Schreiner University President Charlie McCormick told the Kerrville City Council on Tuesday afternoon that the university's board of trustees could greenlight re-establishing a football program next week.
During a presentation about the university's long-term plans, McCormick said the university is prepared to add a football and women's swimming program. The two additions could trigger significant facilities spending on the campus, including adding a football stadium and track and field complex. McCormick said the university would consider a partnership with the city to renovate the Olympic Pool complex.
McCormick said the longtail from adding football would result in about 40% growth in students and staff. If trustees approve, Schreiner will compete in the NCAA Division III and the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference.
Conference rival Trinity University in San Antonio carries 115 players and 13 coaches. Other SCAC universities are expected to add football — significantly cutting down travel. The only other SCAC program that offers football is Texas Lutheran. Trinity plays in a conference with teams located across the South.
An artist rendering of the possible renovations to the Olympic Pool that would be home to a women's swimming program for Schreiner University. |
This is one of the renderings for athletic department expansion at Schreiner University. This sees an extension of Olympic drive through the university, re-alignment of the baseball and softball fields and a separate football stadium. |
This is another plan for a combined football and track and field stadium. This would also allow the university to host field events during track and field season. |
For more than a year, the university studied the implementation of a football program, including how much it would cost. Initial estimates are that it's $3-5 million startup cost, but McCormick detailed a capital facilities plan that showed more than $30 million in spending.
While football is a headline grabber, McCormick said close work with the Kerr Economic Development Corp. Executive Director Gil Salinas helped the university solidify some of its efforts around technology and workforce. One of those would be launching an aviation program next fall — if approved by the trustees.
McCormick told the City Council that the university contributes more than $72 million in direct economic impact, but adding athletic and academic programs could increase by an additional $15 million.
