Celebrate off-field successes

Two recent articles described the impact of administrative changes at Washington universities in our area, emphasizing the lamentations of lost revenue. One can empathize with owners of hospitality establishments who lose income. One very concerning emphasis is the status of collegiate sports as a source of revenue. While income to the regions of these universities is tied to visits for multiple and different university events, what stands out is the emphasis on a loss of revenue. WSU has attracted scrutiny for its funding of athletics at the expense of sound academic programs, and rightly so.

Not too long ago, collegiate athletics came under the wing of the academic priorities at colleges and universities, reflecting it as an extracurricular activity that augmented the development of knowledge and character of the student and fostered fellowship for the campus students. It was important, but academics were the stated priority. However, priorities have shifted. Athletics were adulterated, changing from a reasonable budgetary expense to a perceived source of revenue. Today, many in college athletics bemoan “inadequate” salaries and budgets related to this and prey upon other departments, and the public’s good will.

Let’s encourage gathering in honor of students on campuses when our pandemic is stable if not abated, to celebrate success off the field. Let’s speak up against sacrificing academic budgets to underwrite professionalization of college sports: Raise a glass to this at a local restaurant, and sleep soundly in a local motel with a clear conscience and money in our pockets.

William E. Heaton

Spokane