Going back to Division II not an option

Unless you've been under a rock, it's easy to see that Winston-Salem State athletic department is struggling.

Just go to a home basketball game, any home basketball game other than the one against North Carolina A&T, and take a look at all the empty seats.

Or pick up the Winston-Salem Journal, and read about how the department will end up $1.5 million in the red.

Or look at the firing of Dr. Percy "Chico" Caldwell, the now former athletic director.

The athletic department was dealt another blow on Feb. 13 when the UNC Board of Governors voted against a proposed 31.3 percent increase in student athletic fees to help cover the cost of jumping to Division I.

Given the current financial struggles, some people have expressed the opinion that the school should just cut its losses and move back to Division II. Some have expressed a desire to return to the CIAA.

Moving back down to Division II would be a huge mistake.

Let's face the facts; the jump to Division I was a hastily made move at best. The decision was announced in 2004.

The school was rapidly growing, receiving accolades from national publications, and guided by a highly popular and charismatic chancellor, Harold L. Martin.

The school as a whole was stepping up to another, unprecedented level, so it is understandable that the athletic department would want to fall in line.

As the saying goes, hindsight is 20/20.

WSSU is three years into a now five-year transition from Division II to Division I. And while the athletic department is struggling to stay afloat financially, it is much too late to turn back.

If WSSU were to go back to Division II, it would be embarrassing. Whenever WSSU athletics are discussed, the first thing people will think: "Oh, you mean that school that tried to go to Division I?"

The embarrassment alone would probably keep the school from ever attempting the move again.

From a sports fan's point of view, the jump back would be a step back in terms of the athletes the school recruits and the competition it faces.

Being in Division I separates us from schools like Fayetteville State and Johnson C. Smith when it comes to the caliber of athletes a program recruits. It also keeps us competitive with N.C. A&T and N.C. Central.

NCCU is also moving to Division I. Stepping back would place us firmly behind our fiercest rivals and relegate us to "Little Brother" status.

As far as competition goes, after facing teams like Hampton, S.C. State and Florida A&M, it's hard to get excited about going back to facing Livingstone and Elizabeth City State.

The change in leadership in the athletic department was a needed one.

Money is not being raised, programs are becoming stagnant, and a new direction is needed.

The University just needs to be sure the step isn't a backwards one.