In just his 35th day on the job, Athletic Director Warde Manuel reported to the Faculty Senate on Wednesday that UB needs to rally more pride in our sports teams, increase attendance and gradually enhance team performance.
Manuel and the senate's executive committee met to discuss prospective endeavors to expand the reach of UB athletics and its influence on-campus. He also addressed facility problems, which in turn lead to the ongoing question of whether UB will ever get a state-of-the-art recreation center.
"We're all dealing with facility constraints, but I don't want people to compete. I want it to fit," said Manuel. "We need a new recreation center at UB, that's the simple fact."
The equipment open to students and faculty hasn't been updated or replaced since it was installed over two decades ago, and fitness users can get crowded out, according to Manuel. The new recreation center would also be targeted for students not involved in Division I intercollegiate sports, providing new equipment and expanding accessibility.
Many members of the FSEC said they agree a recreation facility is a top priority for balanced growth on campus.
"The project is just up in the air. There's a visible money trail, there just needs to be some action," said H. William Coles III, a SUNY senator and assistant vice provost for the Educational Opportunity Program. "The bottom line is the students really deserve access to a quality recreation facility."
Other members of the FSEC said they feel the need for such a center, but understand it will take some time.
"The university is in the planning process, and many organizations are involved, including UB2020," said Peter Nickerson, chair of the FSEC. "There are a lot of aspects involved in such an undertaking and that will only take time. But if someone can move us ahead, Manuel definitely has that potential."
Along with the construction of new centers, the FSEC and the Faculty Athletic and Recreation Committee discussed the athletic portion of the comprehensive fee.
About 20 percent of the student comprehensive fee funds athletics, which provides for intercollegiate sports teams, recreational facilities and intramurals. But when broken down, nearly 92 percent of the money allotted for athletic purposes is used to support the multitude of UB Division I teams.
Some members said they were stirred by the statistics.
"Most students don't realize that only eight percent of their athletic fee goes towards the average student's fitness needs," said Peter Bradford, associate professor of pharmacology and toxicology. "The numbers plainly explain it's just not fair."
With that in mind, Manuel addressed the lack of student and faculty attendance at Division I teams' games, saying these games are an opportunity for the students to see their money at work, and they should take advantage of this.
"It's only a 5-year-old program, we're very young in this division. But to become a great sports university a sense of pride must come across our fan base," Manuel said. "We have some phenomenal students representing us and our teams are fighting hard, but we hope to see more faculty and students out there supporting their accomplishments, especially with the homecoming game this weekend."
Photo: Courtesy of Matthew Messina, from the RMBERS' Instagram page
