Editor,
I am writing this in response to the article by Caleb Fort in Wednesday's Daily Lobo about Steve Alford's salary.
The writer's premise is flawed. UNM is not paying a salary of $975,000 per year. If you take a good look at the details of his new contract, Alford is being paid only $210,000 per season from UNM and the taxpayers of New Mexico. The other portion of his compensation is being funded by boosters, TV and radio rights, shoe and marketing deals and the generosity of several donors.
I find it mind-boggling that people are complaining about what is most likely to be the greatest hire in UNM's history. The salary of our head coach pales in comparison to schools such as Kentucky, Texas, Alabama and other noteworthy universities.
Alford is a worthy investment, because he brings much more than the typical X's and O's evident in your random basketball coach. Alford brings national prestige and much-needed publicity to UNM. This type of publicity is not something your average math professor at UNM is likely to garner.
Alford has the potential to attract 18,000 loud fans to 19 home games at The Pit. Since the average ticket price ranges between $20 and $30, the revenue surely makes Alford a worthy investment. When was the last time a particular math professor was forced to please 18,000 students?
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A solid foundation in UNM athletics and our ability to compete nationally is crucial not only for sports fans, but also for the further development of UNM's other departments.
Studies have shown that schools with proud athletic support and tradition are much more likely to attract numerous students from various backgrounds in the world of academia.
I challenge the critics to support this great era in UNM history.
Daniel Martinez
UNM student
