Just about everyone who cares already knows about the current Ball State athletics budget crisis which could lead to up to six of the school's 22 teams. It is possible though that one prominent alum hasn't heard of the troubles yet, and I'm hoping that if he does, he may be able to do something about it.
This column is an open letter, a plea to David Letterman to help save our sports.
Dear Dave,
I'm writing this to you in a sad state. You see, we here at Ball State are on the verge of possibly losing some fine athletic programs and seeing some wonderful college athletes turn into ordinary college students. Obviously, no one wants to see that happen. Here's the good news though: You can help, and here's how.
It is no secret that you had hopes of seeing your name put on Ball State's football stadium a while back. I know I was not the only Letterman/Ball State fan that was more than a little disappointed when that ended up not happening. Fortunately, opportunity is now knocking and the David Letterman Stadium may now be a possibility.
Let me break this down for you. If you toss some money (Well, to be honest, a little more than some. We're talking at least a couple million dollars here.) Ball State's way, I would think they would be much more inclined to toss your name up on the stadium. It is win/win for everyone involved. Ball State would get to keep its sports programs, and you, while being down some in the bank account, would be up one stadium. See, everyone is happy.
Losing these six sports would be a tragedy. These aren't sports like synchronized lawn-mowing, these are legitimate sports that could be lost. Not only are they legit, but they are sports that Ball State is actually good at. Don't believe me? Look at the track record.
Currently, the sports on the chopping block are men's swimming and diving, men's indoor and outdoor track, men's volleyball, women's field hockey and women's gymnastics. Let's start at the beginning with the swimmers and divers.
This past season, the wet Cardinals had two All-Mid-American Conference Academic First Team members, head coach Bob Thomas was named MAC Coach of the Year and the team finished second in at the MAC Championships. Could they possibly finish first next year? Well, there is no chance of that if they have to hang up their Speedos.
It was a big year for men's track as well. Ball State junior became the school's fourth ever outdoor NCAA All-American in men's track and field when he tied for eighth in the pole vault at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships earlier this summer. Hopefully he can get back there next year and win the whole thing. That is, if his sport isn't cut first.
The men's volleyball program at Ball State has an amazing history of success that any school would be proud to have. In the team's 38-year history, the Cardinals have compiled an overall winning percentage of .724, while making league championships the norm and anything less than a shot at a national title unthinkable. Of course, that could all come to an end soon enough.
As far as field hockey goes, how does five conference championships over the last ten years sound? Not too bad for a team that may not even exist much longer.
In gymnastics, Ball State has had at least one gymnast selected for the NCAA Regionals for four consecutive years. Will they make it to five? Who knows.
The clock is ticking, Dave. The president and the board of trustees of the university are planning to make a decision on July 18. The time for action is now.
If anyone can help these young people it is definitely you. Think it over. I know you'll do the right thing.
Sincerely,
Cole McGrath
P.S. - In case this makes it into the mail bag, here is an abbreviated version for you: Ball State athletics are broke. Won't you please help?
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