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Stony Brook considering full scholarship


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Here is the link to todays Newsday article. Although there are many who oppose full scholarship and upgrades to the "next level" I for one hope that it happens for UAlbany and UStony Brook. I strongly feel that the upgrade is needed for New York State athletes, students and the public to instill some sorely needed passion and pride in the State Universities and New York State. Still many people will want to point out what is happening at UBuffalo. Progams develop over time, there are no overnight successes. Northwestern, Rutgers and others suffered as bad or worse and still managed to turn it around. UBuffalo will get it turned around soon. This article does not make any promises but, I think the investment into there stadium tells where they want to go.

 

http://www.newsday.com/sports/college/ny-s...ports-headlines

 

 

SBU Can't Afford Fumble

Oct 8, 2003

 

 

 

Top Stories

 

Steven Marcus: SBU Can't Afford Fumble

 

 

 

 

October 8, 2003

 

 

St. John's, Fairfield and Canisius dropped football during the last 12 months, leaving only 23 colleges in Division I-AA playing need-based or limited-scholarship football. What does that portend for the future of football at Stony Brook University, which spent $22 million on a new stadium?

 

Essentially, it means move up - or out - of the sport on the collegiate level.

 

"Generally, we're looking at a different direction," SBU athletic director Jim Fiore said. "We're looking to take this thing to the next level. I don't know what the next level is."

 

The logical move would be full scholarships, but SBU is not financially prepared to dish out 63 full rides - the maximum number in I-AA. Fiore estimated the cost at $2 million for scholarship ball, compared to the current $500,000.

 

"Financially, we're going to have a brighter day here soon," Fiore said.

 

With enrollment down at many colleges and gender equity paramount in budgetary considerations, dropping football has become the only alternative at several institutions. "It creates an issue because there aren't that many teams out there for us to play," said Dan Melucci, Stony Brook's vice president for strategy, planning and analysis.

 

SBU plays in the eight-member Northeast Conference, which permits a maximum of 12 scholarships per institution. SBU would consider adding more scholarships, but are not in a financial situation to offer the maximum number of 63 alllowed in I-AA. "We're hoping very much that there's a national movement toward I-AA schools dropping scholarship totals to something down in the 40 range," Melucci said.

 

But I-AA football chairman Wayne Hogan, the AD at Montana, said he has heard "no legitimate conversation" about winnowing down that number. To the contrary, Hogan said, "The primary discussions we have is how can we enhance what we are doing, make it bigger and better."

 

NEC commissioner John Iamarino said reaching a consensus to limit scholarships is problematic. "It's a case of everybody looking across the table and saying 'We'll disarm if you do,'" Iamarino said. "Nobody wants to make the first move."

 

When St. John's dropped football after last season, it was a warning to the remaining schools playing the sport with limited or no scholarships.

 

"I think you will see more programs go by the wayside," said Bob Ricca, the St. John's coach, who lost his team and his job. Ricca said upgrading to full scholarships will squeeze out many athletes. "A kid who doesn't [qualify] for a scholarship, why should he be prevented from playing?" Ricca asked.

 

Stony Brook is looking up. It will play fully funded Hofstra next season. "It will tell me how much of a difference there is in the talent level brought about by scholarships," Melucci said. "My concern is that it's going to be substantial."

 

 

For information, call 1-866-789-5423.

Copyright © 2003, Newsday, Inc.

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I am assuming that this will also have Albany in mind as well. Hitchcock is against a move up and McElroy is for it. She may be at the University Of Florida next year anyway. Albany also plays Hofstra next year. I think this conference will be set up with 40 scholarships available. What i don't understand is that these schools have access to MILLIONS and they won't spend it on Football? I just don't understand! Its not like we are a nationally ranked business school or Med school....where is alll this money going????

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