Another program with lack of funding:
"MALIBU, California, December 3. A spark of hope for the Pepperdine swimming and diving program occurred earlier this week when the president of the university released a memo stating the steps by which the program can save itself by the end of January 2010.
President Andrew Benton gave the following promise, raise $400,000 by January 31, 2010 and the program could be saved. Raise $400,000 by mid-January of each year for the program to continue each year. It's a better chance than most cut programs get, when it usually requires a court battle to even get a chance. Benton has also committed to donate personally to the effort to help it succeed. "
The numbers simply do not support the cause - there is no way around it. There are 25 girls on the team (probably more like 20, because the drop rate is always high in college swimming - but let's go with 25). "
They need $400,000 per year -- BUT at most they train 8 months out of the year (if that - their season ends very early). With 8 months - each month will cost $50,000 for the program. Each season is $16,000 per swimmer. That makes no economic sense or cents.
They have to come up with a different model !
They need $400,000 per year -- BUT at most they train 8 months out of the year (if that - their season ends very early). With 8 months - each month will cost $50,000 for the program. Each season is $16,000 per swimmer. That makes no economic sense or cents.
Does the head coach only get paid an 8-mo salary? The diving coach and the assistant coaches? I think it sucks that the President says the sport must support itself -- how many others have to do that? -- but I am not so sure that $400,000/year is an unreasonable price tag when salaries + benefits, scholarships and operating costs are all added in there.
In fact, for a scholarship program at a private school, it is a low figure. USNWR has Pepperdine's annual tuition at just south of $38,000/year. How many scholarships do they have?
Scholarships account for probably 50% of that budget, even if they are only offering a few. The best way to save the team--unfortunately--would probably be to make it a walk-on only team.
I was a walk on at ILL State Univ. Swam for 3 yrs on Varsity & got not one dollar. I swam because I like it. If I got "paid" to swim then it would be different. How about a great idea - Every scholarship winner be required to pay back ALL money given if they turn PRO??
The whole thing is messed up.
I agree - the $400K is very low for a full program. I am not sure, but I think they only have a few scholarships. It's even lower if you take one look at the campus on it's billion dollar real estate in Malibu overlooking the ocean.
But then again - what is budget for an age-group training group with 25 swimmers ? You can probably train 250 kids with $400K - why is that so much different ?
President Andrew Benton gave the following promise, raise $400,000 by January 31, 2010 and the program could be saved.
Depends if he also asks for the money to be delivered in small, unmarked bills, and for the police not to be involved! :afraid:
Wow.... that's a tall order. They need to find a wealthy benefactor to endow the program. That probably requires an endowment gift of around $6 million.
Asking a program to raise $400K per year is astounding. There are lots and lots of programs that are thrilled to pull in $50K in fundraising.
-Rick
How about a great idea - Every scholarship winner be required to pay back ALL money given if they turn PRO??
The number of people who go pro is very small. The school would not get much money back with your idea.
The number of people who go pro is very small. The school would not get much money back with your idea.
In swimming sure, but obviously more prevalent in basketball. Still I don't see why this would be a good idea. The university is getting their money's worth while that student-athlete is on the school's team. Those stars put butts in seats and bring in lots of donor dollars.
