Clempsun
05-23-2006, 10:49 AM
Published: Saturday, May 13, 2006
By John C. Tiger
CLEMSON NEWS PRESS RELEASE
jctiger@clemsonnews.com
The office of current University of South Carolina athletic director Eric Hyman has been frantic for several weeks. His problem? Explaining to USC athletic supporters the $5 million in losses during the fiscal years of 2004-05 and 2005-06. "This is not the kind of attention we need right now," says Hyman, "we are making major improvements to all of our programs. People need to recognize those improvements and the costs associated with them." Despite the efforts of Eric Hyman and his staff, many Gamecock fans aren't satisfied with the news of a $7 million surplus that has quickly dwindled to less than $2 million. "We haven't seen much attention given to aging facilities lately," says longtime USC fan and Columbia resident Derrick Attel, "it's tough to travel to places like Clemson and see all their new stadiums."
Hyman explains that Clemson has been a thorn in the USC athletic department's side for several years. "In the last five years, they've made major improvements to their basketball, baseball, and football stadiums." He pauses a moment, "and then I hear that they're ready to spend $2 million dollars on rowing facilities!" In fact, with the announcement of plans for a new golf facility as well, Clemson has managed to fund a major stadium or equipment upgrade for every sport in its department within the last six years. "[USC] programs are not behind when you compare us to other SEC schools, but when we're constantly compared our cross-state rival, it gets frustrating," admits Hyman.
Help came not a moment too soon. On Friday, Hyman received a call from Clemson athletic director Terry Don Philips and was asked consider an unusual proposition. With the permission of the NCAA, Clemson would enter into negotiations to purchase USC's three major stadiums with the intention of managing their operation and funding expansion projects over the next 15 years. Revenue from games would be split between the universities, and USC would have the option of buying the stadiums back after the 15 year timeframe. "It's a win-win situation," said Hyman "and I don't see any reason why we shouldn't consider this offer. Clemson has a proven ability to make these changes and still generate profit at the end of the year."
When asked why Clemson would make such a radical offer, Terry Don Philips said that "the success of the University of South Carolina will reflect on the entire state, and it will benefit both universities for [USC] to have competitive programs. This is a way we feel that we can contribute to that." When asked whether this move had any relationship to additional State funding cuts for higher education, Philips declined to comment.
Historically, Clemson sports have enjoyed a string of success when visiting USC's campus. In fact, over the last 30 years, Clemson teams have won 82.3% games played against the Gamecocks in Columbia. "It's kinda like a second home," said Tiger Baseball coach Jack Leggett who has put together a 27-20 record against the Gamecocks and is 14-9 in Columbia, "it's close enough for our fans to travel and even easier for our fans in Columbia and the coast to come to." It appears that Clemson fans share this sentiment as well. IPTAY president Don Golightly has offered his support for the change; "This will be great for college sports in the state of South Carolina. Clemson is not asking to change the field art to a tiger paw, or put its name on the entrance signs to the stadiums; Gamecock fans don't have to be reminded that Clemson owns them...the stadiums I mean."
By John C. Tiger
CLEMSON NEWS PRESS RELEASE
jctiger@clemsonnews.com
The office of current University of South Carolina athletic director Eric Hyman has been frantic for several weeks. His problem? Explaining to USC athletic supporters the $5 million in losses during the fiscal years of 2004-05 and 2005-06. "This is not the kind of attention we need right now," says Hyman, "we are making major improvements to all of our programs. People need to recognize those improvements and the costs associated with them." Despite the efforts of Eric Hyman and his staff, many Gamecock fans aren't satisfied with the news of a $7 million surplus that has quickly dwindled to less than $2 million. "We haven't seen much attention given to aging facilities lately," says longtime USC fan and Columbia resident Derrick Attel, "it's tough to travel to places like Clemson and see all their new stadiums."
Hyman explains that Clemson has been a thorn in the USC athletic department's side for several years. "In the last five years, they've made major improvements to their basketball, baseball, and football stadiums." He pauses a moment, "and then I hear that they're ready to spend $2 million dollars on rowing facilities!" In fact, with the announcement of plans for a new golf facility as well, Clemson has managed to fund a major stadium or equipment upgrade for every sport in its department within the last six years. "[USC] programs are not behind when you compare us to other SEC schools, but when we're constantly compared our cross-state rival, it gets frustrating," admits Hyman.
Help came not a moment too soon. On Friday, Hyman received a call from Clemson athletic director Terry Don Philips and was asked consider an unusual proposition. With the permission of the NCAA, Clemson would enter into negotiations to purchase USC's three major stadiums with the intention of managing their operation and funding expansion projects over the next 15 years. Revenue from games would be split between the universities, and USC would have the option of buying the stadiums back after the 15 year timeframe. "It's a win-win situation," said Hyman "and I don't see any reason why we shouldn't consider this offer. Clemson has a proven ability to make these changes and still generate profit at the end of the year."
When asked why Clemson would make such a radical offer, Terry Don Philips said that "the success of the University of South Carolina will reflect on the entire state, and it will benefit both universities for [USC] to have competitive programs. This is a way we feel that we can contribute to that." When asked whether this move had any relationship to additional State funding cuts for higher education, Philips declined to comment.
Historically, Clemson sports have enjoyed a string of success when visiting USC's campus. In fact, over the last 30 years, Clemson teams have won 82.3% games played against the Gamecocks in Columbia. "It's kinda like a second home," said Tiger Baseball coach Jack Leggett who has put together a 27-20 record against the Gamecocks and is 14-9 in Columbia, "it's close enough for our fans to travel and even easier for our fans in Columbia and the coast to come to." It appears that Clemson fans share this sentiment as well. IPTAY president Don Golightly has offered his support for the change; "This will be great for college sports in the state of South Carolina. Clemson is not asking to change the field art to a tiger paw, or put its name on the entrance signs to the stadiums; Gamecock fans don't have to be reminded that Clemson owns them...the stadiums I mean."