April 16, 2008

What has the first year in DI opened your eyes to and how do you assess Upstate's second year of the five-year provisionary process in its road to full DI status?
- Anthony, Spartanburg

This year has definitely had a learning curve for all coaches and staff members. We have had to learn and adjust to a new conference, their rules and regulations in addition to Division I rules and regulations. We have had to learn, sometimes, the hard way, what Division I talent and competition is all about. We have been more reactionary than proactive in some instances, but hopefully, next year, that will change a great deal. We will be better prepared for travel, scheduling demands, etc..

That said, we've definitely had some memorable moments this season and our athletic teams have pulled off some of the largest upsets in school history, maybe most memorably when the men's basketball team defeated SMU. Even though our teams did not get to compete in NCAA Championships for the first time in recent memory, we believe that our student-athletes certainly got a rich experience from being a part of Upstate's first year in Division I. Almost across the board, our teams had expanded travel schedules and competed against at least one team that received votes in a national poll.

On the administrative game day side, the athletic events we've tried to host at Upstate are evolving into more of an entertainment event than just a game, as we've tried to host many athletic events that could draw in the student body at Upstate as well as holding other promotional events that looked to draw in the regional community. We are working hard to make our events safe, fun and entertaining. Obviously, the new excitement of being Division I helps a great deal; however, winning programs are still a major selling tool for the increase of our fan base.