In an age of competitive schooling where universities try to lure the best and brightest young people from across the country to attend their school, one major entity helps and that is football.
Every university in America has something to be proud of, whether it be an impressive Liberal Arts College or School of Architecture.
For some schools, Auburn being one of those, football reigns as the most invigorating source of national publication.
First let me begin by emphasizing I am not bashing my eventual alma mater.
I love Auburn, I breathe Auburn and if I could, I would literally bleed Auburn; however, we must face the fact that we are a state school guided by football more than academics.
Is there a reason Auburn can spend millions on a scoreboard, have the second highest paid overall coaching staff and work off of an athletic budget that seemingly multiplies exponentially?
Yes, the reason stems simply from revenue.
In 2004-2005, Auburn spent roughly 16 million dollars on football while making 40 million, for a profit of 24 million dollars.
This money is of course used to build new facilities as well as take care of other foreseen expenses.
Basically, the fact is Auburn relies on football for everything, including attracting students.
Here is an example.
Auburn has a fine engineering school that everyone in Alabama should take pride in. However, what about the kid from South Dakota?
Did he really come here for the schooling or did he come here for the football?
Many good, comparable engineering schools exist between here and South Dakota.
This kid came to school at Auburn because every time he turns his television on Saturday afternoon Auburn is playing on a big stage.
This is not a bad thing, I will continue to urge.
Every school has a different approach.
Fortunately for those of us who enjoy sports, we have chosen a great place to get a great education.
I would like to personally welcome all students back for another go-round at Auburn.
Football is only three weeks away and the tension is mounting.
What type of team will we have, can we win the SEC or the national championships?
These are all formidable questions of hope posed by fans, even those hailing from the prairies of South Dakota.
One last thought, how do you feel Alabama fans feel when they pay their coach four million dollars simply on reputation?
Jon-Marc Larson is Sports Editor of The Auburn Plainsman. You can reach her at 844-9104.
