Money, Money, Money

First, let me say that this is the dead period in college sports. Many coaches are on vacation or holding camps right now. 

So, that’s why I haven’t blogged in a couple of days. That, and I’ve been covering the Mexico-Venezuela game at the Georgia Dome.

However, Thursday is an important day at Tech. On Thursday the Athletic Association will hold its quarterly meeting and will approve the 2010 fiscal year budget.

From talks with various Tech officials, it appears the budget will be similar to last year’s, in the 50-plus million range.

I would be surprised if any new projects are approved considering the AA is still paying off the stadium expansion.

I’ll have a news story in Friday’s paper about the budget.

But, are you stunned at the costs of running an athletics department? It may not be something that many fans think about. I know I don’t for the teams I follow around the world. I want to win, and to do that you need either the best players, or the best players for your system.

Tech seems to be making smart hires in coaches who are very good at finding the players who fit their systems, which helps to get the maximum effect for the money spent.

What do you think about the Tech throw-back uniforms for basketball? I think it’s a pretty cool idea, and look forward to seeing Lawal and Favors rocking the old-school white tops with TECH across the chest.

Also, if you haven’t attended a soccer game that features the Mexican National Team, do so as a sports fan, just so you can say you have. It’s a pretty cool experience. There are a lot of college teams around the country that could only wish for this kind of home-field advantage.