ETSU AD: Ushering Massive Big Changes In Buc Sports, Excited For ETSU Future
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — A determined defense and strong team spirit helped the underdog ETSU men’s basketball team overcome a 20-point deficit in the semifinals, coming close to clinching the 2024 Southern Conference tournament championship. However, Athletic Director Richard Sander emphasized that simply relying on these qualities is no longer enough.
“We won that game because our players cared about each other, their coach, the university, and the community — it was about the positive aspects of college athletics,” Sander shared with News Channel 11 this week.
While the Southern Conference tournament was a source of excitement for the future of ETSU, Sander pointed out a key element that was missing from this year’s squad—something that will be addressed moving forward.
“Some of the top players were already receiving adequate compensation through NIL. Other schools were ahead of us in that regard,” he explained.
He noted that games are increasingly influenced by players with financial backing. “The players making crucial plays at the end of games are often those who are getting paid,” he said. Despite the current uncertainty surrounding NIL regulations, Sander reported that he had heard of players in the Southern Conference tournament earning as much as $ 100,000.
This shift towards name, image, and likeness compensation marks a new era in college sports, and Sander recognized the challenges it presents. Recently, the “Bucs for Good” collective, spearheaded by local supporters, aims to address these issues and help keep athletes at ETSU competitive.
Sander and his team are currently evaluating which programs will benefit the most from these changes. ETSU has relied on booster donations to support its athletics budget, averaging over $ 1.1 million annually in transfers from the ETSU Foundation. Sander acknowledged that the transition to NIL could impact this funding, as donors may reallocate their contributions.
“We know we’ll experience some losses as some donors shift their support toward NIL,” he said.
Facing these realities, Sander is prepared to tackle the challenges. Tasked by ETSU President Brian Noland to lead a strategic planning initiative, he is already assessing the university’s 17 sports programs against 19 defined criteria.
“Our guiding principle is to ensure that our actions benefit both the university and the community,” he explained.
As the NCAA grapples with legal restrictions on enforcing NIL rules, Sander is determined to prioritize the welfare of the majority of student-athletes. Early evaluations indicate that men’s and women’s basketball and football will be prioritized, as fostering competitiveness in these sports will yield the most significant benefits for the university.
Sander admitted that the process will be complex and may not please everyone. “We can’t continue as before because the landscape has changed dramatically,” he stated.
The future of ETSU’s other 14 sports remains uncertain, although Sander reassured fans that while sports won’t be eliminated, they may be restructured with tighter guidelines.
Regarding the financial aspects connected to NIL, Sander expressed concern about accurately determining the funding necessary to attract and retain competitive players. “Identifying how much we need to be competitive is certainly a challenge,” he said.
He mentioned that some players have agents who inform the university about the compensation levels in the current market, which is increasingly influenced by external factors.
“It’s not just the athletes; it’s also all the surrounding influences that create the mindset of ‘I should be getting paid too,’” he remarked, highlighting the broader implications in college athletics.
Sander recognizes the impact of recent legal decisions that have reshaped this environment and the NCAA’s struggles to adapt. Ultimately, he emphasized that staying competitive in key sports is crucial for ETSU’s future.
