University of South Florida is widely considered to be the model for success ...

[Jim Johnson]

UNC Charlotte Football Mining for Gold

    * Brien Blaklely

CHARLOTTE, NC - The UNC Charlotte 49ers are about half way to meeting the financial goal of 5,000 FSLs or "Seat Licenses for Founding Members".

Former Panther great Mike Rucker is now a Ambassador for the 49er's. Ruck says it's been a tough go, going up against a formidable front line.. the recession.

Taking the field in 1997, now a college powerhouse, the University of South Florida is widely considered to be the model for success when it comes to starting a football program from scratch.

"Go Bulls!" exclaims USF President Dr. Judy Genshaft, in the Queen City Sunday for a fundraiser. She says, of course, excitement among your student body and faculty are one of the keys, but, also patience and persistence.

The Chair of the USF Board of Trustees and Super Bowl XLIII Host Rhea Law, in town with Dr. Genshaft, says college football is an investment.

To help offset start up costs for football, UNC Charlotte is raising fees to students, who voted for the measure. Dr. Genshaft says raising students fees at USF helped tremendously in their start up quest.

But, comparing USF to UNC Charlotte may be like comparing apples to oranges. USF is the ninth largest University in the country, with over 46,000 in total enrollment. UNC Charlotte's enrollment is about half that number.

UNC Charlotte students and faculty are fired up about having a football program, but, time and patience may not be what University officials have. UNC Charlotte's goal is to field a team in 2013, but, if it does not meet it's financial goals, or, very close to it, the 2013 date is in serious jeopardy.

http://www.foxcharlotte.com/dpp/news/unc_charlotte_football_mining_for_gold_081709

[DELdaBull]

We have come a long way quickly. Now we need to take the last few, yet toughest steps (conference title, major bowl game victory, national championship).