Miami University Athletics is Building for the Future

BY ALEX McKEON

Miami University Journalism Student

When the Miami University football team defeated Ball State University on November 22nd, the team reached a 6-6 record, and qualified for a bowl game for the first time since 2011. It marked the culmination of a dramatic turnaround for the money-making arm of Miami athletics.

The progress runs parallel with the hiring of Athletic Director David Sayler in 2012, who inherited an underachieving athletics program on the field. One of the first issues identified by Sayler was the lack of adequate facilities for the university’s athletic programs, he said.

“I think the objective more than anything was to modernize our facilities and move to the cutting edge,” said Deputy Athletic Director Jude Killy. “In a lot of ways we were behind our counterparts in the conference. If you look the indoor sports center, we were the only ones who did not have something like that with the possible exception of 1-2 schools[in the Mid-American Conference].”

Building and Spending

Since Sayler was hired, numerous projects have been completed: the $14 million Indoor Sports Center; a $3 million Hayden Park Sports facility; $2.6 million for an addition to Goggin Ice Center; and a $2.14 million tennis court relocation.

Beyond that, the most notable project is the Athletic Performance Center, which costs $23 million and is set to be completed at the end of the fall semester 2016. Additionally, the baseball field will be completed at the same time with a $1.1 million project to install a turf field.

Miami has received numerous donations from their large alumni groups which have helped contribute to the building of the new facilities. The vast majority of spending on these projects has come directly from donations.

“The spending on athletic facilities in recent years has been driven by fundraising for those facilities,” said Senior Vice President for Finance and Business Services David Creamer. “The athletic director has been active in generating gifts to allow him to enhance several of the athletic facilities on campus.”

In addition, the university is actively seeking to sell naming rights of these facilities to donors and other interested parties, from everything to the new weight room in the Athletic Performance Center, to the locker rooms in Jay Hayden Baseball Center. Prices range from $2 million to $25,000 and chip away at large price tag of these projects.

Miami’s Eye on the Future

While the initial goal of the athletic department was to catch up to other schools, the university has an eye on further progress.

“We want to position our athletic program to be the premier athletic program in the Mid-American Conference,”said Senior Director of Development Coleman Barnes. “When Miami makes that happen, we are more likely to be able to compete at a national level.”

Since these facilities have been built, Miami athletics is making strides. Miami football has improved every season the past four, going from 0-12 to 6-6. The hockey team has been in the NCAA tournament and the basketball team is off to a promising start.

Perhaps the most important reason for their success are improved recruiting and athletic training. Paul Harker, the Head of Strength and Conditioning at Miami realizes this impact.

“Mr. Sayler has made a concerted effort to not have to say no to people,” said Harker. “Whether it is, if we could set aside some money to create or enhance some nutritional things we are trying to do for our athletes, he says OK we will find a way to get it done.”

Recruiting is the biggest concern of the athletic department. Improving the student athlete experience is something people like Coleman Barnes values a great deal.

“Every decision we make should be focused on enhancing the student athlete experience,” said Barnes. “We want the quality of our facilities to match the quality of academic facilities.”

From an athlete’s standpoint, the upgraded facilities mean they can compete a higher level. A.J. Burdine, a senior defensive lineman on the football team, was able to see the changes throughout his time at Miami.

“The indoor facility gives us an opportunity to work on our skills year round,” said Burdine. “These new facilities are just a bonus with new technology and features that make everything easier for us.”

Coaches and alumni also have shown appreciation for the university's progress.

“Oh [the alumni are] blown away,” said Barnes. “Some of our professional hockey players come back and just can’t get over what we have here and how it’s better than some NHL setups.”

Miami has plans in the future to make upgrades toward their soccer stadium as well as an future overhaul of Millet Hall, home to the basketball arena. Fundraising will take place over the next few years, and the university will implement plans once the money is raised.

Photo – Plans for the future of Miami Athletics – Contributed by Miami University