The Columbia administration has finally made the right commitment to football and athletics by hiring new Athletic Director Peter Pilling and Head Coach Al Bagnoli.
This was the financial and heartfelt investment we've been demanding for decades. It included a key act of contrition because hiring Bagnoli from another Ivy program finally put to rest the administration's, "this is New York and the other successful Ivy program leaders couldn't do it here," excuse.
Now the football program is asking for some very specific help from us. Pilling and Bagnoli want to:
1) Build an inflatable bubble for Kraft Field for harsh weather practice. The cost will be between $5 million and $7 million.
2) Grow the "Every Player Endowment" from $300,000 to $1 million.
3) Up the annual fundraising for football from $600,000 to $1.1 million
4) Boost the dues paying membership in the Columbia Football Players Club to 300 people.
Based on the strong response for athletics in general and football specifically, I think these goals can be achieved.
I'm not giving this new regime any credit that isn't due. I am very impressed by the commitment, and I will be even more effusive when the winning starts to happen.
But donating more money now is called for based on the moves the administration has finally made. It's a very simple debt the fans need to pay right now.
2 comments:
We are about to test the old "Big Hat, No Cattle" aphorism. Too many people for too long have assumed that every time money is needed Messrs. Campbell and Kraft should write big checks. I think what this program needs is a broad base of financial support as well as the mega-donors.
Jake: what is the Every Player Endowment ?
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