WT Athletic Director Michael McBroom comments on player suspensions

West Texas A&M Athletic Director Michael McBroom has commented on his blog regarding the WT football players suspended recently. Very well said:

"High Expectations
Re: the news of the suspended football student-athletes, I want to make it very clear: we have high expectations of all students at WT, and I have extremely high expectations of our student-athletes.

I understand mistakes are made, and I understand that we deal with young people. However, being young isn't a free pass out of trouble. Part of being young and, more importantly, part of maturing, is learning to understand the differences between right and wrong, developing an ability to make good decisions over bad, and also to learn that as individuals we are the only ones ultimately responsible for our actions and our decisions.

Playing college athletics is a privilege and I reserve the right to suspend those privileges if student-athletes make poor decisions. My hope is that in this particular case, these eight young men find a resolution. It is critical for their futures."




He also provided the following information on the new Athletic Facilities coming to WT:

"Intramural Softball/Football Four-plex
Estimated Cost: $7.0—$7.9 million
Allows for continued growth of intramural softball and flag football
Provides space for large campus events

Recreation, Leisure and Parking
Estimated Cost: $1.5—$1.8 million
Includes outdoor basketball and sand volleyball courts, running trails, exercise equipment, gazebo, performing arts amphitheater, park and cookout areas, Frisbee golf, restrooms and open green space. The Complex also includes additional parking areas.

Track & Field Stadium/Football Practice Field
Estimated Cost: $3.0—$4.1million
Also serves as the practice field for football and the WTAMU marching band
Seating for 1200-1500
Artificial surface eliminates need for 2 football practice fields

Baseball Stadium
Estimated Cost: $2.0—$2.7 million
Seating for 800-1000
Allows the WTAMU Baseball team to practice and play on campus
Can also be used for outdoor concerts, flag football and soccer.

Softball Stadium
Estimated Cost: $1.5—$1.9 million
Seating for 800-1000 and lights for night play

Soccer Complex
Estimated Cost: $2.5—$3.2 million
Two fields for the men’s and women’s soccer teams
Seating for 800
Allows Recreational Sports to add intramural soccer

Athletics Fieldhouse
The Master Plan calls for a new Athletics Fieldhouse to replace the old North P.E. Building. The Fieldhouse includes a weight room, training room, locker rooms, meeting rooms and other services for intercollegiate athletics. The Athletics Fieldhouse will not be funded by the athletic fee. The Department will secure separate funding for this part of the project, estimated to be $10—$15 million."