HBCU Legends

REPORT: Tennessee State's Ice Hockey Team Faces Financial Concerns

Before the first puck drops, the TSU Tigers are already facing a financial crisis.

Kyle T. Mosley

Tennessee State Hockey
Tennessee State Hockey / Credit: TSU Athletics
In this story:

Tennessee State University, a trailblazer in the HBCU community, is facing an urgent financial crisis with the launch of the first Division I men's ice hockey program. As reported by Meredith Turits of Front Office Sports, the situation is dire, and immediate action is needed to ensure the program's success.

The Tigers are gearing up for their inaugural season, set for 2025-2026. This season holds the promise of exciting games and potential victories, marking a significant milestone in TSU's sports history.  

In April, the school appointed Dominique Abercrombie as the first black male hockey coach in the NCAA Division I. Unfortunately, Tennessee State is unprepared to handle the upcoming season. Why? Mainly because they are handling a "financial emergency caused by budget mismanagement," Turits reports.

Duante Abercrombie
Duante Abercrombie / Credit: TSU Athletics

Approximately two weeks ago, reports of structural deficits, state underfunding for the past 30 years in an amount of $2.1 billion, mismanaged federal relief funding during the COVID-19 pandemic, faulty scholarship offerings, a drop in enrollment, and outdated financial controls have caught up with the university.

The NHL Industry Growth Fund's feasibility study identified significant financial challenges in developing a new athletic program. Understanding the complexities drew support from the Nashville Predators, who will offer the Tigers one of the team's Ford Ice Centers facilities and other resources. Additionally, Coach Abercrombie's salary is currently the only one fully covered by the university.

Realizing that the team will travel to the Midwest and northern cities for games, the university's athletic department will require additional funding to cover lodging, logistics, and other related expenses. TSU has two additional partners, MKurtz Consulting and College Hockey Inc.

Before the puck drops and the initial investment of almost $2.5 million ends, the TSU Tigers should strive to establish a competitive men's ice hockey team to attract additional sponsors for funding.

Read more about the story on Front Office Sports.

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Kyle T. Mosley
KYLE T. MOSLEY

I am Kyle T. Mosley, the Founder, Managing Editor, and Chief Reporter for the HBCU Legends, Saints News Network, and Pelicans Scoop on FanNation a Sports Illustrated team channel since October 2019.  Morehouse Alum, McDonogh #35 Roneagles (NOLA), Drum Major of the Tenacious Four.  My Father, Mother, Grandmother, Aunts and Uncles were HBCU graduates! Host of "Blow the Whistle" HBCU Legends, "The Quad" with Coach Steward, and "Bayou Blitz" Podcasts. Radio/Media Appearances:  WWL AM/FM Radio in New Orleans (Mike Detillier/Bobby Hebert),  KCOH AM 1230 in Houston (Ralph Cooper), WBOK AM in New Orleans (Reggie Flood/Ro Brown), and 103.7FM "The Game" (Jordy Hultberg/Clint Domingue), College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt), Jeff Lightsly Show, and Offscript TV on YouTube. Television Appearance: Fox26 in Houston on The Isiah Carey Factor, College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt). My Notable Interviews:  Byron Allen (Media Mogul), Deion Sanders (Jackson State University, Head Coach), Tomekia Reed (Jackson State Lady Tigers Basketball Coach), Taylor Rooks (NBA Reporter), Swin Cash (VP of Basketball - New Orlean Pelicans), Demario and Tamala Davis (NFL Player), Jerry Rice (Hall of Famer), Doug Williams (HBCU & NFL Legend), Emmitt Smith (Hall of Famer), James "Shack" Harris (HBCU & NFL Legend), Cris Carter (Hall of Famer), Solomon Wilcots (SiriusXM NFL Host), Steve Wyche (NFL Network), Jim Trotter (NFL Network), Travis Williams (Founder of HBCU All-Stars, LLC), Malcolm Jenkins (NFL Player), Cam Jordan (NFL), Demario Davis (NFL), Allan Houston (NBA All-Star), Drew Brees (Former NFL QB), Deuce McAllister (Former NFL RB), Willie Roaf (NFL Hall of Fame), Jim Everett (Former NFL Player), Quinn Early (Former NFL Player), Dr. Reef (NFL Players' Trainer Specialist), Nataria Holloway (VP of the NFL). I am building a new team of journalists, podcasters, videographers, and interns.  For media requests, interviews, or interest in joining HBCU Legends, please contact me at kmosley@hbcusi.com. Follow me:

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