USA Is Ready For Some Football

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By Jessica Taloney Reporter

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Published: Thu, December 06, 2007 - 6:55 pm
Last Updated: Thursday, December 06, 2007 - 7:13 pm

Jessica Taloney

The University of South Alabama has been a part of Mobile for 44 years, but for the first time in those four decades the university is taking its school spirit to the gridiron.
The university's Board of Trustees voted unanimously Thursday to create an NCAA sanctioned football team and a marching band.
"This is a great thing to do," says USA President Gordon Moulton. "It obviously adds to the energy of our campus and our student life," he said.
The decision had the support of the Student Government Association, the faculty senate, the alumni board, and according to Mobile Mayor Sam Jones, the city.
"I just believe that if Auburn and Tuscaloosa can support teams I don't think there is any doubt in my mind that Mobile can support a championship team," said Jones.
The football program will be primarily funded by the addition of a $150 per semester student fee, which adds up to about $3.5 million a year. While some opposed the idea of a new assessment, others said it was a small price to pay for something that will improve their student life.
"It's going to give people another reason to love going to South Alabama," said Jennifer Edwards, President of the Student Government Association. "It's really gonna do a lot for the school spirit, the student body and the tone on campus."
University officials say the school will immediately begin searching for the appropriate personnel, and they hope the new football team and marching band will take the field in the Fall of 2009. The team will play their home games at Ladd-Peebles Stadium, which the city has informally agreed to allow them to use free of charge for the first five years.

To see the University of South Alabama projected budgets for the football program and marching band click on the links to the right.

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