I don't see how anone can be against Sook which is providing ACADEMIC help to our athletes. Even the people who hate athletics.
Disclaimer: The following opinions are not necessarily mine, and I may fail to reproduce them accurately. However, it is my understanding that the opposition from Sook comes from two avenues. (Other than "We just hate athletics")
One is the idea that creating an academic space only for athletes sets them apart from other students, and this is an undesirable outcome for a university body. I am agnostic on this point, and so have little more to say about it.
The other is of course the money. Some feel that so many other facilities on campus are in a sorry state of disrepair (leaky roofs, bat infestations) that the money would be better used in upkeep than new construction. Although the initial donation for Sook was specific to that purpose, the subsequent donations cannibalized other projects. Also, Sook adds one more facility that has to compete for maintenance dollars. I find this argument effective at presenting some of the costs of Sook, but I don't find anyone in this camp making an honest attempt at presenting the benefits (probably because they also subscribe to either point #1, or "We just hate athletics"). It also should be noted that if enough weight is given to 'arguments' of this type, then how would the university ever grow - you couldn't build anything new.
Where to begin:
1.As I understand it,the University's intention is for 100% of the cost of the Sook Center's design/construction to be paid for by donations.
I know, when the University solicited donations for Sook,every solicitation let you designate your donation for Sook only.
They also had "naming opportunities",like the IPF,where,for a $1000.00 donation you would get your name on a plaque on the building.
2.People either don't know,or forget, that O.U. already has an Academic Center for athletes.
Sook will be a larger,more modern replacement.
I also believe that the design will also let Sook function as a "Reception Center".
3.I played D1 soccer at O.U.
I wrestled D1 for F.D.U.
The time commitment needed for both athletics and academics,I was an engineering major,are hard to explain.
An Academic Center for athletes,something I wish I would have had,helps you make the most of the limited time you have available.