[Vision2020] College athletics

[Carl Westberg]

To be something of a devil's advocate, I put forth the unhappy truth that, 
like it or not, a strong athletic program has become a very important part 
of a strong university.  A few months ago, Sports Illustrated had a story 
about the football program at Rutgers.  Their winning record almost makes 
the Vandals look like Ohio State.  The president of Rutgers is committed to 
turning that around, for some very unathletic reasons.  I can't cite exact 
facts and figures as I'm pulling this out of my fading memory bank, but the 
article mentioned how a successful athletic program, and particularly 
winning football teams, have a direct effect on the overall strength of the 
university.  Alumni donations, and even legislative financial support, 
increase commensurately with success on the playing field.  In the skewed 
perception that America now has of the importance of college athletics, the 
university is only as viable as the 18 to 22 year olds representing it in 
sports. Your football team finished 9-3 and went to a bowl game?  What a 
great university you must be.  Your team finished 3-9?  What a rotten 
university you must be.  You'll get no money from me.  Is this fair?  No.  
Is it right?  No.  But, in today's landscape, it's reality.                  
                                                                             
                                                                             
                                                                             
                           Carl Westberg Jr.

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