Chun talks athletics with Faculty Senate

Athletic+Director+Pat+Chun+said+it+is+still+too+early+to+make+a+decision+about+the+start+of+spring+football+practices.+

ZACH RUBIO | THE DAILY EVERGREEN

Athletic Director Pat Chun said it is still too early to make a decision about the start of spring football practices.

CHERYL AARNIO, Evergreen reporter

WSU Director of Athletics Pat Chun spoke about the importance of athletics at the Faculty Senate meeting Thursday night.

Chun said the athletic program places an emphasis on academics.

He said the better athletes are in the classroom, the more successful they are on the field, and therefore academics are not negotiable.

“If you want to sustain what you do, if you want to keep winning at the highest levels,” Chun said, “there’s a direct correlation to the classroom.”

He also said the athletic department emphasizes integrity.

“Through the good, the bad and the ugly, winning is expected,” Chun said. “How you win is what you’re judged upon.”

He said the athletic program develops character and leadership so they can have the best team possible. Developing those kinds of characteristics creates not just better people, but better athletes, Chun said.

He also cleared up a question about where the funds for the new baseball facility will come from. He said the project is completely funded by philanthropy.

“There was no borrowing,” Chun said. “Every dollar that’s needed for that facility upgrade is already spoken for.”