Post by foresterpride on Jun 17, 2008 10:37:58 GMT -5
Game idea: Sports at University of Michigan-Flint worthy of exploring
by Journal Editorial Board
Monday June 16, 2008, 9:08 AM
Does the University of Michigan-Flint have game?
That's a question worth asking, and a committee will work with a consultant to find the answer.
The idea of UM-Flint offering athletic programs is an appealing one, but it is no slam dunk. As interim Chancellor Jack Kay pointed out last week, the move from club sports to a full-fledged athletic program would take a level of support and commitment that doesn't exist now.
Still, it's a welcome step to see the school appoint a Blue Ribbon Athletic Commission that will include representation from the campus and community. The committee is being asked to present a recommendation by fall on whether UM-Flint should proceed with intercollegiate athletics.
We have no doubt how Flint feels in its heart about this proposition. Flint is a sports town. That is our tradition, and we are rightly proud of the many great athletes we've produced.
If UM-Flint were to add an athletic program, that would put it in good company with its sister institution, UM-Dearborn, which offers varsity competition in basketball, volleyball and softball at the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics level.
Such programs also seem feasible at UM-Flint, given the viability of athletics at nearby Mott Community College, which recently won its second consecutive junior college national championship in men's basketball.
The addition of varsity athletics at UM-Flint could go nicely hand-in-hand with the development of student housing, adding another attractive element to campus life and giving the college another selling point for prospective students.
That all sounds great in theory. But can it be done? Should it be done? That will require the depth of study that this new committee has been asked to undertake. Running an athletic program is not cheap, even at the NAIA level. If you are going to field teams, you have to hire coaches, equip athletes and provide facilities for practices and games. There also is the question of offering scholarships.
At a time when university budgets already are strained and sponsorship money is harder to come by, no one should assume Flint's passion for sports can automatically make intercollegiate athletics viable at UM-Flint. But it sure is an idea worth exploring -- and hopefully, it'll be a slam dunk.
by Journal Editorial Board
Monday June 16, 2008, 9:08 AM
Does the University of Michigan-Flint have game?
That's a question worth asking, and a committee will work with a consultant to find the answer.
The idea of UM-Flint offering athletic programs is an appealing one, but it is no slam dunk. As interim Chancellor Jack Kay pointed out last week, the move from club sports to a full-fledged athletic program would take a level of support and commitment that doesn't exist now.
Still, it's a welcome step to see the school appoint a Blue Ribbon Athletic Commission that will include representation from the campus and community. The committee is being asked to present a recommendation by fall on whether UM-Flint should proceed with intercollegiate athletics.
We have no doubt how Flint feels in its heart about this proposition. Flint is a sports town. That is our tradition, and we are rightly proud of the many great athletes we've produced.
If UM-Flint were to add an athletic program, that would put it in good company with its sister institution, UM-Dearborn, which offers varsity competition in basketball, volleyball and softball at the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics level.
Such programs also seem feasible at UM-Flint, given the viability of athletics at nearby Mott Community College, which recently won its second consecutive junior college national championship in men's basketball.
The addition of varsity athletics at UM-Flint could go nicely hand-in-hand with the development of student housing, adding another attractive element to campus life and giving the college another selling point for prospective students.
That all sounds great in theory. But can it be done? Should it be done? That will require the depth of study that this new committee has been asked to undertake. Running an athletic program is not cheap, even at the NAIA level. If you are going to field teams, you have to hire coaches, equip athletes and provide facilities for practices and games. There also is the question of offering scholarships.
At a time when university budgets already are strained and sponsorship money is harder to come by, no one should assume Flint's passion for sports can automatically make intercollegiate athletics viable at UM-Flint. But it sure is an idea worth exploring -- and hopefully, it'll be a slam dunk.