LETTER: Time to put education first

To the editor:

    There have been two recent articles in The Statesman regarding a student fee increase of $65/semester to support USU athletics. In the latest article (11 Feb 2009), USU Athletic Department Director Scott Barnes is quoted as saying, “Athletics is to USU as the front porch is to someone’s home. It’s not the most important room in (the) house, but it’s the most visible.” 
    At a time like this, when students are strapped for cash, a $130/year student fee increase is not a light matter. A very relevant question, given the current budget crisis and economic circumstances is in order:  Does the university exist to support athletics, or do athletics exist to support the university?
    If the university exists to support athletics, I move we waste no time and petition the State Legislature, the Board of Regents and President Albrecht to officially change the name of Utah State University (USU) to the Utah State Athletic Club (USAC). We could still retain our “Aggies” name and our mascot, Big Blue. We could also cut all the programs that don’t support athletics, leaving only the Health, Physical Education and Recreation Department, and the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business (for marketing and strategy purposes).
    If, however, USU athletics exists to support and enhance the university, perhaps it’s time to take a serious look at where our priorities as a university are.  If athletics can’t make enough money to cover costs, even after taking more than $50/semester from most of us, maybe it is time to cut back.  Maybe it’s time to cut those athletic programs that generate a net deficit and keep those that bring a net profit. Or, what if we ditched NCAA athletics all together and put more emphasis on intramural sports? As much as I like USU basketball and yes, even football, I did not come to USU because of the athletic department.  I came to USU, and I’ve stayed at USU, because I like the academics here, I like Logan and I like the people.  Maybe it’s time to put education first.

Edward Everett