Friday, December 05, 2008
Tech's success starts with football
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Todd C. Pittman
Pittman, of Floyd County, is a 1991 Virginia Tech alumnus.
Here we go again. When University of Virginia supporters like Mel Fuller feel that Virginia Tech gets more support in the local news media, they feel the need to take shots at Virginia Tech's academics or exclaim how they don't accept athletes of questionable character at "The" University ("Tech's priorities are misplaced," Nov. 21 letter).
I've got some unfortunate news for Fuller and all the UVa faithful who want to continue to go down this road. Was the emphasis put on academics when UVa built the new John Paul Jones Arena, or when it put millions into renovating Scott Stadium?
Recently, UVa has been ranked in the top 10 of the infamous Fulmer Cup which measures the presence of university athletes in its city's local police report and the severity of their crimes. It is named after Phil Fulmer, the coach of Tennessee, and can be found by searching Fulmer Cup online.
Tech meanwhile, has been recognized for having one of the highest graduation rates for its football team.
Moreover, much to the dismay of Fuller and other UVa supporters, Tech also found a way to have its architecture program ranked as the best in the country last year. Not just best in the state (UVa has an architecture program, too) but best in the country.
How did they swing that one with all the emphasis they put on winning games?
By putting money into athletic programs, especially the football program, and by being in high profile games, the university gets valuable exposure that drives enrollment which increases competition and qualification standards.
Don't believe me? Research the number of applications to Tech and their qualifying SAT scores before the football team started winning and the numbers now. Spending money on athletics has definitely benefited Tech and our local economy.
Instead of just being biased against Tech because the football team has dominated UVa in recent years even though UVa has spent just as much money on its athletics, I suggest Fuller do a little research before he sticks his nose up at the academics offered at Tech.
Has he even noticed the expansion of the Research Park at Tech or seen the growth that is starting in Roanoke due to a new medical school that is a joint venture between Tech and Carilion?
Wonder where money for all this expansion and growth for Tech and the community comes from? My answer would start with that football team. It might be time to move to Charlottesville if you don't want to hear about the good things happening at Tech.
