I understand Sterk's worries, but the university as a whole is very strong. In fact, in past years the academic and facilities side of the school has been called a cash cow in the sense that they often have more money then the can spend in a fiscal year. Most of the money comes in the form donations earmarked for specific departments. Granted, with the financial situation our nation and school is in right now, I would be surprised to hear WSU called a cash cow, but anyone who was in school between 1995 and 2005 can remember the amount of construction that sometimes seemed to consume various corners of the school.

Here is the dilemma, I suppose. Do you, as a fan or alumni, want more money directed to athletics, or would you prefer the academic/research and campus facility standards to continually increase. There is a fine line to tiptoe as an alumnus or alumna.

One thing I tell my friends, family, co-workers and students is that they can make fun of my Cougar athletics all they want, but do not ridicule my education. I made the most of my education and believe it was every bit as quality as any other Pac-10 schools because of what I put into it.

I would hate for my education to somehow appear devalued, but I would also hate to be a fan of any WSU team playing the WAC.