In my opinion, I think that it would be in the best interest of everyone(School, team, fans) if the decision were made to take the football program down to the division 1-AA level at the end of this football season. Before you acuse me of being anti-sports or anti-football I would like to say that I’m an avid sports fan and a supporter of Temple Althetics. However, I think we all have to be honest with ourselves and admit that trying to run a major college football program at Temple is not going to happen. The worst part of trying to continue to do so is the fact that it’s not needed. “True” football fans would have no problem going to Franklin field or some other medium sized venue to watch a very competitive(at div 1-AA level) Temple football team battle other division 1-AA foes. What makes this senario even more appealing is the fact that the Atlantic 10 football conference needs a 12th member and Temple needs a football conference to play in next year. I’m not sure who is responsible for making this decision but I recommend that it be given serious consideration.
The aforementioned proposal presents a win-win proposition for both the school and its football fans. The school wins by saving money and the fans and football team win by having an opportunity to go into every game knowing that they have more than a fair chance of winning. Additionally, a move to division 1-AA in football will help the overall reputation of the university. Believe it or not, many people around the country who are not familiar with the good works at Temple often make the mistake of assuming that a subpar football program must somehow translate to a subpar university. Be advised that this letter is by no means meant as a knock against the football players or program. It’s just an idea whose time has come. Again, I hope that it is given serious consideration.
Derrick Flowers
Alumni, 1988
Columbus, Ohio
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