we are -- space set aside, but lacking money to seal the deal. yes, or no?

Just for note, Copeland mentioned bball practice facility in one of this AD notepads as "just south of Haggar Tennis Stadium.

maybe it goes where the conco center is, since the ME dept is moving into Embrey?

See No. 26.

http://www.smu.edu/campus_planning/Master_Plan2001.asp

i guess that's a yes then. my dreams have been crushed.

tmustangp wrote:tennis courts begone..is there a better place on campus to add it.. the players can easily have a full court, nice coaches offices, players lounge, meetings rooms and a tutoring room.. and of course a nice lockerroom.. that could all easily fit where the tennis courts are and be connected to moody...

what does the tennis team do? well last i checked there are multiple Country clubs around here and it hasn't hurt the golf team to go play at a country club.. hell i am sure HP would gladly rent out if not let the tennis team practice at their indoor facility

I think I have responded to this in several threads now. Let me say it again: the plans for the bball practice facility, as Blog noted, already HAVE a spot for the practice facility. The designs are done. The footprint is there. You don't need to tear down the tennis facility to do it.