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My steps to becoming legitimate

Ross Simon, Columnist

Over the past few months, within this column, I have argued on behalf of Miami University remaining a Division I school, a boost in listenership for WMSR and that in the grand scheme, sports doesn't matter amongst other things. Having said that, I am disappointed, but more appropriately perplexed, at how Miami students have a quasi warped view of the way that a Division I school supports their team. I have compiled a list of steps that any D-I school must take in order to be considered a "legitimate" program.

Commitment to athletics. Miami's grade: A

Miami currently has one of, if not the, best athletic director in the business. Brad Bates has led this school through thick and thin, and has been recognized nationally by being elected President of the Division I Athletic Directors Association. I give my greatest of congratulations to Bates and the entire athletic staff at Miami. I also commend the fact that rather then try and raise endowment funds using athletics as the kick-start, University President David Hodge and the administrative staff have rather used stellar academics.

Fan support. Miami's grade: D-

Miami fans are quite simply, pathetic. The only reason this grade is not an ‘F' is because of our stellar alumni base. Does it not bother Miami students that at many athletic events, alumni outnumber students in what seems like a 10-1 ratio?

I am sick and tired of people using the "we're in the MAC, nobody goes to any MAC team games." I point to Ohio University and the University of Toledo. Both teams were featured on ESPN at times this season and both teams had showings that made them look like they could soon be invited to a larger conference. Their fans are committed to sports in a way that you would see similarly at an Ohio State University or a University of South Carolina. Unlike the way Miami students would portray things, the MAC is not a "garbage" or a "second class" conference.

Athletic facilities. Miami's grade: B

Miami is one of few schools to have dedicated facilities to ALL sports, even minor sports such as hockey. Having said that, Millett Hall is quickly falling out of date as an inept facility to play basketball and volleyball in. I hope to see Miami embark on a rebuild of Millett similar to the rebuild of the Goggin Ice Center.

Sporting traditions and culture. Miami's grade: C-

Miami has a deep tradition in football, baseball and basketball, with all three programs being over 100 years old. Yet, if you ask any average student at the school we're a "hockey school." Miami needs to be able to show its traditions more proudly. Perhaps mentioning the fact that Miami is 25th overall ALL TIME in overall wins in college football?

Intangibles. Miami's grade: B-

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Miami seems to do a great job of staying out of trouble, but there is an air of secrecy about the athletics department. Sometimes when a player is not injured, but also doesn't play, a very ambiguous statement is given. I respect a coach's right to keep some things under wrap, specifically if a player is suspended for violating school policy, but there is something going on and the public deserves to know.

Overall, Miami is a great school for academics, research and a vast other number of subjects that would take me 5,000 words to describe and give the credit where credit is due, but Miami simply does not measure up in athletics, and that is due to the fan base. Ultimately, Miami will NEVER be taken seriously unless fans are standing out in the pouring rain for a football game, or if the students blow the roof off of Millett Hall for cheering so loudly. If Miami wants to be viewed as a "real" sports school, with a "real" sporting culture, it needs to start with us, the fans.


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