(05-30-2020 08:58 AM)DoubleRSU Wrote: (05-29-2020 11:18 PM)DavidSt Wrote: (05-29-2020 06:50 PM)DoubleRSU Wrote: (05-29-2020 09:53 AM)Scoochpooch1 Wrote: (05-29-2020 09:41 AM)DavidSt Wrote: WAC should extend an inite to Lamar since they wanted FBS. It would be a start.
They wanted it in 2009 but are absolutely unprepared for the move.
This has been explained to him many times and he refuses to accept.
Lamar have been ready for FBS right now. Adding now for them to upgrade to FBS as an Independent would be a head start for the WAC to be FBS again. They already have scheduling TEXAS FBS schools already.
I don’t even know what you’re trying to say here.
He might have been thinking about the following on the "...ready for FBS right now" topic:
1.
Demonstrated ability to raise funds - For example, the last concentrated fund raising campaign started with a $50M goal. The goal needed to be increased several times during the scheduled campaign because goals were being met well before the conclusion of the campaign. The goal was first increased to $100M and then to $125M. The campaign ultimately raised $132M. Athletics received $20M while academics and scholarships received $112M.
Link - Fund Raising Campaign results
2.
Increasing and good enrollment base - Based on Fall, 2019 effective enrollment base is 19,500+. The university's Fall 2019 enrollment was a record 15,460. LIT, across the street from the university, had a Fall enrollment of 4,071. LIT shares in services including athletics and athletic fees.
3.
A relatively low athletic fee - The athletic fee is currently at $10.58 per semester hour. Using Texas State as a comparison, their fee is currently $22.00 per semester hour. Texas State increased their athletic fee as part of their move to FBS. If needed, there is room to grow the athletic fee without overburdening the students.
Link - Lamar University fee schedule
Link - Texas State University fee schedule
4.
Current budget - While on the low end of FBS members, Lamar's athletic budget is currently higher than at least one current FBS member and close to several others.
5.
Facilities - The football stadium already has more capacity than at least one FBS member. Lamar also already has a 54,000 sq ft athletic complex, as large if not larger than several current FBS programs. Other facilities are in good shape with continuing improvements to the 10,000+ seat basketball arena, 3,500 seat baseball stadium, a relatively new softball stadium (opened in 2015), and an 10,000+ sq ft soccer/softball complex building opened in 2009. Other facilities have received improvements also.
6.
A decent population base - The Beaumont-Port Arthur MSA has a population of around 400,000. There are over 600,000 when including surrounding counties; 2 of which are part of the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land MSA.
7.
Close proximity to the 4th largest city in the US - The university is 80 miles from the center of Houston. The area is close enough to receive benefits of the larger city, but not too close.
8.
Favorable accessibility - The regional airport is 7 miles from campus. The two big Houston airports are a little over 1 hour drive time away. The university is adjacent to a freeway for three US highways (287, 69, 96). Interstate 10 is just a few miles away. If someone wanted to come in by water, the Port of Beaumont ranks 4th in the nation in terms of tonnage. The Sabine Neches Waterway is in the top 5 in the nation (#3 in 2015)
Link - Port article
Link - Sabine Neches Waterway
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NMSU AD on WAC FBS FB "It's on the docket to be discussed..there's some smoke there"
