"We made some facilities improvements right away. And one of first things that had to be worked out was how to get the players from one side of the mountain [where the dormitories are located] to the fields and back," Sterrett said. "We arranged these elaborate shuttle schedules even though it didn't seem likely professional athletes would be taking a bus."
As it turned out, virtually all the players share rides back and forth.
Neither side would say how much money changes hands.
The Eagles don't pay to use the fields, but do agree to maintain and restore them. They're charged the standard rate for rooms and meeting facilities and, for obvious reasons, pay more for their meals than the average student.
They also pay a standard administrative fee to cover the costs of basic utilities, maintenance and other operations.
"From our point of view, it's very important for us, and schools like us, that we find ways to utilize our athletic facilities year round," Sterrett said. "But as far as profitability goes, there's not a lot in this."
Contact staff writer Frank Fitzpatrick at 215-854-5068 or ffitzpatrick@phillynews.com
