Open letter from La. Tech AD

Harry · May 14, 2013

May 9, 2013

As we approach an exciting new era in Louisiana Tech Athletics with our entrance into Conference USA this July, I wanted to share with you some of the success and achievements of our student athletes, coaches and staff.

Academics

The student athletes representing Louisiana Tech have achieved remarkable success in the classroom. In two important benchmarks utilized by the NCAA, Louisiana Tech student athletes achieved the highest graduation success rate (80%) and academic progress rate in school history. The football program achieved a 79% GSR.

A select few schools that achieve a 75% or greater GSR and compete in Division 1A football are recognized nationally for academic excellence by the American Football Coaches Association. This will be the second time Louisiana Tech will be recognized since 2008.

Competitive Success

Both the men's basketball and football program were ranked in the Top 25 during their recent seasons marking the first time since we joined the FBS (Division 1A) ranks in 1989 that the programs have been ranked nationally in the same season. The football team finished with a 9-3 record and men's basketball reeled off 18 consecutive wins en route to a WAC Championship and an overall record of 27-7. Coach Mike White was recognized as both conference and regional Coach of the Year.

The women's tennis team under the leadership of first-year Head Coach Freddy Gomez achieved its greatest success in school history finishing with an overall record of 15-4 and the most conference wins (7) since LA Tech entered the Western Athletic Conference.

Under first-year Head Coach Mark Montgomery the Lady Techster softball team currently has a record of 26-24 and is poised to make a run at a conference championship as the No. 3 seed in the conference tournament - the highest seed in school history. LA Tech hosts the WAC Softball Tournament in Ruston starting Wednesday (call 318-257-3631 for ticket information).

Head Track and Field Coach Gary Stanley women's teams have won 13 WAC Championships in the last seven-plus years. With a talented group of individuals, the team will be competing for another championship this week in Arlington, Texas at the Outdoor Track and Field Championships.

Conference USA

Louisiana Tech will officially become an active member of Conference USA on July 1. The opportunity to be associated with prestigious institutions with outstanding reputations in academics, research and athletics will greatly enhance the brand of Louisiana Tech and make all alumni and supporters of the University proud.

Conference USA will allow Louisiana Tech teams to compete on a national stage with regional rivalries. Conference USA will operate with two divisions, an eastern and western division, reducing travel and thus making competition more accessible for fans and local media as well as reducing travel expenses.

The Conference USA television package (FOX/CBS Sports/ESPN) will increase exposure and revenue for Louisiana Tech and enhance the brand and reputation of the institution. Eight of the Bulldog football games this fall will be televised live on television. This should help the University in its marketing efforts to attract quality students and build enrollment. Postseason opportunities will be greatly increased with six bowl agreements, compared to one with the WAC, and numerous NCAA post season opportunities.

Cotton Bowl/Texas State Fair

On Saturday, September 28 at 2:30 p.m. Louisiana Tech will have a national stage to display its program when the Bulldogs kickoff against Army on national television (FOX) to open the State Fair of Texas in the historic Cotton Bowl. We hope all of our fans and alumni will attend the game as well as the State Fair, demonstrating to the nation the outstanding support Louisiana Tech receives from its fan base.

Facilities

Improvements in facilities for women's soccer, softball and baseball have taken place over the last several months. Lights were added to the women's soccer complex allowing the team to practice and compete in the evening in order to escape the heat of the day.

The softball team will be hosting the WAC Tournament and the facility has recently added new grandstands and a press box. Phase 2 of the project will include new restrooms, concessions and a ticket office. The baseball program will move into a new and expanded locker room June 1. The facility will include a player's lounge, restrooms and showers, training room, meeting room and laundry facility.

The architects for the end zone building are currently working with engineers and construction professionals, and we expect to have construction documents finalized by the end of the summer. The next phase would entail bidding the project out for construction and then breaking ground. We expect to launch a plan to pre-sell the premium seating contained in the end zone building in the fall.

LTAC Membership

Currently we are in the midst of our annual campaign to increase membership in the Louisiana Tech Athletic Club (LTAC). LTAC and ticket sales are the two primary revenue sources to fund athletics at LA Tech. We are pleased that LTAC membership is at an all-time high exceeding 1,500 members. Our goal this year is to surpass 2,000 members and with 90,000 alumni and many more friends we feel it is well within our capabilities. If every alumnus contributed $100 to LTAC it would generate $9 million in donations. If you are not participating we hope you will consider becoming a member of this important club.

Finally we greatly appreciate the support and leadership of President Dan Reneau in moving Tech Athletics forward. We wish Dr. Reneau and Mrs. Linda much happiness in the years ahead. Go Bulldogs!

Bruce Van De Velde

Athletic Director

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