This past week saw a couple interesting articles published as related to how university athletics extend beyond campus and affect the communities where universities are located. Typically, stories of this type discuss helping residents bond through a common interest or how a local student made good by attending his or her area school. The articles this week, though, focus on two different aspects of how institutions interact with their surroundings. The first is based in tragedy; the second in business.
When former USF player Elkino Watson was stabbed to death Sunday morning in Tampa’s Ybor City neighborhood, head football coach Willie Taggart declared Ybor “off limits” for his players. Considering Ybor’s reputation for being a party center and host to late night activity in conjunction with the tragic death of Watson, Taggart’s declaration seemed rational for a coach. What has made headlines, though, has been AD Mark Harlan’s reversal of Taggart’s statement:
“I would like to make clear USF Athletics’ high regard for Ybor City and its cherished and historical place in our Bay Area community and culture. Earlier today, our football coach spoke out of emotion and in reaction to the tragic loss of Elkino Watson. USF Athletics will continue to focus on reinforcing its policy of student-athletes making smart decisions wherever they may be, looking out for one another, and walking away from any situation that appears threatening. They will not be banned from visiting any areas of our beautiful city.’’
Such a sound dismissal of Taggart’s attempt to administer rules for his players has created a stir, as his comments upset boosters of the USF program. Richard Gonzmart, the president of a major restaurant group in the area, was upset with Taggart’s characterization of Ybor City, and his status as a prominent booster of USF athletics can’t be ignored when considering Harlan’s rebuttal.
In a more positive way, local business again came into play with regards to college athletics this past week when the Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette published a piece outlining the effects the Arkansas Razorbacks’ season will have on the area economy. As would be expected, hoteliers are banking on a strong showing from the local squad, as their bottom lines will benefit from each win the team has. Interestingly, their business directly follows the team’s performance, with down years having an impact on occupancy rates for the next season that can vary almost 10%. The football team’s schedule also plays an important part in the lives of local business owners. More conference home games equates to more income for hotels and restaurants, whereas out of conference opponents don’t draw nearly the same numbers.
Few are shortsighted enough to think university athletics affect only the campuses on which they’re located. However, stories like the two published this past week remind even the savvy that words and wins have ripple effects on local communities. One coach trying, in the wake of tragedy, to prevent his players from straying into a tempting but potentially troublesome neighborhood can lead to upset boosters and a public rebuke from administrators, and scheduling strong opponents for home games can help small-time businessmen and women exceed their annual projections.
Feature image via A. Vouglas
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.