news
As the lead in the print story says, tonight's meeting was more about celebration than information.
Strategic points have been discussed for several months, but here are a few highlights.
- The campaign will seek to raise $150 million.
- Top priority is a new basketball arena. After it is funded, attention turns to expansion and renovation of the north end zone of Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
- $50 million will be raised through private giving, the other $100 million through Capital Gift Agreements, similar to a personal seat license. CGAs will be sold as part of seating at VHS, the new arena and the proposed north end zone expansion. The CGA is tax deductible.
- Lots of talk about winning championships. AD Pete Boone: "This campaign will be the cornerstone for future championships for the flagship university of this great state.” Chancellor Dan Jones: “No one will be able to stop us from winning championships. We mean conference and national championships.”
Well said Chancellor!! But doing it is another thing.
I believe the last time OM was in a major bowl appearance was Jan 1970.Forty-two years ago. I don't know about the basketball - do remember they had good seasons once, under the leadership of Rod Barnes, but short lived afterward. He got the choppin ax. Baseball - a few time close to the gates of Omaha - but no go since the days of probably Jake Gibbs lead. Women sports perhaps in good order - don't know of any championships won by them. Tennis and Golf perhaps noteable.
Maybe this is the year for football and Coach Nutt to flourish. Eli had the Rebs close to national fame, but just ran out of time. He did something no other QB's has done - to my knowledge, beat the Gators twice. Something bro Payton could not do with that powerful Vols team. Well, maybe one of those two wins over the Gators came at the hand Jevan Snead.
OM resting in a good position now - all the other SEC teams taking them for granted as another years of losing. They could be in for a big surprise. Coach Nutt is not a loser.
Just my take for what its worth.
JB