Temple University Athletics

From The AD's Desk - October 2010

From The AD's Desk - October 2010

“From the AD’s Desk”
A monthly column from Temple University Director of Athletics Bill Bradshaw
October 2010

It seems I can’t go into a store, restaurant or even walk around my own home these days without being asked about the shifting landscape of intercollegiate athletics.

Specifically, “the conference issue.” And more specifically, “What is Temple going to do?”

Friends, never more than during the past 12 months have we been reminded that the business of college sports is just that – a business. While the core of our business remains centered on providing 18-22 year-old student-athletes with the opportunity to continue athletic competition and access to an excellent Temple education, the stakes have never been higher.

Providing today’s student-athletes with a broad-based, championship-caliber collegiate experience is an ever-changing, ever-more-expensive endeavor. As the economic recession of 2008 continues to play havoc (probably on a permanent basis) with federal/state allocations to higher education, university budgets and subsidies to athletics, today’s modern Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) athletics departments are under much more pressure to fund their operations with external sources.

It is no secret that many of the country’s most well-run athletics programs are fueled by two things: donors and dollars. The competition for these dollars has never been more intense and the methods to secure these dollars never more creative: corporate partner programs, unique fundraising ideas and events, and more.

But as schools nationwide are proving based on the game of “conference hopscotch” playing out before us, the true growth opportunity lies with league revenue sharing. Simply put, your conference affiliation determines your television revenue sharing payout, your football bowl and NCAA Basketball Tournament payout, and other forms of revenue sharing such as corporate sponsorships, ticket sales, media contracts, etc.

Surely, being in the right league matters. At Temple, we’re fortunate to have two conferences to call home: the Mid-American Conference for football and the Atlantic 10 Conference for the majority of our other sport programs. Why do I say “fortunate?”
We’re grateful for our relationship with the MAC, which offered us a home after suffering through life as a football independent after our departure from the Big East. The MAC affiliation provides us with the opportunity to compete against quality peers with like-sized programs and resources. More importantly, we have the opportunity to truly compete for a league championship and advance to a bowl game each year.

The Atlantic 10 Conference provides built-in rivalries with both local and regional foes, such as Saint Joseph’s, La Salle, Xavier and UMass among others. The A-10 is a strong league for many sports and we’re lucky to have had the amount of success there, particularly in basketball.

So this begs the question, where does Temple fit into the conference shuffle?

The answers are easy, and the answers are genuine:

·          We remain squarely focused on Temple, not other institutions.

·         Above all else, we exist to guide, encourage and support our student-athletes in their quest for Comprehensive Excellence – academically, athletically and socially.

·         Our most urgent need is to dramatically increase ALL forms of revenue for Temple Athletics: ticket sales, Owl Club and fundraising, corporate sponsorships chief among them.

·         We will not lose focus of this need. We will keep our heads down, working passionately each day to grow the resources that make opportunities to grow our program possible.

·         With hard work comes success. With success comes opportunity. If and when opportunities to dramatically change the dynamic of our athletics program arise, you can be confident that the most talented group of university leaders I’ve had the privilege to work alongside will make the right decisions for Temple and for our student-athletes.

·         Meanwhile, we will hold true to our vision and work hard each day to conduct our program with class and excellence, with pride in the leagues we are associated with.

Other notes from my desk:
The Al Shrier 80th Birthday Roast – Speaking of class and excellence, I urge you to register for a truly special event that honors a man who defines those words: Al Shrier. You know him as the fixture (with the briefcase never far away) at virtually all Temple athletics functions. Now in his 58th year of service to Temple, Mr. Shrier is the university’s longest-serving current employee and the dean of college sports information directors. A star-studded field of personalities will gather Friday, Oct. 15 at 7:30 p.m. at the Doubletree Center City Philadelphia (237 S. Broad St.) to Roast this Temple legend on the occasion of his 80th birthday. None other than Bill Cosby will be featured, giving you an idea of what a fun, memorable night is in store! Space is limited so register today online or contact the Owl Club at (215) 204-CLUB.  See you there!   

Temple Athletics Hall of Fame Induction – One of the most special features of Temple’s Homecoming Weekend, our Athletics Hall of Fame induction ceremony this year honors (7) former Owls that brought pride and glory to Temple while wearing the Cherry & White. This special event begins at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 16 at the Red Zone Lounge inside Lincoln Financial Field. A nominal $15 fee includes continental breakfast prior to the induction ceremony. Come witness the very special Class of 2010 take their place among other Temple legends!

Upcoming Events (Contact OwlClub@temple.edu or 215-204-CLUB for information)
Oct. 15: The Al Shrier 80th Birthday Roast
Oct. 16: Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
Oct. 16: Young Alumni “5th Quarter” Post-Game event
Oct. 25: Basketball Season Ticket Pickup Party
Nov. 4: Temple Tip-Off Basketball Preseason Reception & Dinner

Support student-athletes and make a contribution to the Owl Club now!

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