February 16, 2011
Let’s get ready for some football. It is time for the undefeated Bison to be brought back from 1940 or at least this is what the Oklahoma Baptist University administration is proposing. OBU desires to bring football to the university in the fall of 2012.
Discussion of this has been going on for several years now through the administration because a desire for it has been proposed as well as for many other circumstances. A student forum was held many weeks ago in which the students were informed by administration about the new sports addition to OBU, the focus of which by the students questions was football.
A main concern for students is whether or not adding football would increase tuition for the current students. The administration addressed this issue by informing the student body that a donation was being given to start this program. It was clear that the administration has done their research and has looked at everything from many different angles.
The overall attitude of the students at the forum did not exactly seem to reflect a positive one, which for some might be surprising where as other students completely agree. There are many advantages and disadvantages to adding football to OBU but the question remains do the students see the advantages as greater than the disadvantages?
In an interview with sophomore Skyler Strahm she shared her thoughts on football being brought to the school, “I think it is a great idea because not only will it bring more people to OBU, but eventually more money to OBU athletics and academics.”
When asked about some disadvantages to adding football Skyler said, “The construction might be annoying for a while,” which is a valid point mentioned and discussed amongst the students at the forum.
The 2020 plan which is online and available for all students who want to see the changes that are planning on being made in regards to the campus, such as new guys dorms, which would is already a necessity and would definitely be even more so if a full football team was added to OBU.
Freshmen Taylor Clifton commented on this issue and said, “If we add an entire football team living quarters and parking would need to be expanded upon.” This was a concern mentioned amongst several students interviewed as well as at the student forum.
Skye Coffman attended the student forum and said, “I thought the student forum was a good idea, but I think students had the mindset of what can the university do for me rather than focusing on the real issues with football being brought to OBU. I think regardless of what the students say they are going to do whatever they feel is best.”
Many of the questions and concerns that the students are personally based, but that is understandable considering bringing football to OBU will effect each and every student in some way shape or form.
The administration realizes this and that was a main reason for having the student forum is to get an idea of what the students views and concerns are in regards to expanding the OBU athletic program.
There are many students that seem to have a very positive attitude toward football without too many concerns but there are definitely several students that have many concerns and valid reasons for their concerns such as junior Jordan Gilbert who said, “I wonder if they have thought about all the travel expenses. The football team will have to go out of state. It could possibly raise a lot of money but also will be the most risky of all the sports.”
Even with his concerns Jordan Gilbert said when asked to describe his overall attitude towards football he said, “I am hesitantly optimistic. I can see the benefits, but I am still very skeptical.
They have been talking about adding football for a while, but did not have the resources to do so and now that they do I want to feel confident that the administration has looked at every part of it. I want to know they have covered all of their bases.”
The students at OBU want to be considered in making this decision. The administration is aware of this, which is why a student forum was held as well as a survey sent out to the students of OBU to give the them an opportunity to express their opinions. It is important for all students to participate if they want to do what is best for OBU regardless of whether they feel that is to bring football here or to not.
If there is an opinion or concern to be expressed, here is the chance to express it. Don’t miss out.
