Tommy Bell monthly newsletter — January edition
01/31/2017 | 1:13:00 | General
Greetings, Saluki Nation!
I would like to use this month's newsletter to address the serious topic of our recent decision to cut sports in Saluki Athletics. Personally, it was the most heartbreaking day of my tenure at SIU when I met last week with the coaches and student-athletes of our Tennis teams to inform them we were discontinuing their programs. These individuals were (and always will be) Salukis. They have fought, bled and competed on behalf of the maroon and white with great distinction. They are terrific representatives of SIU in the classroom, on the courts, and in the community. Since the decision was announced, I've received heartfelt phone calls from people who told me how much their interaction with Saluki Tennis has meant to them. Whether through personal tennis lessons or camps conducted by coach Audra Anderson, or through the volunteer service offered by team members, Saluki Tennis has made a lasting impact on our community.
My wife, Laurie, used to coach collegiate field hockey and was on the receiving end of similar news when Northern Illinois cut her sport in the 1990s. That difficult experience was a frame of reference for me when we began discussing the possibility of cutting sports at SIU more than a year ago. Then, our sister school, SIUE, cut two sports last February. Our own Carbondale campus has seen widespread cuts throughout academic departments. Athletics would not be immune.
The two questions I hear most often are, why not make administrative cuts elsewhere, and why tennis? Let me first explain some aspects of our business model in Athletics, which have changed dramatically in the last 5-10 years. We are carrying significant Saluki Way debt, much like a home mortgage. Enrollment declines have impacted our student-fee revenue. At our peak 10 years ago, we had more than 5,000 men's basketball season-ticket holders, but ticket sales in both basketball and football (our two revenue-producing sports) have significantly declined. While we've made recent gains in our Saluki Athletic Scholarship Fund, it was not enough to offset the other factors.
As I surveyed the financial landscape shortly after taking the AD job in the summer of 2015, I knew cuts were coming. We started by streamlining our business operation, finding approximately $1 million in savings. We knew any further cuts would impact the ability of all of our teams to be competitive. Tennis emerged as the leading candidate to be discontinued because of issues related to conference affiliation and the fact we must rent an off-campus training facility. While it was a painful and difficult decision, I'm convinced it was the right one, and one that will help us emerge stronger if we use it to rally together.
I believe the story of our tennis programs illustrates the ongoing need we have for financial support from our devoted fan base. We currently have approximately 900 donors to the SASF. By my projections, we need to grow that number to upward of 2,000 donors in the next five years. With your help, we can reach that goal. This newsletter alone reaches more than 4,500 subscribers. If you are already a member, please ask a friend or neighbor to consider joining the SASF. Tell them about the outstanding work our student-athletes are doing on the field and in the classroom. Ask them to look at our Fund brochure. Saluki Nation, we need you now more than ever. Standing together, we are a powerful force!
I appreciate the numerous questions related to the men's basketball program I've received from Ask the AD during the past month. I've tried to consolidate those questions into one reply.
Q: There are numerous fans and season-ticket holders that want to understand the University's stance as it relates to competing at a high level and what that means when it comes to the men's basketball program? Do you feel that Barry Hinson is the coach to return SIU Basketball back to the NCAA Tournament?
A: Competing at a high level at our institution means winning conference titles and advancing to the NCAA Tournament. That bar was set going all the way back to Harry Gallatin more than 50 years ago, and the tradition of excellence continued through Jack Hartman, Paul Lambert, Rich Herrin, Bruce Weber, Matt Painter and Chris Lowery. I fully support Coach Hinson and believe he deserves a fair opportunity in which to achieve that same success.
So you might ask, what is a reasonable timeframe? I've looked at data that shows the average length between NCAA Tournament appearances for mid-major programs is around eight years. My expectations for Saluki Basketball are certainly much higher. Even factoring in our current 10-year dry spell, the average time between NCAA Tournament appearances at Southern Illinois in the last 25 years is 2.7 years. Historically, it is less than five years. Unlike many of our peers, we are blessed with great tradition, facilities and fan support. I remain unwavering in my commitment to Restore the Glory of Saluki Basketball. As you can see from the financial picture I outlined above, our future depends on it.
Q: Have there been any discussions on future FBS opponents?
A: Yes, we will play at Memphis in 2017, at Mississippi in 2018 and at Arkansas State in 2019. We are moving closer to signing a contract with our opponent in 2020, as well. Scheduling FBS opponents is a bit of an art form, as you have to consider not only the guarantee amount we will receive, but the travel costs involved, and the impact a prospective opponent can have on your team.
I should also add that February will be a busy and exciting month for Saluki Football. Signing Day takes place on Feb. 1 and I am very excited about the class that head coach Nick Hill and his team have assembled. You can follow a live feed of our signees on the official website and @SIU_Football. We are planning a video announcement of our football schedule on Feb. 13, and season-ticket renewals will go out in the mail shortly thereafter. Finally, our Spring Ball season starts earlier this year with the team beginning practice on Feb. 28.
Please keep the questions coming.
With Saluki Pride,
