SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — A $100 billion investment is expected to bring growth to Syracuse University’s athletic department, as well as the community of central New York.
John Wildhack, the athletic director at Syracuse University, explained in a press conference Thursday morning that he plans to use the investment as a way to attract new recruits across all sports teams.
“When we’re out recruiting,” said Wildhack, “student athletes and their parents, we can talk about it. You know, we’re gonna be one of the most sophisticated tech centers in the country.”
Wildhack said the investment is beneficial for the entire community and it will place central New York in a higher technological standing. His plan involves using Micron Technology’s expected location in central New York, to attract incoming athletes to the athletics department.
“I think what it does is it puts central New York on the map,” said Wildhack.”There will be opportunities for your son, for your daughter post graduate. We’re gonna be on the cutting edge of ground breaking technology right here in central New York.”
The athletic director also expects to directly benefit from the announcement by using Micron’s team members love of athletics.
In an email sent Tuesday to Syracuse University students Wildhack said, “We know for a fact the Micron Executive Management team are enthusiastic sports fans. We will create both a short- and long-term strategy to fully capitalize on today’s announcement.”
The announcement made Tuesday explained Micron Technology’s plan to build a microchip plant in the Town of Clay, New York. The new megafab, or manufacturing plant, “will create nearly 50,000 New York jobs: 9,000 new high-paying Micron jobs and over 40,000 community jobs,” according to Micron Technology’s website.
“It’s transformative for this community,” said Wildhack. “It’s a wonderful, wonderful day for central New York.”
This private investment is the largest to ever be made in New York state history, and Syracuse University’s athletics department is planning on reaping the benefits.
