I know I will catch a lot of hell from folks of a differing opinion and that's fine but I feel real strongly about this debate so today I am going to say my piece and will not make any more public comments on this subject.
The nature of running a FCS program is not what it was in 1991 or even 2001. It costs money to stay competitive and although we may grumble at the extra charge for tailgating, like we did about parking five years ago, this world of college athletics is now about business, generating as much revenue as is feasible, first and foremost.
I would just like to ask a question of how many folks that post on this board have donated to the AAF this year either by one time check or by debit and I mean that seriously. How many people here even give back to the National Alumni Drive each year?
I'm by no mean a rich guy who's making buckets of money but I feel the duty to give something back to leave a legacy for my kids and now grand child. Maybe I feel so strongly about this because I believe in things bigger than me like God, family, justice, and yes A&T State University.
The gap to run a above average program in the MEAC that is competitive and can give the scholarships necessary to sponsor 14 major sports sits at about $3 million dollars for A&T right now.
A while back before the season started I suggested that if a meager number of 4,000 Aggie fans would donate a paltry 25 bucks a month for a year to the AAF we could cut that gap in half in one year which would be one hell of a start.
Sure some can give more but you can't even take your wife or girlfriend to the movies and buy a popcorn and split a large drink for $25.
Is that so much to ask or we just that cheap and selfish? We spend hundreds if not thousands of dollars each year on entertainment and we don't even realize it making game makers for X-boxes and the like, Hollywood stars, and Music Moguls millions who don't give a damn about HBCUs or even set foot on a HBCU college campus unless there were bucks for them to made off the students for concerts or appearances.
Oh, we'll do that in a minute plucking down hundreds of dollars to Mr. Koury and all the party promoters in business in this city but we won't even give the institution that gave many of us our only real chance at a college education a measly 300 dollars per year to help our own student athletes stay in school.
I'm sorry, I'm not buying the poor us Mission College cock and bull routine anymore.
You get what you pay for nowadays and what we sacrificed to get Coach Broadway and his staff here is paying immediate dividends.
But I forget the naysayers say oh its too much and we must be frugal no matter how it may hurt. I ask you to what end? A return to second class status? Well, not for me. You go by yourself and those who wish to follow you, have a nice trip.
I want more than the past or the usual and I'll willingly to work my butt off to get it.
If your wish to continue to advance not only football but baseball, track, volleyball, swimming, tennis, bowling, mens and women's basketball let's just cut the carp and put your money where you mouth is.
If you're not willing to spend it on our kids and their future to make a mark and get them an education then shame on you, shame on everyone of you that complain about A&T doesn't do this and that but aren't willing to lift a finger or are too self absorbed to take a stand and do something about it by contributing to rectify this problem.
My late mom and dad were die hard Aggies and the one thing they told me a long time ago when I was looking at colleges to attend was simply this.
"When you are in need of answers, always first look within yourself and your heart then to the heavens above to find your guidance and your choice will be clear."
I wasn't sure back then exactly what that meant but I do now.
Congrats to the kids, the coaching staff, and all their supporters for yesterday. Take care and hopefully I'll see you all again 2012.