TechTravis
Ramblin' Wreck
- Messages
- 666
I think it's pretty clear based on reading the AJC the last few days and reading what some "in the know" posters have posted here that the relationship between the school and the AA is not in the best of shape. I also know the way to fix it is by working to compromise, rather than push and shove. Having said that, here are 5 things I'd like to see done in order to ensure the viability and growth of GT athletics moving forward. Feel free to make your own list or add to mine;
1. The Calculus requirement. I understand that it's never going away fully, but even being able to buy an incoming freshman an additional year to acclimate himself to the rigors of GT as a student before having to "face the devil:" would be very helpful both in recruiting and retention. I can't count on two hands the number of potential SA's who have told me the reason they aren't more interested in GT is not because they have to take calculus, but because of how soon they have to take it.
2. And this is kind of a piggyback to #1, but I'd like to see Georgia Tech form a more official relationship with Georgia Military College and other various schools around the state that can offer calculus and other APR-compliant courses for JUCO's that might have not gotten interested in GT until late in the process. It can't hurt to try, and if we get even a handful of kids from it, it would be worth it.
3. Greater pressure on both the powers at GT and the Board of Regents to increase the levels of co-operation with GT's AA. If the BOR won't agree to something reasonable, call them out on it. Embarrass them on ESPN if necessary. The only way to get what you want sometimes is to publicly ask for it. If it's not "the Tech way," then maybe it's time to re-evaluate that way of thinking.
4. Increase budget for recruiting and on-campus support staff for athletics. I think this one is self-explanatory.
5. Greater focus on developing young alumni programs that lead to increased AA donations. I worry about what GT's athletic budget will look like in 25 years...
1. The Calculus requirement. I understand that it's never going away fully, but even being able to buy an incoming freshman an additional year to acclimate himself to the rigors of GT as a student before having to "face the devil:" would be very helpful both in recruiting and retention. I can't count on two hands the number of potential SA's who have told me the reason they aren't more interested in GT is not because they have to take calculus, but because of how soon they have to take it.
2. And this is kind of a piggyback to #1, but I'd like to see Georgia Tech form a more official relationship with Georgia Military College and other various schools around the state that can offer calculus and other APR-compliant courses for JUCO's that might have not gotten interested in GT until late in the process. It can't hurt to try, and if we get even a handful of kids from it, it would be worth it.
3. Greater pressure on both the powers at GT and the Board of Regents to increase the levels of co-operation with GT's AA. If the BOR won't agree to something reasonable, call them out on it. Embarrass them on ESPN if necessary. The only way to get what you want sometimes is to publicly ask for it. If it's not "the Tech way," then maybe it's time to re-evaluate that way of thinking.
4. Increase budget for recruiting and on-campus support staff for athletics. I think this one is self-explanatory.
5. Greater focus on developing young alumni programs that lead to increased AA donations. I worry about what GT's athletic budget will look like in 25 years...
