FAMU fundraising STRIKE Tour postponed as frustration simmers in wake of AD resignation

FAMU football coach Willie Simmons wants to be a steady, positive voice.

He wants to reassure and remind Rattler fans, supporters and alumni that the program’s student athletes come first even while the athletics department undergoes yet another leadership change.

The transition has led to the postponement to the start of the 2022 Rattler Athletic Fund STRIKE Tour, according to Simmons.

The tour, which includes early stops in South Florida, Orlando, Tampa and Jacksonville, helps FAMU raise the financial resources for its athletics program. Last year’s tour raised more than $500,000 and, counting current pledges that exceed $650,000, is excepted to surpass that mark this year.

An athletics department official said Tuesday an announcement regarding the tour's start will be made at a later date.

More FAMU coverage:

• FAMU's Kortne Gosha steps down as VP and Director of Athletics

• Markquese Bell headlines FAMU's Pro Day at Bragg Memorial Stadium

• 'It's about reps and getting better.' FAMU quarterback Rasean McKay eyes improvement

“It’s about their (student athletes) ability to graduate and represent this institution on our athletic fields,” Simmons said of the tour's importance.

“As Rattlers, we love to win and expect to win. But that comes at a cost. I hope we don’t lose sight of this amidst everything that is going on. No program across the country can survive without their constituents providing financial support."

Kortne Gosha’s tenure as FAMU’s Vice President and Director of Athletics ended after less than three years when he suddenly announced his resignation last Wednesday.

Michael Smith – a veteran FAMU employee and former interim athletic director in 2013 – was again named interim athletic director by FAMU President Larry Robinson.

Robinson and the university did not issue a statement or comment specifically regarding Gosha’s departure.

Robinson said a national search will be held to find Gosha's replacement.

The FAMU athletic director's office has had a revolving door over the past 10 years, which has included seven interim or permanent ADs.

FAMU fans reveal anger and frustration

Gosha’s resignation was met by anger and frustration across social media from FAMU fans.

Some have said they are reluctant to financially support athletics, one saying, "until the University understands that the kids are more important than anybody on that campus then we will continue having problems and boycotts!" Others, meanwhile expressed disappointment but added "it doesn't change our commitment to the coaches and student athletes. We're going all in again. Never. Quit."

Simmons has also voiced his concerns on social media, too, over Gosha's resignation. He also has pleaded with fans to continue to back athletics, including financially. The FAMU National Alumni Association is a chief supporter of the Strike Tour.

“With everything that has happened – I don’t know if it’s apprehension or whatever the case might be, uncertainty about the direction of the program or leadership – it’s being postponed,” Simmons said of the STRIKE Tour.

“Our ability to go out and secure funds. … we can’t rest and sit around and think that we will be able to support these student athletes the way we need to if we don’t go out and secure funding. Outside of recruiting, that’s our second-most precious need.”

Robinson and Smith met with FAMU coaches, staff and administrators last Wednesday following Gosha's resignation. While Simmons said he hasn't had the opportunity to meet with Smith one-on-one, he said Smith reassured coaches his focus was on the continued success of the program and student-athletes.

"Honestly, the mission doesn't change," Smith said Tuesday.

"There's a lot of good things that are happening and centered around the student-athlete, their exposure to being the best they can be in competition, finishing up in the classroom (spring semester) and the community being able to see them on display. That's what I am marching towards right now."

Simmons, 24-10 overall at FAMU, and the Rattlers are looking to build on consecutive nine-win seasons and the program's first appearance in the FCS playoffs last year. He pointed to leadership stability and fundraising as keys to that continued success.

Additionally, football season ticket renewals and sales, including Investing in Champion packages, are underway for the upcoming season. FAMU's home schedule features Albany State, Alabama A&M, Mississippi Valley State, Arkansas Pine-Bluff and Southern.

"It's a non-stop endeavor for all of us," Simmons said of fundraising. "I am trying to continue to push that message in a positive way. Hopefully, it resonates and we can do what we need to do to get our program where it needs to be."

Reach Jim Henry at jjhenry@tallahassee.com.

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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FAMU fundraising tour postponed as athletics conduct search for new AD