It is time for SMU to decide

[San Antonio Mustang]

Coach Jones said in San Antonio that he believes SMU can achieve number one ranking in the nation. But, if we want to do that we have to decide to do it and put the resources together to achieve that goal. He compared us to TCU ten years ago. Since then they have improved facilities and added staff. He mentioned for example they hired 22 more people to help with the academics. With all our school has to offer, if we do what TCU has done we will leave them in our dust.

The fact of the matter is many of our athletes, for whatever reason, do not score as high on SAT and ACT as most of the students they are competing against in the classroom. We need to provide more support. I suspect that many of them have a losing attitude about their academic ability and just as June had to turn the team from a losing attitude to a wining attitude on the field we must do the same for the classroom. It can be done, but it will require a capital and human resource investment.

We also need some physical plant improvements such as an indoor practice facility.

It is time for us - the SMU fans and alums - to push the Administration to support our players academically and physically. I want to see us competing at the top level. I want to see conferences wanting us instead of us wanting a conference. We have the coach, the tradition, the campus, the academics, the location. The only thing we may be lacking is the full commitment necessary to achieve the goal.

If you agree, I urge each of you to use your influence with our Administration and push them to make that commitment.

[ponyte]

Sorry, my influence ends the second my check clears.

[abezontar]

Sorry, my influence ends the second my check clears.

You have influence before that!?!? That must be nice.

[BUS]

Good post and thanks. WE have the foundation and need to support the growth. Do we have the money for 20 more people in the Paul Lloyd center?

SMU is a great place and with a few bowl wins, we can make more money. Look at the Mclub campaign this year.

[StallionsModelT]

I couldn't agree more. The time is now. If you know of anyone who is an alum/fan of SMU football, please urge them to give whatever they can afford to the Mustang Club. I would be in favor of initiating another fundraising drive ala the Morgan Campaign. If we want a place at the table, we have to start to making the commitment to be a player in the future landscape of college football.

[Texafornian]

We need to give, but also write Turner specifically. He's on the fence right now on a few academics vs. athletics issues.

[Hoop Fan]

We need to give, but also write Turner specifically. He's on the fence right now on a few academics vs. athletics issues.

we're screwed. Dr. Turner has been sitting on the fence for 15 years now. Talks a good game though. Its way too damn late for letters. Either we are teed up or we are not.

[mustang1108]

I understand Turner is on the fence, but I think after seeing the impact of the Hawaii Bowl I think he should be able to see that it is important to go after an elite conference or at least something better than c-usa. The number of applicants have gone up and people around Dallas are starting to by into what is being built here. I think that this will further help build the schools reputation and I believe Jones and Orsini are the two right guys who could be able to influence Turner of that.

[RGV Pony]

wtf could Turner possibly be on the fence about? He has essentially one job: raise money. Ask for money. Get money. That's it. SMU athletics being a non-factor does not raise money. SMU becoming relevant again at some point raises money. Joining the SunBelt does not raise money.

[mrydel]

Look at the Mclub campaign this year.

Are you telling me McDonalds has a club sandwich now?

[smupony94]

Look at the Mclub campaign this year.

Are you telling me McDonalds has a club sandwich now?

hell ya

[NavyCrimson]

1108: "... I understand Turner is on the fence, but I think after seeing the impact of the Hawaii Bowl I think he should be able to see that it is important to go after an elite conference or at least something better than c-usa."

We're at one of the most crucial times in our history, a time that will make the difference of millions of dollars for the forseeable future & he's on the fence??? I think we pay him too much $$$ for this type of decision-making - or lack of!!!

This has got to be a joke of some kind???!!!

[StallionsModelT]

Turner is not on the fence. He knows the implications if we are left without a dance partner.

[NavyCrimson]

Thx for the update ModelT. Hope you're dead on?!

[SmooBoy]

Turner is not on the fence. He knows the implications if we are left without a dance partner.

Just hope he's not doing the Charleston while the partner is ready to Breakdance.