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Editorial: See? Division-I move a smart play after all

Published: Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Updated: Wednesday, March 10, 2010 23:03

What do you think of Charles Garcia's decision to declare for the NBA draft?

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Seattle University's shift to Division I has been one of the more controversial issues in the last decade. Students and faculty have argued the move is harmful to the university's identity and that additional funds allocated to Athletics would mean less money for academic programs.

The value of a D-I identity is not always measured in dollars. Seattle U's media coverage has taken a noticeable leap. NBA scouts frequent the higher profile basketball games.

Don't hesitate to give the basketball program credit, though. A first-year head coach led a returning first year D-I institution to a 17-14 winning season under pressure from both the media and his peers. That is an impressive feat in any book.

The school itself is more frequently portrayed in outlets such as The Seattle Times, Sports Illustrated and in various television spots. This is the kind of coverage that is not so easily bought, and these are only some of the advantages provided by D-I.

Opening The Seattle Times and reading an article about your college affords a sense of pride that isn't quite possible at the D-II level. And stronger connections with alumni are already being fostered.

The school's physical growth is a testament to where we are going as an institution. The expansion of campus is a boon to the university's image. Argue dollar signs all you want, but when prospective students take a tour of campus next year and see the ins and outs of the modern new library, they'll be impressed.

Proliferating the name of Seattle U is simply invaluable. Enrollment applications will only increase from here on out and this school's name will gradually make it into conversation between parents and high school seniors all over the country.

To that end, Cameron Dollar's award as the coach of the year for a D-I independent is well deserved, as is Charles Garcia's Independent Player of the Year award.

Next year will bring even more surprises with new buildings and a second helping of D-I basketball.

Get ready and reload for round two.

Reach the editorial board at opinion@su-spectator.com

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3 comments

Anonymous
Sun Mar 14 2010 16:03
Publicity for the school through academics will attract higher caliber students. I look at SU's advancement of the athletic program as an academic investment as well. Bottom line - publicity will attract students and athletics is the way schools can attract attention. You both sound like total pessimists that don't appreciate how a school's focus on athletics can enhance academics. Just be happy for SU.
Anonymous
Thu Mar 11 2010 00:47
No, you're an idiot. Look at schools like USC, University of Washington, Stanford, Gonzaga, Georgetown, U of Florida, and dozens more. Each one is a D-I school and each one is superb in both academics and at least one sport. In my humble opinion, it is actually worse for a school's image to be only focused on academics. Even the Ivy schools have above average athletics (Harvard basketball this year is a great example).
Anonymous
Wed Mar 10 2010 22:48
But what kind of reputation is being built for SU? One of good academic standing or one merely of being a D1 school with a potentially good athletic program? Isn't it possible that academics will slowly get overlooked in this transition while a greater emphasis is put on academics?






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