In the wake of the university’s decision to shutter the UAB football program, many a Group of Five fan base feared that, if the Grim Football Reaper could visit the Blazers, it could happen to their program as well. One of those, apparently, was Louisiana-Monroe.
In a press release sent out Thursday with the subject line “ULM Assures Stability of Football Program,” both president Dr. Nick J. Bruno and athletic director Brian Wickstrom sought to reassure “the local community, recruits, and fans that the Warhawk Football program is in a state of growth, and will remain a part of the university’s landscape and culture.” Part of that reassurance was noting that, of the $5.5 million raised for athletics over the past eight months, $5 million has been earmarked for the football program.
According to Wickstrom, the school’s president “is very supportive of Athletics and discontinuing the football program has never been brought up in any of our conversations.” In a statement, the president talked that very talk.
“I want to make it extremely clear that the university is committed to the football program, and I have taken extreme measures toward that commitment through agreements with community and alumni donors for our new football field, a brand new fieldhouse and other investments,” said Bruno. “Athletics self-generated revenues are up about 20 percent over the same period last year, and we are pleased with our progress. The football program—as part of the entire athletic program—is central to the mission of our strategic plan, which is why I hired one of the best fundraising athletic directors in the country.”
It’s understandable, given what happened at UAB, that fan bases would be jittery. Just as understandable, ADs like Wickstrom are doing their best to assuage the fears of not only the fans but potential boosters as well, trying to ensure to the latter group that any donations wouldn’t be for naught on down the road.
“I believe the sharp increase in funds generated from within the department and the record fundraising numbers show a bright future for ULM football,” the AD said in a portion of his statement. “We continue major facility improvements, which also show a great dedication to our football program.”