Ask The AD - September edition
09/30/2015 | 12:00:00 | General
E-Mail a question to Tommy Bell
Is there any way SIU can go back to using a logo again, instead of the word "Salukis" for everything? While I understand we do it because it's unique, it doesn't look good when ESPN tries to squeeze the word into a small space versus a logo to identify us.
I agree with your assessment, and we've already directed ESPN and other broadcast entities to incorporate our primary logo (the dog head) instead of the word mark for this very reason. We will continue to use the word mark in other capacities, as it sends a strong message about our identity as Salukis.
I know some Division I schools are now offering their athletes a certain number of meals per semester. Why does SIU not do this for its hard-working athletes? Any idea when this will happen?
Meal plans are part of a student-athlete's scholarship, and they are also fed before and after competition through pre- and post-game meals. Additionally, we are in our second year of providing our student-athletes with a "fueling station" that allows them access to a wide selection of foods on a daily basis. The menu options were devised by our strength coach and a nutritionist, and we've received excellent feedback on the program from our student-athletes.
As a Division I school that fields many athletic teams, why is it that soccer is not offered as a varsity sport here?
Soccer has been a topic of discussion on campus for many years and currently the university offers a club program. I would say start-up expenses, gender equity issues and a proper facility are the biggest hurdles with starting an intercollegiate program. We do have a soccer-ready facility at the new track complex, but current state budget issues would preclude us from establishing a varsity program at this time.
I have been living and working abroad in South Korea for the past 10 years and have enjoyed the live game broadcasts on Saluki All-Access. Now that the MVC has switched to ESPN3, games are no longer available on Saluki All-Access. How can we alums who live abroad gain access to ESPN3 programming so that we can watch the games?
I checked with the conference office, and unfortunately, ESPN3 is currently only a domestic platform. However, if you are on a U.S. Army Base, then the IP address should register domestic and free access will be provided. At this time, that is the only way to access ESPN3 content overseas.
