Oct. 6, 2007

What has been the biggest challenge about making the move to Division I for the Spartan programs?
- Joe, Spartanburg, S.C.

Upstate A.D. Mike Hall: I think the biggest challenge has been stepping up to the Division I level of competition. Our teams need to become more year-round in their approach. In strength and conditioning, better use of non-traditional seasons for player development and coaches skill instruction, etc..

Also, most of our teams are very young and simply need more game experience and to continue to adjust to the rigors of the college experience both academicaly and athletically.

Administratively, we will need to continue to increase our funding. This will be done by continued enrollment growth, generating more on game receipts, concessions and expanding our Athletic Association memberships and corporate partnerships.

I am very optimistic that with our new marketing and promotions efforts, We will drastically increase attendance for all of our sports.

You will begin seeing several new marketing projects in the next few weeks that will definitely increase the awareness of our athletics department and our move to Division I athletics.

Finally, we must secure the private financial commitments and other partnerships to build the convocation center. Additionally, we are developing plans to build the track and field complex and golf pracitce facility.

Thanks for the question and Go Spartans!