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Brian Morrow
Issue date: 2/25/05 Section: Voices
A recent Pow Wow column by my colleague, Adam Holland, seems to have touched a few nerves. In his column, Adam came out very strongly against the idea of scheduling a home football game against Grambling State University. This drew several testy responses from Grambling alumni.
This issue seems to be generating a good deal of interest, not only on the ULM campus, but in the cities of Monroe and Grambling. With that in mind, I thought I would weigh in. I happen to agree with my colleague that scheduling a home game against Grambling is not the most preferable course of action. However, I can see why the ULM athletic department would consider doing so.
First of all, let us examine the upside of such a game. Attendance for the game would be very high, most likely a nearsellout. It has been, I am sorry to say, a very long time since anything of the sort has happened.
This is especially attractive for the athletic department when one considers the effect that this would have on the department's budget. The football program goes a long way toward financing other athletic programs that do not draw such large crowds.
Also, the game may bring out more ULM fans who would not ordinarily attend a game. It is possible they would want to show strong support for the team against a regional opponent. Getting people into the stands that do not ordinarily come is a windfall for the department.
So what is the problem? First of all, I do not buy into what has been suggested by some as the first game of "a new Classic." "Classics" are great for Grambling. However, playing Grambling on a regular basis would be a poor decision in the long-term. ULM is painstakingly trying to build a reputation as a quality 1-A football program. That reputation cannot be added to by constantly scheduling 1-AA opponents. I realize that big-time programs such as LSU and Alabama schedule small schools as "tune-up" games. Be that as it may, ULM needs wins over other 1-A schools. This is the only way that the program will gain respect nationally.
It is worth noting that building a schedule for an NCAA football program is a daunting task. There is a lot that goes into it. It is not now, nor will it ever be, easy to bring quality 1-A opponents to Malone Stadium. When it proves impossible, the athletic department will have no choice but to schedule a 1-AA school.
I feel strongly that athletic director Bobby Staub and the department should work diligently to bring competitors to Malone Stadium who will not only provide a great game but will advance the reputation of Indian football. However, for now, if they can only get a 1-AA school to come to town for a given weekend, I say, why not Grambling? At least it will put bottoms in the seats and there will be no one who can say we are afraid to play them. Go Tribe.
This issue seems to be generating a good deal of interest, not only on the ULM campus, but in the cities of Monroe and Grambling. With that in mind, I thought I would weigh in. I happen to agree with my colleague that scheduling a home game against Grambling is not the most preferable course of action. However, I can see why the ULM athletic department would consider doing so.
First of all, let us examine the upside of such a game. Attendance for the game would be very high, most likely a nearsellout. It has been, I am sorry to say, a very long time since anything of the sort has happened.
This is especially attractive for the athletic department when one considers the effect that this would have on the department's budget. The football program goes a long way toward financing other athletic programs that do not draw such large crowds.
Also, the game may bring out more ULM fans who would not ordinarily attend a game. It is possible they would want to show strong support for the team against a regional opponent. Getting people into the stands that do not ordinarily come is a windfall for the department.
So what is the problem? First of all, I do not buy into what has been suggested by some as the first game of "a new Classic." "Classics" are great for Grambling. However, playing Grambling on a regular basis would be a poor decision in the long-term. ULM is painstakingly trying to build a reputation as a quality 1-A football program. That reputation cannot be added to by constantly scheduling 1-AA opponents. I realize that big-time programs such as LSU and Alabama schedule small schools as "tune-up" games. Be that as it may, ULM needs wins over other 1-A schools. This is the only way that the program will gain respect nationally.
It is worth noting that building a schedule for an NCAA football program is a daunting task. There is a lot that goes into it. It is not now, nor will it ever be, easy to bring quality 1-A opponents to Malone Stadium. When it proves impossible, the athletic department will have no choice but to schedule a 1-AA school.
I feel strongly that athletic director Bobby Staub and the department should work diligently to bring competitors to Malone Stadium who will not only provide a great game but will advance the reputation of Indian football. However, for now, if they can only get a 1-AA school to come to town for a given weekend, I say, why not Grambling? At least it will put bottoms in the seats and there will be no one who can say we are afraid to play them. Go Tribe.