Temple University Athletics
From The AD's Desk: November 2009
“From the AD’s Desk”
A monthly column from Temple University Director of Athletics Bill Bradshaw
November 2009
Quite frankly, and no surprise to you, the snapshot of the Temple Football program has not looked so glamorous over much of the last quarter-century. From the early 1980s through the first half of this decade, our fans and alumni (particularly here in Philadelphia) have not had much to celebrate.
I think it is safe to say that the snapshot is changing. The view is different. The pieces are falling into place.
Coach Al Golden and his staff embraced our view that Temple Football could be successful on three major fronts: first and foremost, academically. To that end, support and tutoring infrastructure was bulked up, rules were enacted and exceptions to those rules not tolerated. The result? A record number of 3.0 GPA football student-athletes and the most dramatic Academic Progress Rate (APR) turnaround in the NCAA over the last several years.
The second major barometer of success, of course, is athletically. Our current record of 7-2 represents a significant turnaround and ensures our first winning season in the last 20, and counting! Feel-good stories are emerging all over the field. Simply put, we have good student-athletes on this team.
But our newfound competitive success and academic performance has not come at the expense of the football program’s commitment to serving the North Philadelphia community. Our schedule of visits and work with schools, hospitals, and underprivileged youth has not fallen off, as evidenced by the recent Philadelphia Sports Congress Community Service Award bestowed upon our program. As an AD, I take pride in knowing that these student-athletes are still able to keep life in perspective.
We have one home football game remaining: Saturday, Nov. 21 vs. Kent State at 1 p.m. This may be the most significant home football game Temple has hosted in 30 seasons. I cannot say this more clearly: GET TO THE GAME! Bring your families, friends, Temple classmates, and all the people who said to you, “When Temple starts winning, I’ll be there.” Now is the time: we’d love to see a 30,000+ crowd to push the Owls to victory.
Lastly on the football front, please watch your inbox for an Inquiry Form from Temple Athletics and Anthony Travel, our official departmental travel partner. We’ll be writing to measure your interest in potential Temple Postseason Trips, should we play our way into the postseason. We appreciate your prompt response so that we can design itineraries with your interest in mind.
Basketball Season Starts This Week!
Coach Fran Dunphy and the men’s program begin 2009-10 play with the Philly Hoop Group Classic. The Owls open the season Saturday (Nov. 14) at Delaware – the game in Newark begins at Noon. That is an easy drive from most anywhere in the Mid-Atlantic, and we hope to see you there. After an ESPN game at Georgetown in the Verizon Center on Nov. 17 at 4 p.m., the best home schedule in Temple history gets underway Saturday, Nov. 21 at 7 p.m. when the nationally-ranked Siena Saints come marching into the Liacouras Center.
Remember what else is on November 21? That’s right … make it a Temple Doubleheader by starting at Lincoln Financial Field for football at 1 p.m., then head to North Philly for evening hoops!
Here’s a special offer: bring your ticket from either the football or basketball game to the OPPOSITE game, and receive $10 off a regularly-priced ticket! Visit OwlSports.com for details.
On the women’s side, we owe Coach Tonya Cardoza and the Owls all the support we can possibly lend them as they begin the season Friday, Nov. 13 at 7 p.m. in McGonigle Hall vs. Big Ten power Illinois. After that game, one of the best teams in the SEC, Auburn, comes knocking Nov. 17. I’m excited to see Year Two of the Cardoza Era on North Broad Street, and I know you will be impressed. For tickets to any Temple game, simply visit OwlsTix.com.
What a Fall It’s Been…
As always, we are thankful for the broad participation of our alumni, fans and friends. With your continued loyalty, we shall achieve. Go Owls!
Upcoming Events
November 10: Basketball Season Ticketholder Reception – All men’s and women’s basketball season ticketholders are invited to join Head Coaches Fran Dunphy and Tonya Cardoza at the Draught Horse on Cecil B. Moore Ave. near campus. This event is an opportunity to interact closely with the coaching staffs and players from each team, and to hear some insights on the upcoming season. Additionally, season tickets will be made available for pick-up at the reception. Complimentary food and soft drinks will be provided to all season ticket holders. If you have not done so already, please RSVP to Vicki Miles at (215) 204-6710. already, please RSVP to Vicki Miles at (215) 204-6710.
Our commitment to a championship-caliber football program did not begin in 2009. Our competitive success this year, and recent bowl eligibility, is not the by-product of a quick series of acts. Rather, you are witnessing the result of a process in place since late 2005.
Coach Al Golden and his staff embraced our view that Temple Football could be successful on three major fronts: first and foremost, academically. To that end, support and tutoring infrastructure was bulked up, rules were enacted and exceptions to those rules not tolerated. The result? A record number of 3.0 GPA football student-athletes and the most dramatic Academic Progress Rate (APR) turnaround in the NCAA over the last several years.
The second major barometer of success, of course, is athletically. Our current record of 7-2 represents a significant turnaround and ensures our first winning season in the last 20, and counting! Feel-good stories are emerging all over the field. Simply put, we have good student-athletes on this team.
But our newfound competitive success and academic performance has not come at the expense of the football program’s commitment to serving the North Philadelphia community. Our schedule of visits and work with schools, hospitals, and underprivileged youth has not fallen off, as evidenced by the recent Philadelphia Sports Congress Community Service Award bestowed upon our program. As an AD, I take pride in knowing that these student-athletes are still able to keep life in perspective.
We have one home football game remaining: Saturday, Nov. 21 vs. Kent State at 1 p.m. This may be the most significant home football game Temple has hosted in 30 seasons. I cannot say this more clearly: GET TO THE GAME! Bring your families, friends, Temple classmates, and all the people who said to you, “When Temple starts winning, I’ll be there.” Now is the time: we’d love to see a 30,000+ crowd to push the Owls to victory.
Lastly on the football front, please watch your inbox for an Inquiry Form from Temple Athletics and Anthony Travel, our official departmental travel partner. We’ll be writing to measure your interest in potential Temple Postseason Trips, should we play our way into the postseason. We appreciate your prompt response so that we can design itineraries with your interest in mind.
Basketball Season Starts This Week!
As if all the excitement Temple is creating on the gridiron isn’t enough, there is this: the long-awaited Owls’ basketball seasons begin this week for both our men and women! Let’s not forget to support both Temple teams in their quest to return to the NCAA Tournament!
Coach Fran Dunphy and the men’s program begin 2009-10 play with the Philly Hoop Group Classic. The Owls open the season Saturday (Nov. 14) at Delaware – the game in Newark begins at Noon. That is an easy drive from most anywhere in the Mid-Atlantic, and we hope to see you there. After an ESPN game at Georgetown in the Verizon Center on Nov. 17 at 4 p.m., the best home schedule in Temple history gets underway Saturday, Nov. 21 at 7 p.m. when the nationally-ranked Siena Saints come marching into the Liacouras Center.
Remember what else is on November 21? That’s right … make it a Temple Doubleheader by starting at Lincoln Financial Field for football at 1 p.m., then head to North Philly for evening hoops!
Here’s a special offer: bring your ticket from either the football or basketball game to the OPPOSITE game, and receive $10 off a regularly-priced ticket! Visit OwlSports.com for details.
On the women’s side, we owe Coach Tonya Cardoza and the Owls all the support we can possibly lend them as they begin the season Friday, Nov. 13 at 7 p.m. in McGonigle Hall vs. Big Ten power Illinois. After that game, one of the best teams in the SEC, Auburn, comes knocking Nov. 17. I’m excited to see Year Two of the Cardoza Era on North Broad Street, and I know you will be impressed. For tickets to any Temple game, simply visit OwlsTix.com.
What a Fall It’s Been…
There are so many reasons why it’s a great time to be an Owl – football success and bowl eligibility for the first time in 30 years … the excitement of our potential postseason and the impact it can have on our program … the most compelling men’s and women’s home basketball schedules Temple has ever had and the seasons are beginning this week … Coach Amanda Janney and the Field Hockey Owls reaching the Atlantic 10 Championship match for the first time in six years … men’s soccer, led by Coach Dave MacWilliams and senior All-American J.T. Noone, upsetting No. 15 Charlotte 2-1 on Senior Day Nov. 8 … our Volleyball Owls sweeping play Nov. 6-8 and in prime position to make a run for the A-10 title … and solid performances by our fencing team in the Temple Open Oct. 31!
As always, we are thankful for the broad participation of our alumni, fans and friends. With your continued loyalty, we shall achieve. Go Owls!
Upcoming Events
November 10: Basketball Season Ticketholder Reception – All men’s and women’s basketball season ticketholders are invited to join Head Coaches Fran Dunphy and Tonya Cardoza at the Draught Horse on Cecil B. Moore Ave. near campus. This event is an opportunity to interact closely with the coaching staffs and players from each team, and to hear some insights on the upcoming season. Additionally, season tickets will be made available for pick-up at the reception. Complimentary food and soft drinks will be provided to all season ticket holders. If you have not done so already, please RSVP to Vicki Miles at (215) 204-6710. already, please RSVP to Vicki Miles at (215) 204-6710.
November 17: Men’s Basketball at Georgetown Post-Game Reception – Calling all Owls, especially in the Washington, D.C. metro area! The Temple men’s basketball team plays at Georgetown in a “made for TV” matchup at 4 p.m. at the Verizon Center. Following the nationally-televised contest, join Temple Athletics at RFD at 810 7th Street NW. This casual reception will feature food and drink specials…look for the Temple banners!
Purchase 2009 football individual game tickets now!
Purchase 2009-10 basketball season tickets now!
Purchase 2009 football individual game tickets now!
Purchase 2009-10 basketball season tickets now!
Make a contribution to the Owl Club now!
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