Facilities Question

[MustangIcon]

Alums care about architecture. Athletes generally do not. I can't stand tcu and think its funny when they can be made fun of, but have any of you actually been inside the facility? Its not bad at all. They spent the money inside, not on the facade. And I highly doubt they are worried about a tornado. Those hangers over at Love Field and Addison Airport haven't ever been uprooted have they? Once again we can make fun of tcu, but they are the ones laughing. And before you proclaim victory because of the Doherty hiring, he has a long way to go to prove anything.

The only thing to laugh at is that their basketball team made ours look good last season. TCU was absolutely awful last year- 6 wins all season I think.

[McClown27]

They haven't recruited very well since they built the practice facility, so maybe athletes care more about architecture than you think.

[Hoop Fan]

They haven't recruited very well since they built the practice facility, so maybe athletes care more about architecture than you think.

ok, sure they do. once again, practice facilities are about functionality. Recruiting depends much more on the stadium and lockerrooms.

[McClown27]

They haven't recruited very well since they built the practice facility, so maybe athletes care more about architecture than you think.

ok, sure they do. once again, practice facilities are about functionality. Recruiting depends much more on the stadium and lockerrooms.

Agreed.

[Blunt Pony]

The facade of their practice facility does not make it a bad facility just because it is not in the Georgian style. And besides, the practice facility is needed for practice and court time. It is not the crown jewel of recruiting. The stadium and lockerrooms are the things where appearance counts. Practice courts are not an amenity,they are a bare necessity just for workouts.

I agree with you that the practice courts are desirable primarily as places to workout. However, they have not been sold as such. Just like Ford, they have been sold to the alumni as facilities that will improve recruiting. From the Ford experience, it is clear that new facilities will have little impact on recruiting. Of course, although Blog contends it has already changed, changes the model have to be done before the program begins to contend in any revenue sport.

Have you ever heard the term "pieces of a puzzle"?! For God's sake man, what do you not understand about this practice facility. It is a very important piece to the overall performance of the program. No one piece can be pulled out to debate it's merit. You need to look at the whole picture. Facilities, coaching, players, alumni, fans, the DMN, the academics, the city and the conference as well as a number of other factors play a role in the success of the program. This is one piece that needed to and is being addressed. GET OVER IT.

[Bergermeister]

Just like Ford Stadium, it's going to be done right and it will be a 1st class facility. It will fit in with Dedman architecturally. And when Moody is re-done, it will be an outstanding facility. Big $$ donors want their name on a showplace (Ford, Blanton, Embrey, Collins, Dedman, Meadows....). Somebody will step up to the plate and donate the big bucks. We've got some people on board now who are going to generate interest and dollars. You gotta remember, we're not used to the "go-getter" types... and I'm sure their enthusiasm will be contagious. We've been lulled for a long time.

[mrydel]

I agree that a big name will more than likely come in, but if I were king of the world I would be selling bricks (with a donor name attached or inscribed to it) to surround the building maybe up to eye level. Sell them for $1,000.00 each and let some of we smaller contributors participate. 1,000 bricks brings in $1,000,000. Not enough for the building but maybe an extra urinal.

[Hoop Fan]

I agree that a big name will more than likely come in, but if I were king of the world I would be selling bricks (with a donor name attached or inscribed to it) to surround the building maybe up to eye level. Sell them for $1,000.00 each and let some of we smaller contributors participate. 1,000 bricks brings in $1,000,000. Not enough for the building but maybe an extra urinal.

watch it, or jt will steal your urinal too.

[mrydel]

I agree that a big name will more than likely come in, but if I were king of the world I would be selling bricks (with a donor name attached or inscribed to it) to surround the building maybe up to eye level. Sell them for $1,000.00 each and let some of we smaller contributors participate. 1,000 bricks brings in $1,000,000. Not enough for the building but maybe an extra urinal.

watch it, or jt will steal your urinal too.

He uses a stall.....Always looking for the best seat.

[Water Pony]

Facilities are an important factor, though not the primary one. The most important is the quality and reputation of the coaches. Everything flows from that, including results on the field/court/pool, fan base, attendance, recruiting, etc.

The Net:

FB: Ford Stadium is a perfect addition to the SMU Campus and the long term prospects of the FB program. Without this investment, we would be suffering through the band-aids on Ownby or, at, playing in a less than half full Cotton Bowl. The Paul Loyd Center is first class, as are the locker and weight rooms. Ford Stadium doesn't deliver competitive teams, but the absence of it would have further condemned us to long term futility. At least, FB facilities can't be an excuse anymore.

BB: If Matt D is to create a competitive program year after year, his coaching can help fill seats in a renovated Moody. The role of a practice facility can't be underestimated. We have three teams (Men's and Women's BB and Volleyball) using one court and that limits practice time and flexibilty, while reducing our appeal to recruits.

Soccer: Although Westcott is not dedicated to Soccer (Women's Track & Field needs a home), it is a nice asset, which would benefit from the projected upgrades to the field, stands and fencing. This will reinforce SMU as a Top Tier program for Men and Women.

Tennis: If the teams are displaced due to renovations or additions to Moody, the Men and Women still need to be on campus with a quality faciltiy.

Intramurals: My sense is we still need more fields for student recreation and club sports, such as lacrosse, etc. I have always been struck by the limited number of fields for general use.

AND (drum roll, please) . . . .

Men's and Women's Swimming & Diving:

A commitment to a new SMU Aquatic Center needs to be made. Good ole Perkins (former gymnasium) is 62 years old and the pool, which was inserted into it, is 50 years old. Six lanes, 25yards long and no diving well is out-dated and less than what an average high school has built in the last 25 years.

An attempt to build a world class facillity was dependent on Dallas winning the bid for the 2012 Olympics, which candidly was a very long shot, did not succeed. Today, friends and alumni of SMU Swimming & Diving are looking to address it. Perhaps connected to the outdoor pool, a new Aquatic Center would provide a competitive natatorium for two programs and four teams, Men's and Women's Swimming & Diving.


Faciltiies don't create or make programs, but the absence of them limits the possibilities and success rates, while eroding the commitment to being a competitive, Division 1 university in the remaining sports we field.

SMU is close to having the basics covered on our increasingly beautiful and well maintained campus. It is a jewel and the athletic faciltities need to compliment the campus and our dedication to student athletics.

Let's help make Dallas and its own university, SMU, a destination for aspiring college athletes.

Go Ponies!

[Hoop Fan]

I agree that a big name will more than likely come in, but if I were king of the world I would be selling bricks (with a donor name attached or inscribed to it) to surround the building maybe up to eye level. Sell them for $1,000.00 each and let some of we smaller contributors participate. 1,000 bricks brings in $1,000,000. Not enough for the building but maybe an extra urinal.

watch it, or jt will steal your urinal too.

He uses a stall.....Always looking for the best seat.

Doh

[DiamondM75]

Facilities are an important factor, though not the primary one. The most important is the quality and reputation of the coaches. Everything flows from that, including results on the field/court/pool, fan base, attendance, recruiting, etc.

The Net:

..........


Faciltiies don't create or make programs, but the absence of them limits the possibilities and success rates, while eroding the commitment to being a competitive, Division 1 university in the remaining sports we field.

SMU is close to having the basics covered on our increasingly beautiful and well maintained campus. It is a jewel and the athletic faciltities need to compliment the campus and our dedication to student athletics.

Let's help make Dallas and its own university, SMU, a destination for aspiring college athletes.

Go Ponies!

You forgot one thing. The Mustang Band. Although it is not an athletic program, it still plays an integral part in SMU athletics. The current band hall (tucked away in the basement of Perkins Natatorium) is 1,750 square feet. Most high school band halls are 6,000 to 10,000 square feet.

The Mustang Band actually uses the 1,750 square feet for offices, rehearsal area, music library, instrument and equipment storage, and uniform storage. Very efficient organization.

The SMU Band Partnership is raising funds to build a new facility in the basement of The Dedman Life Sports Center.

To find out more, visit www.smubandpartnership.org, or call 214-SMU-BAND.

Thank you for your time.

[Water Pony]

I totally agree DiamondM75.

Perhaps Swimming/Diving and the Band will be relocated sooner than later. The Band is a real source of pride for every SMU student, alum and fan.

Question: In additon to pursing your own facility (well deserved BTW), why has the band been reduced in size from the old days of '99 guys and a doll'? All male is not the objective, but having 100 members seems desirable and important, especially during FB season.

[DiamondM75]

I totally agree DiamondM75.

Perhaps Swimming/Diving and the Band will be relocated sooner than later. The Band is a real source of pride for every SMU student, alum and fan.

Question: In additon to pursing your own facility (well deserved BTW), why has the band been reduced in size from the old days of '99 guys and a doll'? All male is not the objective, but having 100 members seems desirable and important, especially during FB season.

This 7 page power point presentation explains the whole situation, especially slide number 7.

http://www.smubandpartnership.com/Purpose_frame.htm

We are making headway though. Next years band looks like it is going to be about 70 to 75 members up from 58. The new band director is working his tail off making appearances at local high schools and community colleges plus The Mustang Band experience is genating interest in high school students to attend SMU and be a part of the band. The Diamond M Club, www.diamondmclub.org has created a large enough endowment fund that is starting to help with scholarships.

[White Helmet]

Water Pony
A big impetus in the size of the band is the quickly rising tuition costs compared to pretty much stagnant scholarships. Due to economic inflation scholarships now are worth less than they were when we had 100. Couple that with rising tuition costs and the problem becomes huge. This information and ways to help are located at http://www.smubandpartnership.com