mrydel wrote:This game was not originally scheduled for this weekend. We had to switch because Tulane inadvertently scheduled another game the same date we had them scheduled and this was the only weekend available to switch to.
Mrydel is absolutely accurate on this matter. SMU had no choice but to reschedule. Never-the-less, most of the big games this weekend had full houses and students were very much present. I must; however, keep in mind a remark made to me by a very handsome couple as we approached the Moody parking garage after the UTEP game. I remarked to them that I was excited that the SMU students had flooded the field after the game and for the first time, "I thought the SMU students were starting to getting it." The wife immediately remarked to me to the effect, " Remember most of the students at SMU today are not here for the sports and are focused only on academics." I had to pause because I am aware that a very large percentage of students at SMU are attending on academic scholarships ( above 70% if my memory is correct) and she was absolutely accurate in her statement to me. We have a far more serious and academically focused/pressured student body than most colleges and the priorities are therefore far different. These students need to be cultivated and winning should greatly help. Unfortunately, our small enrollment coupled with the academic issues will always cause our student participation to be an issue. We really need work harder to captivate the alumni and Dallas community to make up the difference. I know professional sports....etc.; however, I do not want to get into all of those issues and excuses. My point is that we simply have a small student body with a different focus.
