NSU athletics has grown exponentially in recent years. With the addition of a swimming and diving program and a new athletics building opening in August – NSU athletics is heading in the right direction. NSU athletics has begun to establish itself at the national level becoming national champions in women’s golf and women’s rowing. NSU athletics boasts some of the best facilities in Division II athletics. NSU athletics doesn’t need a football team.
The debate surrounding whether or not NSU needs a football team has intensified lately. It has become an incessant topic of conversation among students that has seemingly gathered momentum since homecoming week. Typically, football is the focal point of homecoming week and is a highlight in a school’s calendar. A week of homecoming celebration culminates in a football match that celebrates a school’s identity.
NSU’s lack of football was highlighted once again as basketball took center stage as the school’s homecoming sporting event. The debate of whether or not NSU would be adopting a football team was met with a definitive response – No, not for the foreseeable future.
The lure of football is obvious. The large crowds, the tailgating and the body paint; college football is an American institution. Its role in collegiate tradition does not mean football is essential to the development of NSU athletics. The spectacle fans witness on a Saturday afternoon or under the Friday night lights is merely the tip of the iceberg. Football influences much more than simply what fans observe on game day.
In comparison to most other schools in the Sunshine State Conference, NSU is still in its infant stages as a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
In less than a decade, NSU has grown remarkably as an NCAA member. As NSU continues to expand and develops with every season; the possible introduction of a football team would halt that progression. At this stage in the school’s athletic development, a football team would be a financial hindrance as opposed to a lucrative cash cow. The cost of establishing a college football team is phenomenal. The cost of establishing a competitive college football team is astronomical.
NSU athletics is under construction. A program not steeped in historical tradition, but in the process of forging one. It is not a collegiate powerhouse – but aims to be. NSU needs to become a big fish in a small pond before it is able to tackle the treacherous waters of college football. Like a celebrity with a big ego, college football comes with an entourage – complete with baggage – that could ultimately be detrimental to NSU athletics. Sure, the notion of an NSU football team is sexy. The glitz and the glamour of college football is appealing. But, the fact is NSU isn’t ready. The Sharks are just starting to become established at the national level. If NSU were to adopt football they would have to change conferences, probably change divisions and would, ultimately, struggle to compete at the regional level.
Instead of wondering what NSU could have, focus on what NSU has. Instead of craving a historical tradition, be a part of making one. Embrace NSU athletics and be a part of a large crowd. Create your own tailgating experience. Paint your body in NSU blue and white. Support your Sharks even without football.
