More Cal Football

U$C Trojans 35
Cal Bears 10

The Cal Bears were spanked yesterday by the U$C Trojans. However, I don't think that should come as a big surprise seeing that the Bears have lost four of their last five games and the Trojans are ranked #1 in the country. In fact, you might say that U$C has the best football team money can buy.

In related news, on Thursday U.C. Berkeley Chancellor Robert Birgeneau announced a $1.25 million dollar plan to renovate the campus' football stadium and the immediate surrounding area. When Cal Head Coach Jeff Tedford arrived in Berkeley, he made it very clear that he wanted a modern sports facility if he were to stay, and the Athletic Department jumped to make that happen. Construction is slated to begin in 2006. According to Birgeneau, the rebuilding and upgrades will be supported by private fundraising.

I'll admit I have mixed feelings about the new facility. While it's great that the Athletic Department will have state-of-the-art surroundings for its athletes and staff, I'm wondering if some of that money couldn't have gone to benefit the general student population. Student fees, expenses, and housing costs continue to rise year and year, making it more and more difficult for students to attend the University. Even families with comfortable incomes wonder if they will have the necessary resources to send their children to college.

While I understand that in the case of the new athletic facilities, the money is being raised because private donors are eager to contribute to the success of the Call Football team, However, it would be nice to see some of that same enthusiasm when it comes to contributing towards the education and well-being of all Berkeley students.