STILLWATER — As Bedlam approaches with Oklahoma State playing for its first-ever Big 12 South title against Oklahoma on Saturday, plenty of people deserve credit for the Cowboys success in 2010.
But don't forget Mike Holder.
The OSU athletic director has made shrewd decisions and, at the risk of being unpopular amongst the Cowboy fan base, remained steadfast in his commitment to his vision. Holder's solid decision-making has helped OSU increase attendance and improve the overall health of the program.
His “Premium†game ticket policy designates a “premium†game each season meaning purchasing season tickets is the only way to acquire a ticket to that particular game. The policy began in 2008 with Bedlam as the “premium†game followed by Georgia in 2009 and Bedlam again this season.
Holder said Tuesday he expects Bedlam to be a “Premium†game in 2011 with the Cowboys non-conference meeting against Arizona, a potential matchup of two top 25 teams, possibly being a “premium†game as well.
“There are a lot of people who don't like the policy, it has a lot of detractors,†Holder said. “But I try to tell them, it's not about one game. It's about the ultimate goal to sell season tickets and elevate the program to where we consistently compete for championships.
“To do that requires sacrifice on everybody's part: The coaches, the athletes and our fan base. It's not a lot of fun, it's painful at times but it is what is required to compete at the highest level in college athletics.â€
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