Run the Damn Ball: Igniting the Passion and Performance in Georgia Tech's Non-Revenue Sports

For generations, the name Georgia Tech has been synonymous with innovation, grit, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. This spirit isn't confined to our academic halls; it's etched into the very fabric of our athletic heritage. Yet, for many who bleed Old Gold and White, a nagging question persists: are we truly living up to that legacy across all our athletic endeavors? Specifically, are our non-revenue sports programs receiving the fervent passion, resources, and demand for performance that their history—and our institution's name—deserves?

There's a palpable frustration brewing among the faithful, a collective 'bawl' for more.

It's a cry that echoes the sentiment, 'Run the damn ball!' – a primal urge for our teams, from track and field to swimming, from tennis to golf, to compete with unbridled intensity and a relentless pursuit of victory. We yearn to see the same fire, the same unwavering commitment to the W, that we expect from our marquee sports, extended uniformly across every athletic discipline that proudly wears the White and Gold.

The metaphor of 'burning the XXL jersey' isn't just provocative; it's a powerful rejection of complacency.

It’s a call to shed any oversized, ill-fitting notions of self-importance or comfortable mediocrity that might have crept into our non-revenue programs. It’s a demand to strip away anything that doesn't represent the lean, hungry, and competitive spirit that defines Georgia Tech. We cannot, and should not, rest on past laurels or accept anything less than an all-out effort.

An XXL jersey suggests comfort, perhaps even a lack of urgency; we demand a tailored fit of fierce determination and relentless drive.

Our student-athletes, the 'Scions' of this storied institution, carry a tremendous torch. They are not merely participants; they are inheritors of a legacy forged by champions and innovators.

They represent the spirit of hard work, intelligence, and competitive fire. It is incumbent upon every athlete, every coach, and every administrator in the Georgia Tech athletic department to ensure that this legacy is not just maintained, but elevated. We must cultivate an environment where every sport, regardless of its revenue generation, is treated as a vital component of a holistic athletic powerhouse.

This isn't just about winning, though winning is undoubtedly a crucial metric of success.

It’s about instilling a culture of relentless effort, strategic brilliance, and profound pride in every single program. It’s about empowering these Scions to not only compete but to dominate, to leave an indelible mark on their respective sports. It's about demonstrating to the ACC and the nation that Georgia Tech's commitment to athletic excellence is comprehensive, unwavering, and deeply ingrained.

Let us not just lament; let us ignite. Let us truly run the damn ball, and burn away anything that holds us back from achieving the greatness that is our birthright.