Now that we really do have a coaching search going on, I'm wondering how important of a role the TOPS program will play in the decision making process of the guy(s) we offer. The Miss. and Bama schools have cried foul about these type programs for a few years now, many other states don't have a similar program. This may be what gets us over the top with a great candidate.
The TOPS program is great for the in state students whose parents pay out the ying yang in taxes and don't require crap back form the state in return. The numbers you have to post to recieve scholarship monies shouldn't bother the other schools because as I hear it. Athletes don't have to have the same scores of "regular students" Therefore they don't qualify for TOPS anyway. The combo for GPA and ACT isn't there. So that takes tops out of the equation. Is there any info as to how many Athletes LSU has in it's program that are on TOPS. And what percentage of TOPS they are getting. If they do not know the numbers what the hell are the whining about.
I'd bet almost everyone of the in-state players on LSU's baseball roster qualify for TOPS. And in a sport where they dole out scholarships on a fractional basis that is very important. Remember, the entire baseball program gets only 11.7 schollies per year for over 40 players.
Having not seen any real numbers, one might, however, think TOPS could be a great help to those sports not allocated many scholarships. While the stereotype of stupid athletes continues to be reinforced every year by some new poster child of idiocy, a number of student athletes, throughout the spectrum of college sports, do maintain decent grades. TOPS has been proven to attract students who might otherwise leave the state. Athletes should not be considered an exception.
many baseball players have tops. as far as the next coach thinking about using tops as an advantage, not real sure on that.
title IX. the biggest joke of college sports. well the ncaa which is responsible for it amongst other absurdities.
