Don't let the ax fall
Casey Grogan
Issue date: 5/12/09 Section: Sports
Everyone is probably sick of hearing about the "budget issues" surrounding Oregon State athletics, but here is one more column with that topic in mind.
As students, the warning put forth in Bob DeCarolis' report on osubeavers.com may seem like a hollow threat directed at the people who actually pay for tickets to games. Students should, however, take the privilege of receiving free tickets with a smile and a big "thank you."
What happens should Oregon State eventually join the list of schools that requires students to pay for tickets to basketball and football games? Would Saturday plans in the fall change? Or would the students at OSU (or their parents) pony up the money to buy tickets?
In the Big 12 Conference, 10 of the 12 universities charge students for sporting event admittance, including the other orange-and-black OSU; students at Oklahoma State pay $242 for a season's worth of hoops.
Be thankful, OSU students, that you do not have to shell out additional money to watch Jacquizz Rodgers run over USC or to witness Craig Robinson turn the Beavers' basketball program around.
For those who are not too worried about a sport they may like (or may not even know about) getting cut, there is evidence around the country that it is a possibility.
It may be safe to assume that a sport like baseball won't be included in cuts, but elsewhere, this is not the case. Looking to save $400,000, the University of Northern Iowa axed its baseball program three days before what has become their final season began. While the Panthers are struggling on the season with a 21-25 overall record and 5-14 showing in the Missouri Valley Conference, they are not alone.
In the northeastern part of our country, one university athletic department handled its budget cuts by eliminating two sports in order to remain Title IX compliant. Estimating a savings of $850,000 to $900,000, The Vermont Cynic reported that Vermont Director of Athletics Dr. Robert Corran has cut baseball and softball after the 2009 season. The Catamounts, like the UNI Panthers, are not the strongest of baseball teams or softball teams, but I have to think geography played a part in what sports were cut in Burlington, Va. It helps a school in recruiting when a sport like hockey, which draws for the Catamounts, can remain as a men's and women's varsity sport when sports like baseball and softball can be removed.
As students, the warning put forth in Bob DeCarolis' report on osubeavers.com may seem like a hollow threat directed at the people who actually pay for tickets to games. Students should, however, take the privilege of receiving free tickets with a smile and a big "thank you."
What happens should Oregon State eventually join the list of schools that requires students to pay for tickets to basketball and football games? Would Saturday plans in the fall change? Or would the students at OSU (or their parents) pony up the money to buy tickets?
In the Big 12 Conference, 10 of the 12 universities charge students for sporting event admittance, including the other orange-and-black OSU; students at Oklahoma State pay $242 for a season's worth of hoops.
Be thankful, OSU students, that you do not have to shell out additional money to watch Jacquizz Rodgers run over USC or to witness Craig Robinson turn the Beavers' basketball program around.
For those who are not too worried about a sport they may like (or may not even know about) getting cut, there is evidence around the country that it is a possibility.
It may be safe to assume that a sport like baseball won't be included in cuts, but elsewhere, this is not the case. Looking to save $400,000, the University of Northern Iowa axed its baseball program three days before what has become their final season began. While the Panthers are struggling on the season with a 21-25 overall record and 5-14 showing in the Missouri Valley Conference, they are not alone.
In the northeastern part of our country, one university athletic department handled its budget cuts by eliminating two sports in order to remain Title IX compliant. Estimating a savings of $850,000 to $900,000, The Vermont Cynic reported that Vermont Director of Athletics Dr. Robert Corran has cut baseball and softball after the 2009 season. The Catamounts, like the UNI Panthers, are not the strongest of baseball teams or softball teams, but I have to think geography played a part in what sports were cut in Burlington, Va. It helps a school in recruiting when a sport like hockey, which draws for the Catamounts, can remain as a men's and women's varsity sport when sports like baseball and softball can be removed.
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Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 5
Matt Pennington
posted 5/12/09 @ 12:00 AM PST
Just so all students now, we actually do pay for the athletic tickets that we received. Through the Student Incidental Fees each students pays a set amount each term that goes to pay for the cost of the student tickets. (Continued…)
Nick
posted 5/12/09 @ 9:14 AM PST
Almost makes you wish we would have paid 75% of the cost of the tickets. Maybe then OSU wouldn't be looking at cutting sports.
And for the record, My guess would be that swimming and the two golf programs will be the first to go. (Continued…)
Matt Pennington
posted 5/13/09 @ 8:48 AM PST
bullfrog,
The Fee only provides tickets for Mens Basketball, Mens Baseball and Football, Athletics just lets students in for free at the other events. (Continued…)
Chris
posted 5/13/09 @ 11:50 PM PST
Before we go thanking the athletic department for letting us into games for free, keep in mind that although the tickets may be at 50% price, everyone pays for them, whether they themselves go to the games or not. (Continued…)
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