Ask the AD- July Edition
08/01/2011 | 12:00:00 | General
Aug. 1, 2011
This is the latest installment of our monthly feature called, "Ask the AD." If you have questions for Saluki Director of Athletics Mario Moccia, feel free to submit them by e-mail.
E-Mail a question to Mario Moccia
Will there be a new helmet design for the Saluki Football team this year?
We have no plans this year to alter the helmet, but we have discussed possible variations, specifically eliminating the dog head and just going with the "bullet" Saluki word mark. We believe this would give a better representation on television as well as in person. We are also considering a maroon helmet. Our Director of Equipment Operations, Mike Valentine, just took a position at the University of Arizona, so our new director will be taking the lead on the subject of helmet design.
With the new track being built, does this mean SIU is closer to offering a soccer program?
The new track was built with dimensions that can accommodate collegiate women's soccer, and we also have a locker room area in the adjacent building which will house the men's and women's track teams, or a women's soccer team if one is ever added. Adding women's soccer as a sport has been discussed only from a cost standpoint. We have conducted some research in our conference but would need to weigh the cost of the program versus the benefits of Title IX compliance, opportunity for conference success, as well as interest in the sport in our area and region. Women's soccer could also play a big part in the overall campus plan to increase enrollment, especially female enrollment.
