OUR VIEW: New flag poles are a much-needed amenity

After years of neglect, flagpoles were recently installed at two Utah State University athletics venues finally allowing fans and athletes alike the opportunity to pay tribute to their country.

Up until last week, both Bell and Johnson Fields, the university’s soccer and softball facilities, respectively, had been without flagpoles.

The athletes and patrons of these facilities who wanted to pay tribute were forced to get by with makeshift substitutes – sometimes even hanging Old Glory from a yardstick.

During a board of directors meeting several months ago, the Big Blue Club – an organization charged with collecting alumni and community donations for university athletics – recognized the problem and made plans to remedy the situation.

Last week, thanks to the Big Blue Club and community donors, flagpoles were installed at both sites.

While these changes may seem small, they are still a step in the right direction. Utah State University is a Division I school and flagpoles should certainly be included among the amenities of any Division I athletics venue.

Utah State is on the verge of joining the bigger – and better – Western Athletics Conference. Facilities and venues are a major attraction in recruiting athletes and recruiting will determine the university’s future success.

The progress at Bell and Johnson Fields, like the rennovations of Romney Stadium, also marks the beginning of a new era of USU athletics. Tom Hale, the new president of the Big Blue Club, and Randy Spetman, the university’s new athletics director, are both dedicated individuals who want to advance Utah State Athletics.

Hale, Spetman, the Big Blue Club and the university should be congratulated and urged to continue progress.