Oct. 19, 2004
Are we still toying with the idea of going D1? Just checking out the new site. It looks great! Thanks David. The landscape of college athletics in regard conference alignments is an ever-changing one. My alma mater, TCU, will enter its third conference in six years in 2005. There is talk in national circles of eliminating the I-A and I-AA monikers and only having Division I football. Again, this is purely in discussion mode right now. I tell you these things because it proves the point that there is a lot to be settled. Let me finish my answer by saying that we are looking forward to competing for the Southland Conference football championship over the coming weeks and will continue to be a force in the Commissioner's Cup race. This site is off the hook! Thank you, thank you, and thank you! As a Texas State alumnus and a first time donor to the Bobcat Athletic Foundation, I can't begin to tell you how proud I am to be a Bobcat. I always knew in my heart that great things would happen to Bobcat athletics, especially the football program. After many disappointing years, I'm encouraged we're on the right track and destined for greatness. I know we're not there now and it's going to be a tough road ahead, but I believe Coach Bailiff is the right fit and you're doing a fantastic job. Here's a question for you: Are there any plans to upgrade the Bobcat Stadium facilities? Bathrooms, expanded seating, anything? Take care and keep the momentum going! Thanks for your comments about the site and direction of our department. As far as Bobcat Stadium is concerned, we have made some needed improvements in stair steps over the last two years, and I am pleased with our efforts on that front. We will continue to improve things, i.e., visitor's locker room, as the need arises. Hopefully, the need to expand the seating will be in the very near future! Additionally, there is a strong possibility that an elevator will be added for next season with access to the concourse level, upper deck, and press box. We are working on this project currently.
ROB IN VICTORIA Rob, the best way to get your foot in the door is to find an appropriate internship and be willing to pay your dues early in this profession. I will use an example of not only myself, but our three Associate Athletics Directors also. After graduating from TCU, I started out doing various internships before working full-time in minor league baseball, got my master's in Sports Administration from St. Thomas University, and finished my doctoral work while working as an intern at the University of New Mexico that developed into a full-time position. Two of our Associate AD's, Tracy Shoemake and Tim McMurray, both have over 15 years of experience in intercollegiate athletics and started their careers as student interns at their alma maters. Don Coryell, our other Associate AD, followed in similar footsteps, taking a low paying internship after completing his time as a student-athlete. I tell you each of our stories because we have all been fortunate enough to parlay our internships into full-time positions with some hard work and determination.
DAVID IN WASHINGTON David, as I have stated publicly on several occasions, our number one priority from a facility standpoint is the baseball and softball complex. We hope to have our fund-raising materials printed no later than January of 2005, and our administration is very excited about some of the early leads we have on this project. Also, David, please forward your address to Tim McMurray, our Associate AD who will be the primary contact on the project, so we may send you a copy of the brochure when printed.
DON IN EAGLE RIVER, ALASKA Don, I addressed the I-A question a little bit earlier in this posting. As far as the games in San Antonio, we have had past discussions about doing it, but it has to be feasible for not only us, but the team we would play. Bobcat Stadium for our first two games this year was a terrific home field advantage, and I believe we can continue to build on that tradition. If a sensible Division I opponent presents itself the opportunity to play in San Antonio, we will certainly be aggressive in making it happen.
BILL COMFORT - CARROLLTON I have now viewed and spent a considerable amount of time on the new website and am most impressed. Again, you have scored a major coup. Larry, you have done an awesome job of bringing the entire athletic department in line with a tremendous campus, school and experience. Texas State now has the entire package. Even though our daughter, Kendra, will finish her athletic career this year, we will continue to support all Texas State athletics in the future. Texas State, its school of higher education and athletic programs, is on the rise! Thank you for providing Kendra an opportunity to pursue an education from Texas State and participate in a tremendous athletic program. I look forward in continuing to watch and support Texas State. Bill, thank you so much. We have enjoyed having Kendra here and what she has meant to Bobcat Soccer. It is very gratifying when I get e-mails like this to remind us why we work in college athletics - the welfare of our student-athletes. Certainly do not hesitate to contact me or anyone on my staff for future assistance.
Got a question you want to ask Director of Athletics Larry Teis? Do you have a question about Bobcats athletics? Well, fire away. Fill out the form below and Larry will answer questions throughout the year. Check back often to see if he answers your question. Go Bobcats!
|
