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Very cool addition tying the emerging SE corner of the SMU campus and its new developments along with Ford Stadium, Dedman Center, Westcott and Moody Coliseum. Three Mustangs sculpture has moved and is now facing north with the Doak Walker Plaza and sculpture anchoring the south end. Great brick landscaping.

http://www.smudailymustang.com/?p=13748

The Mustangs statute looks much much better in its new location. They were too big in front of Moody for scale

It's very nice. I was very impressed walking through it the other night. Makes the east side of Westcott look much better and really ties the whole athletic complex together. Hopefully they will host pregame bball parties out there and perhaps make it another tailgate spot for large groups.

We have an amazing campus, one of the best in the country...

The Mustangs sculpture looks VERY impressive as you drive south on Airline Drive thru the campus. Glad they put barriers up in front of it. Would hate for someone to drive into it after celebrating a Mustang 'W'!

Note the walk-way connection north of Westcott to the A.R. "Red" Barr outdoor pool, which will be connected the new Natatorium, which is an immediate need.

Yes, I was blown away by how good this area now looks now! Finally upgrading the fence around Westcott was a great addition in itself. And there is definitely potential for pregame partying for basketball games or overflow if the Blvd sells out of spots. Plus, if the buses still drop off on the side of Moody for football games, vendors would be smart to setup along this walkway to appease to this crowd. Don't want them to avoid the Blvd necessarily, but I imagine some folks get off the buses and head straight to the stadium.
With all of the complaining about the game presentation after the SFA game, I had forgotten how impressed I was with this area now.

Water Pony wrote:Note the walk-way connection north of Westcott to the A.R. "Red" Barr outdoor pool, which will be connected the new Natatorium, which is an immediate need.

I raised the question of the pool with Orsini and Turner at the WSU tailgate in Pullman. Both remain convinced that the new pool will get done; however, neither could put a time line on the project. Turner indicated that we only have a limited number of potential lead donors and the economy has limited their ability to commit. Both acknowledged that recruiting is being hurt badly with so many other schools now with top facilities.

PoconoPony wrote:

Water Pony wrote:Note the walk-way connection north of Westcott to the A.R. "Red" Barr outdoor pool, which will be connected the new Natatorium, which is an immediate need.

I raised the question of the pool with Orsini and Turner at the WSU tailgate in Pullman. Both remain convinced that the new pool will get done; however, neither could put a time line on the project. Turner indicated that we only have a limited number of potential lead donors and the economy has limited their ability to commit. Both acknowledged that recruiting is being hurt badly with so many other schools now with top facilities.

Hey AB,

I am sure they want a new facility, but the necessity of that the vast majority of the cost be born by donors reduces the probabilities and minimally pushes the timeline out years/decades.

Our need is immediate; but,as you well know, Perkins Natatorium is worst than your average high school facility. The projected design is not lavish, but appropriate in order to be a competitive program, recruit at a Div 1 level and be Top Ten, which is our historical spot in the sport. When we added the women's team, the need became even greater.

I have tried to help raise funds and make commitment myself, but it is difficult to be optimist. Stay well, my friend. And remember Coaches Barr and McMillion!

We are on the same page and it is frustrating to see this project totally stalled out. I was in the pool last year and absolutely nothing has change since I graduated in 67'. I could not believe I was looking at my same old locker only difference was 30 more coats of paint, the same old showers were in horrible condition and unchanged with the same shower heads, handles, broken tiles....etc. the restroom was deplorable and totally unchanged. Yes, a dismal situation that makes most high school facilities look great. I hope to see Coach Mac in November ( see Rice and UTEP games) and get a better idea of the status of things. Unfortunately, things are not looking good for the near future let alone the immediate future.

This is what happens when you de-emphasize your two money-makers - football & basketball. No $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ for the other sports! Thank you Turner & the administration!!!

Notice the dollar sign for each single year since we brought back football?

Water Pony wrote:Note the walk-way connection north of Westcott to the A.R. "Red" Barr outdoor pool, which will be connected the new Natatorium, which is an immediate need.

Actually, the walk-way just connects to the parking lot.

This is what happens when you de-emphasize your two money-makers - football & basketball. No $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ for the other sports! Thank you Turner & the administration!!!

That's a pretty ridiculous statement considering the money spent on Ford Stadium, June Jones, the Crum Center and Matt Doherty.

It's the other sports that are being de-emphasized in order to prop up the football and men's basketball programs. It's plain as day that the no-rev sports have taken a nose-dive since Orsini showed up. He is focusing on the potential money maker sports and doesn't care about the non-rev sports that used to be the only thing SMU could hang its hat on, in terms of on-field success.

Copeland had a lot of drawbacks as an AD, but under his watch the non-rev sports were extremely successful. SMU used to place highly in the Director's Cup standings - higher than all but UT among Texas schools. Now we're finishing below Rice.

The non-rev sports started to decline under Copeland as a result of not being in the Big 12, but they are virtually irrelevant to the current athletic administration.