Although SIU has a beautiful campus, top-notch facilities and academically and culturally anchors a large portion of Illinois, its attributes are overridden by a negative reputation as a play school and the university, in general, lacks self-esteem.

Obviously a university’s primary objective is to provide quality education. An excellent athletic program brings attention to the school, helps recruit quality students, faculty and athletes, generates revenue and donation from alumni and friends, and creates pride, fun and sportsmanship.

To enable the Salukis to reach their full potential and establish a stable, perennial, strong sports program that will be a source of pride for the University, athletics must be funded and supported by students, administrators, and the community.

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Certainly the few dollars difference that seems to be an issue regarding student athletic fees and which is needed by SIU to compete with other schools can be found in a person’s budget (i.e. one less beer a week).