Athletics

September 16 , 2005
by David Werry

The role of athletics in American higher education often incites heated debate. Many feel that too much emphasis is placed upon winning and that the business of college athletics interferes with the foremost goal of education. Others feel that sports are a crucial part of the collegiate experience and that both playing and being a fan enhances one's education. Regardless of your view, it is undeniable that athletics play a major role within America’s universities.

Without a doubt, Carolina athletics plays a major role in university life at UNC. This year alone the department has a budget of $47.9 million and more than 160 full-time employees as well as many part-time employees. Uniquely, the department is self-supported, using no state funds for its operation. It is also one of the few athletic programs in the country that operates at a profit. In many ways, Carolina athletics and the Athletic Department have become a model across the country.

One thing is certain; ask any UNC alumni about their fondest memories of college and it is safe to assume that many would include Carolina Athletics. This is undoubtedly true for any student who was at Carolina when we won a national championship in basketball.

A better understanding of the athletic department and collegiate sports helps us to consider all aspects - the successes and the areas of improvement - when forming an opinion on the current role of athletics in higher education.

The Kenan Football Center houses the Carolina football program, including the locker rooms, weight room, training room, equipment room, players’ lounge, computer labs and study areas, 100-plus seat auditorium, coaches’ offices, theater and Hall of Honor. More importantly, it houses over 60,000 fans during a sold-out football game. No other venue on campus can bring together so many people, so consistently, to cheer on the Heels and celebrate the spirit of Carolina. It also reminds us of the history behind the football program and its lengthy presence on campus. Kenan Stadium was originally built in 1927.

Graduation rates and the academic success of athletes are often at the center of the debate around the value of college athletics. UNC's Student-Athlete Development Center is housed at the East end of the stadium is the Kenan Fieldhouse. A 20,000 square foot building, it is a one-of-a-kind facility. For study purposes, it contains a language lab, video room, computer lab, theatre-style lecture hall, several reading rooms and numerous tutorial rooms. UNC’s academic counseling staff has the advantage of using the most modern techniques in assisting student-athletes.

More and more emphasis is being placed on student-athlete development within athletic departments, as universities are looking to ensure that their student-athletes receive a quality education and the support they need. Because of the commitment student-athletes make to their sports and their schools, it is essential that they in turn receive support to ensure the quality of their UNC experience outside of athletics is not diminished.

John Blanchard and Martina Ballen, both Senior Associate Athletic Directors, met the group in the Kenan Fieldhouse and addressed the class. John Blanchard, who has been at the forefront of much of the positive change in student-athlete development at UNC, shared his knowledge of the history of collegiate athletics and also his unique perspective on athletics at Carolina. Martina Ballen is in charge of finance for the Athletic Department and she spoke to the class about the challenges they are facing as well as their hopes for the future of the program.

For better or for worse, when one thinks of Carolina, images of Michael Jordan and the Dean Smith Center are often the first things to come to mind. Carolina basketball plays its home games at the Dean Smith Center, one of the most recognized athletic venues in America. The passion for the UNC basketball program alone is testament to the role athletics do play within the university.

The Smith Center became the home of the Tar Heels in 1986 and has since become a cherished traditional symbol of Carolina basketball. In the fall of 2001, the UNC locker room and weight room were completely renovated. A new media center was built and the Bowles Room and Educational Foundation offices were retrofitted to include a practice gym that allows added scheduling flexibility.

Athletic facilities at UNC, especially football and basketball, not only house the teams and games, but also they serve as a powerful tool to bring alumni back to campus and to bring current and former Tar Heels together. This may be one of the most important aspects of the role of athletics within the university.