Temple University Athletics

From The AD's Desk - December 2010

From The AD's Desk - December 2010
“From the AD’s Desk”
A monthly column from Temple University Director of Athletics Bill Bradshaw
December 2010

On December 7 in New York City, Temple found itself on top of the college football world.

For one night, every eye in the sport was squarely focused on Temple and, in particular, a former Owl that used the platform to do wonders for the continued resurgence of our football program.

Bill Cosby, the University’s most noted alumnus, received the National Football Foundation Gold Medal Award in a ceremony befitting royalty at the Waldorf-Astoria. Four U.S. presidents have received this honor, bestowed upon a celebrated world figure whose impact was influenced by college football. It is the sport’s highest honor – bigger than the Heisman, Outland, or even a national championship trophy.

In his 30-minute acceptance speech to a black-tie crowd of several thousand, Cosby could have talked about anything: his memories as an actor, the millions of adoring fans, life as a comedian, his humanitarian ventures or his commitment to education.

Instead, Cosby shared Temple. He discussed with obvious pride and passion the opportunity that Temple gave him after a brief stint in the Navy. A two-sport letter winner (although he will tell you he was a “participator,” not a star), Cosby came to Temple because of an opportunity. There was a small scholarship, some amount of assistance, and as the world’s great people tend to do, Cosby squeezed everything possible from his opportunity. He accessed his Temple education through athletics and used the values learned through sport to start and sustain a legendary career and life.

The night was truly magical and we look forward to displaying Dr. Cosby’s Gold Medal in our Hall of Fame. When you see it, you’ll understand why this might be the highest honor ever bestowed on a former Owl.

The night was also supposed to come in the midst of bowl game preparation for the current Owls, but as you know, our 8-4 record ultimately did not lead to a bowl invitation. Because you are investors and advocates for our program, I want to clear up a couple misconceptions I’ve heard since the bowl selections were made:

First, Temple did not turn down an invitation and wanted so badly to participate in the postseason. In the days leading up to “Selection Sunday,” our leadership team pulled out literally every stop in the book angling for one of the precious few remaining bowl slots. Every program wants a bowl game, especially Temple.

We do not apologize for our performance: a 3-1 non-conference record, seven games against postseason teams, and the only win against a BCS bowl team in the Mid-American Conference … against Connecticut, which heads to the Fiesta Bowl.

There were 72 bowl-eligible teams this year; a preponderance of 6-6 teams playing Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) ball qualified for bowls. It’s important to remember that a rule change affected Temple significantly this year: Any conference automatic bowl slot must be filled by a conference member with a minimum of six wins, before any at-large (non-conference) team is eligible to fill that slot. Because the Mid-American Conference had six bowl-eligible teams but only three automatic bowl slots, that left three MAC teams (Temple, Ohio and Western Michigan) essentially fighting for the single slot which remained, that being the New Orleans Bowl. The justification from New Orleans for taking Ohio ahead of Temple was that OU beat TU, and therefore the head-to-head record negated Temple’s selection ahead of Ohio.

So what now? It’s simple. Back to work. Time to work harder, smarter, faster, and better to continue our quest for the MAC Championship and another bowl game. Temple has won 17 games in the last two seasons and we will keep winning. We will keep climbing and we will continue doing it the right way: from the classroom out.

We will continue to commit internally to the program and now more than ever, we need your commitment to match.

Since Coach Al Golden’s arrival in 2006, the internal commitment has continued and only increased. Temple Football is well-resourced compared to its peers within the MAC in terms of institutional budget commitment to the program, including salaries and scholarships. External commitment, however, has lagged behind. We need Temple alumni and fans everywhere to “Flip the Switch” along with our Owls and ensure we can continue climbing. Now is the time to renew or increase your membership in the Temple Owl Club or specifically support Football with a gift to our Xtra Point Club.

Another way to help grow the program, and help Athletics as a whole, is by purchasing or renewing your season tickets for the 2011 schedule. Our 2011 season tickets are on sale now and includes three non-conference home games: Penn State, Army and Villanova.

If for no other reason, make a gift or purchase tickets in honor of the 18 Temple Football seniors set to graduate this year. Our seniors have been the backbone of one of the greatest turnarounds in college football history and have faced tremendous adversity along the way. Those 18 seniors persisted and now leave Temple with heads high – and most importantly, with degrees in hand prepared for productive and meaningful lives.

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

December 15: Holiday Cocktail Reception – Temple Owl Club donors at the $5,000 level and above are invited to the Bradshaw home for a holiday cocktail reception from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Celebrate the season with our coaches and your fellow donors while feasting on great food and holiday cheer. Musical entertainment is also provided. If you have not done so already, please RSVP to the Owl Club at (215) 204-2587.
 
December 30: Men’s Basketball at Villanova Game Watch Party – Calling all Owls, especially in the Philly metro area! The Temple men’s basketball team plays at Villanova in a pivotal non-conference matchup on Villanova’s campus. Anticipating limited ticket availability, join Temple Athletics for a game watch party at P.J. Whelihan’s Pub & Restaurant in Blue Bell (799 DeKalb Pike).