In the era of name, image and likeness (NIL), shifting conferences and money than ever in college sports, WSU appears to be falling behind. That does not mean the school should give up on sports, but instead, WSU should embrace its status as a leap-pad school for the future to keep its athletic department afloat.
Let’s face the facts: WSU does not have the funds to keep up with the SEC, BIG 10, or even the ACC and Big 12. They can not expect to retain players and coaches when other, better-funded institutions come calling. So what can WSU do to stay relevant?
The school would be wise to market itself as a leaping pad for better opportunities. A place where three-star recruits can come to prove themselves. A place where rising young coaches can make a name for themselves before moving on to bigger and better things. Making empty promises to fans about being a “Coug for life,” is getting old; it’s time to call it how it is. WSU is a leap pad, not a landing pad.
Players and coaches should come to Wazzu with a hunger to move on to bigger and better things. WSU should not be the final destination, it is a stop along the journey. WSU can form a symbiotic relationship of sorts with its athletes and coaches by offering them a clear message. Come here and we will help you make it to the next level. It’s beneficial to both parties. If athletes succeed here, they will not only help further their own careers, but they will also help WSU achieve more athletic success. WSU can still have plenty of success as a leap-pad school against a weaker Pac-12.
While it may be harder for fans to have to get used to players coming and going every year, this is the new reality of WSU sports, and instead of running away from it, Wazzu should embrace its new status in college athletics.