BEESerk, the mission statement in and of itself does not in any way put this debate to an end...as u can plainly see for yourself on this board. Based on your assertion, ALL of D-1 football should be immediately disbanded. Do you actually believe ND's,PSU's, or anybody else's states a mission for their football team? By the way, how would/does our FOOTBALL TEAM's mission statement read? Something like: "Guys, just go out there and do the best you can with those ankle weights on"!? Like it or not, the football tradition at GT is every bit as important to it's alumni and student body as any academic program you wish to choose. Like it or not, athletics is an integral part of "education". Ever notice how meaningful an elementary/middle school's soccer or basketball team is to the kids? As for the mission statement, take note of the reference to "practicality" and "fairness". It would be quite practical, as bellyseries states, to improve the team's chances, and I'll assure you there is nothing fair about the unlevel playing field we now face.
IMO, there is a wide gulf between the football factories 71 alludes to and what we could/should do at GT. The wonderful/rare/valuable skills and diversity that athletes bring to the GT table should be embraced, not shunned. THWG