In my humble opinion (just to add my two cents), there isn’t any doubt that successful major college sports programs enhance the image of a university. Ever see anyone wear Duke or North Carolina or Michigan or Stanford paraphernalia ? Lots of people wear them, and lots who, I have no doubt, have never been on those campuses (or could find them with a divining rod). Ever see anyone who didn’t themselves (or a family member) attend Illinois wear Illinois paraphernalia ? In my estimation, there can’t be many. Why is that ? (And if successful major college sports programs somehow detract from a perception of academic excellence, we’d better get Duke, Michigan and Stanford on the line tout suite.)
And, to me, it’s a shame. Illinois is, after all, a charter member of the Big 10. And if we go back, say, 100 years, it seems in the early days to have been holding its own, sportswise, with, say, the Michigans of the world. I certainly don’t hold myself out as any expert, but it seems to me that sometime a little after that time (with brief exceptions, here and there) through a varying combination of, I’m sure, many things (incompetence, apathy, antipathy), the Athletic Department and the major sports programs became average at best. (In my view, more than enough blame to go around, starting with the Board of Trustees on down.) Sure, Illinois has lots of wins, but how many national championships (or seriously contending for such) in major sports ? (Is there such a thing as University or Athletic Department malpractice ?)
And one of my idiosyncratic peeves. You have the Michigan fight song, the Wisconsin fight song, the Notre Dame fight song. (And others I could mention, such as Southern Cal.) Everyone knows and hums them, if nothing else for enjoyment. I’m not trying to denigrate anyone, but who connected to the University, upon first hearing Illinois Loyalty, said, “That’s catchy. That’s inspiring. That’s the song for us.” ? Ever hear anyone unconnected with the University hum Illinois Loyalty ?
Well, my rant is over. I could go on, but I’m sure no one wants me to. Be kind.