wfduck
09-18-2003, 08:53 PM
EDITORIAL: Football schedule at UND needs some oomph
OUR VIEW: UND's schedule has an impact on the school's success in other areas.
Recent editorials have celebrated enrollment increases and research gains at UND.
These topics got attention again Wednesday, when figures showed what UND officials had been expecting. Enrollment topped 13,000.
President Charles Kupchella called attention to the university's increasing funding for research in his State of the University address Wednesday. He also boasted about increased giving by university alumni and improving academic programs.
That's all wonderful.
But every silver lining has a cloud.
At UND, it's the football schedule.
While evidence is that UND continues its march toward first-class status in many areas, the record on the football field is less inspiring. It's not the team's fault. Nor the coaches. It's whoever drew up the schedule.
Newberry College? Location? South Carolina. Enrollment? 750. Won-loss record? One win in 11 outings. 18 straight losses in conference games.
Previous UND opponents: The University of Minnesota-Crookston. That was the Potato Bowl game. Time was, UND sought powerhouse opponents for that game. Time was, it had both tradition and suspense. This year's game was played on the same day that archrival North Dakota State University journeyed to the University of Montana. That's one of the schools that played in the Potato Bowl - in the old days.
Frankly, the football schedule makes us want to re-examine our conclusion that Division I status wasn't right for UND. This year's schedule makes it appear that UND is sinking though, rather than holding its own as a Division II power.
True, the schedulers say they're working on a tougher schedule for next season. That's good.
Athletics is not the most important thing on a college campus. But a successful athletic program has a lot to do with the university's image - and that has a lot to do with important things such as enrollment levels and alumni loyalty. And that has a big impact on research funding and academic programs.
So, Mr. President, a little attention to this little thing, please. A stronger football schedule is in UND's interest - and in the interest of Sioux fans.
OUR VIEW: UND's schedule has an impact on the school's success in other areas.
Recent editorials have celebrated enrollment increases and research gains at UND.
These topics got attention again Wednesday, when figures showed what UND officials had been expecting. Enrollment topped 13,000.
President Charles Kupchella called attention to the university's increasing funding for research in his State of the University address Wednesday. He also boasted about increased giving by university alumni and improving academic programs.
That's all wonderful.
But every silver lining has a cloud.
At UND, it's the football schedule.
While evidence is that UND continues its march toward first-class status in many areas, the record on the football field is less inspiring. It's not the team's fault. Nor the coaches. It's whoever drew up the schedule.
Newberry College? Location? South Carolina. Enrollment? 750. Won-loss record? One win in 11 outings. 18 straight losses in conference games.
Previous UND opponents: The University of Minnesota-Crookston. That was the Potato Bowl game. Time was, UND sought powerhouse opponents for that game. Time was, it had both tradition and suspense. This year's game was played on the same day that archrival North Dakota State University journeyed to the University of Montana. That's one of the schools that played in the Potato Bowl - in the old days.
Frankly, the football schedule makes us want to re-examine our conclusion that Division I status wasn't right for UND. This year's schedule makes it appear that UND is sinking though, rather than holding its own as a Division II power.
True, the schedulers say they're working on a tougher schedule for next season. That's good.
Athletics is not the most important thing on a college campus. But a successful athletic program has a lot to do with the university's image - and that has a lot to do with important things such as enrollment levels and alumni loyalty. And that has a big impact on research funding and academic programs.
So, Mr. President, a little attention to this little thing, please. A stronger football schedule is in UND's interest - and in the interest of Sioux fans.