(01-26-2021 05:49 PM)CW Fishman Wrote:  

(01-26-2021 05:28 PM)Fighting Muskie Wrote:  For anyone complaining about McNeese, citing footprint, you do realize they are 62 miles (68 min drive) from Lamar. That’s not an add that blows up the footprint.

One of the reasons the "Texas 4" left the SLC is because the Louisiana schools do not have the same financial commitment to athletics. McNeese is a perfect example of this. (These are 2018 budget numbers)

McNeese budget: $11,975,415
Lamar Budget: $18,308,056
SFA Budget: $17,486,183
SHSU budget: $19,102,055

So why would they want to allow the WAC become a new SLC?

Two big differences comparing the Texas schools vs McNeese are institutional support and athletic fees. It appears that McNeese has decent fan/donor support.

Link - Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics

When looking at facilities, it does appear that McNeese has done very well with what support they do get if the hurricanes would give Lake Charles a break.

- New basketball arena. (badly damaged by one of last year's hurricanes)
- Improvements to baseball field.
- 53,800+ sqft Athletic Complex built about 10 years ago.
- New softball field playing surface

I noticed LSU-Alexandria has an $18.00 per semester hour up to 12 hours or max of $216, but it appears most universities in Louisiana have no or very low athletic fees. Is that due to regulation or more the result of accepted practices in the state?

Link - LSU-Alexandria Fees