He said he was frustrated by “always having to fight above our weight class” while noting that improvements that Tech has made to address that gap, such as the new locker room, upgraded nutrition center and training table and additional staff.

In sounding many of the notes that Johnson has often struck in his assessment of the team’s facilities and resources relative to its competition, Stansbury again aligned himself with the coach, affirming his credence in Johnson’s position. To compete in recruiting and on the field, Johnson has stated his need for a new locker room and additional staff for recruiting and quality control.

Stansbury concluded with a challenge to fans and alumni to continue to provide financial support of the team.

“I need all of our Georgia Tech Family to rally together behind this team and our athletics program, as well as decide if we’re all willing to do what’s necessary to put us in the same weight class as those we compete against on a regular basis,” he wrote.

The email, whose subject line was “Athletic Director’s Update,” is a regular communication sent out to donors and season-ticket holders, going out to approximately 16,000 recipients.