Shouldn't Orsini Be Held Accountable?

[ponyscott]

To criticize SO for all that he has done here is total BS...and then to say anyone could have done what he has accomplished here at SMU is totally ridiculous.

[Casey]

The perceived indifference to non rev sports and the lack of a marketing department is rooted in the fact that the athletic department runs a hugh annual deficit. It is expensive to run a Div I program and the lack of fan support for our revenue programs puts us deep in the hole. Hopefully a new infusion of Big East money will help in solving our athletic department financial problems. In addition, I understand that the University will begin making all of its vast resources available to help market our athletic programs and the number one priority of the athletic department going forward is to fill Ford and Moody. SO has done a wonderful job in keeping the ship afloat although we are no where near where we need to be. Hopefully we will see all our athletic programs grow and prosper over the next 5 years.

With the CoC funding JJ's contract and hoop-friendly alums underwriting that program (buying CIT games, contributing to salaries, Moody renovation, etc.), I bet the deficit is a lot smaller than we think. Based on the archaic natatorium, inadequate soccer facility and the absence of a track that can be used for hosting events, the perception of his indifference toward non-revenue sports seems dead-on.

[Digetydog]

The perceived indifference to non rev sports and the lack of a marketing department is rooted in the fact that the athletic department runs a hugh annual deficit. It is expensive to run a Div I program and the lack of fan support for our revenue programs puts us deep in the hole. Hopefully a new infusion of Big East money will help in solving our athletic department financial problems. In addition, I understand that the University will begin making all of its vast resources available to help market our athletic programs and the number one priority of the athletic department going forward is to fill Ford and Moody. SO has done a wonderful job in keeping the ship afloat although we are no where near where we need to be. Hopefully we will see all our athletic programs grow and prosper over the next 5 years.

With the CoC funding JJ's contract and hoop-friendly alums underwriting that program (buying CIT games, contributing to salaries, Moody renovation, etc.), I bet the deficit is a lot smaller than we think. Based on the archaic natatorium, inadequate soccer facility and the absence of a track that can be used for hosting events, the perception of his indifference toward non-revenue sports seems dead-on.

I have to disagree. We built a fantastic golf facility and hired the best coach (an SMU alum) available.

While I think we need a new pool (who doesn't), that is a big nut to swallow and rich guys aren't lining up to write a big check for it. It is my understanding the soccer field is fine. Until we bring back the men's track team, a track and field facility is a luxury we cannot afford.

The bottom line is he is working with a budget. That means cutting corners.

[CoxBizGrad]

"Top 25 in everything we do."--Steve Orsini Yeah right...