"We are never going to be like Laval or Carleton," Karagias said of two of Canadian Interuniversity Sport's free-spending football teams whose annual budgets are around $1-million each.

"But we do need (a bigger budget) to get where we need to be."

Currently, UW allocates about $400,000 annually for its football team, mostly funded by student fees and alumni donations.

Competitive teams in the Ontario University Athletics conference need in the range of about $500,000 to $700,000 annually, said Karagias.

He and other members of the Warriors football team's finance committee have a meeting scheduled with Webster before Saturday's Homecoming game against Western at Warrior Field.

Karagias said the committee has some ideas about how to increase the team's budget without breaking the bank.

Webster has said he would work to find a sustainable model that sets up the football Warriors for long-term success on the field.

The university keeps all its teams and recreational programs under constant review so as to best meet the needs of its students, Webster's statement continued.

UW is committed to ensuring all student activities are rewarding experiences, Webster added.

Karagias said he has no reason to doubt Webster's sincerity.

"I believe Roly is very committed to the program," Karagias said.

Webster arrived at UW earlier this month following a lengthy career in administration and alumni development at football-friendly Wilfrid Laurier University.

crivet@therecord.com