Hip-Hip…Hooray for Southern University

Athletics at Southern University have really given me something to be proud of-I guess.
Although all 18 sports have done exceptionally well, they haven’t been afforded the necessities for progression.
I don’t want to sound too critical because the department has made strides in giving the athletes facilities and amenities.
At this time last year, the basketball teams didn’t have the nice locker rooms that they presently have or the nice court. It really was about time and they truly deserved them.
But we still have a way to go.
Speaking of going places, why does it seem that almost every other team in the Southwestern Athletic Conference have their own traveling bus except for us?
There are some teams that still don’t have a place to change into their uniforms and we are still waiting for that next phase of the baseball complex. Maybe there needs to be another phase for the softball field because there has been occasions when feces and urine have been found in the dugouts and announcer’s box
Who knows when the soccer team will get their own field or when track and field teams will have just a little bit more to work with. Brian Johnson can only jump so far on so little of a budget.
In defense of the athletic department, I know the budget isn’t big.
We have 18 Division I teams running off a Division III badminton team’s budget.
In defense of the athletes, they deserve these things. Our players are too talented and they are expected to win. Rewarding them should be the next step. But not just with a ring (that is, if they have received them yet).
In defense of the fans, they won’t have anyone to cheer for if we don’t have any players. Recruiting will hit an all-time low if we don’t get some facilities soon, if it hasn’t already. Showing recruits Mayberry Hall on “Red Beans Monday” is not going to get us the talent that we will need in the future.
What we should have is something accessible from Sunday through Saturday and I don’t think we are quite on that level.
So I guess for now, we will have to continue making something from nothing. Which really isn’t a bad idea-if you are a magician…
…See you at the game.
…And at the parade.