Filibuster hinders upgrade plans
PULLMAN – Washington State University’s athletic department is trying to rebound from a setback this week on its drive for a stadium upgrade.
The department is hoping to get a measure on a March student ballot which would authorize a fee to raise $10 million to boost funding for the Martin Stadium renovation. But at a meeting of the student government this week, a student senator filibustered, beginning to count from one to 10 million in order to prevent the senators from voting on the measure’s inclusion.
That ploy succeeded, and now WSU administrators are spearheading an effort to collect enough signatures – more than 1,500 in all – to get the student fee on the ballot.
“The votes were there to win the referendum, and they filibustered it,” said athletic director Jim Sterk, who had made a presentation and answered questions at the meeting. “I think it’s galvanized the support.”
At the WSU-Washington basketball game Saturday, members of the department were in the crowd collecting signatures. Sterk said they must be submitted by Feb. 21 for the issue to make the ballot.
If passed, WSU could start two of the three phases of its stadium upgrade after the 2006 season.
Already, Sterk said, the department plans to proceed with a makeover of the east stands, which face Stadium Way. That area will get a new entryway, concessions and restrooms – paid for by the $5 facility fee added to all tickets beginning last season, a fee that will remain in place for 25 years.
The second phase would be paid for in part by the student fee, and would widen the north concourse and provide for more restroom and concession upgrades.
“The students have 35 percent of our seating, and we’re asking them to fund 10 to 13 percent of it,” Sterk said. “It’s critical for us. They’re estimating about a $74 million project with the three phases we have.”
If the appropriate funding is in place, both of the first two phases could be complete in time for the 2007 home opener.
The third phase is the most substantial, and Sterk said $20 million would need to be raised before it can start, with the athletic director saying he hoped to get construction under way after the 2007 season. Currently, WSU has raised about $4 million for the project.
Surgery for Boyd
Tight end Cody Boyd, who figures to be the Cougars’ starter this fall as a senior, is scheduled to undergo surgery Monday to repair a heel injury that has been a nagging problem for much of his career.
As a result, Boyd will miss all of spring practice, although the exact recovery time he’ll need has not been determined.
Boyd has three cysts in his right heel, and the surgical procedure will inject bone – most likely from a cadaver – to fill them.
Boyd, who caught 14 passes for 169 yards last season, missed two games because of the injury.
Search is on
WSU is beginning the search to replace recruiting coordinator and tight ends coach Robin Pflugrad, who took a job at Oregon this week. No exact timetable has been set for the process, but it appears likely that the hire will come from outside the program.