(02-27-2023 10:09 AM)Ourland Wrote:  Was it the case in the late 60's that Rice just didn't start changing with the times, and start spending like others,

Yes, but it was way more than just spending. We were slow to integrate, and hopelessly slow to adjust to the rise of pro football as a career choice.

Quote:What caused the indifference toward athletics? Was it always there, but we were still able to win because no one else was spending as well?

It was always there. We could get by because before about 1960, lots of talented kids choose schools for the degree, not for a pathway to the pros, and because one platoon football enabled us to get by with recruiting a few very good players who went both ways. In the 50's, going to the Cotton Bowl once every 4 or so years was enough not just for us, but for all of the SWC.