Zeleny' Orel

Wishing Coach Lama a successful stay at Arkansas State.

Wishing her a successful career!

Happy Birthday, Jack. Always enjoyed the out-of-town football games and seeing you and Jessica there helping to cheer on the Mean Green!

I remember when Apogee sounded strange and took some getting used to. It won't take long for the DAT to become familiar. GMG

Although the Bush LIbrary is located on the SMU campus, he is not a graduate of SMU. He graduated from Yale. His wife, Laura, is a graduate of SMU.

It all comes down to monetary support for UNT athletics, which has been a historical problem for the 50+ years I have followed UNT sports. Each year I have had hope that we have turned the corner, but it hasn't happened, although we have moved up some in the pecking order. Unfortunately, that requires even more monetary support. I agree that there has to be a priority expenditure of the money we do have and the athletic center is first on the list as it impacts the most student-athletes. NIL has complicated securing money for facilities, but I truly think the athletic center has to be funded quickly or we will lose ground in the AAC. I am once again hopeful that new marketing and fund-raising strategies might help...the old ones haven't done the job! So if you win the big lottery, remember UNT! GMG

It all comes down to monetary support for UNT athletics, which has been a historical problem for the 50+ years I have followed UNT sports. Each year I have had hope that we have turned the corner, but it hasn't happened, although we have moved up some in the pecking order. Unfortunately, that requires even more monetary support. I agree that there has to be a priority expenditure of the money we do have and the athletic center is first on the list as it impacts the most student-athletes. NIL has complicated securing money for facilities, but I truly think the athletic center has to be funded quickly or we will lose ground in the AAC. I am once again hopeful that new marketing and fund-raising strategies might help...the old ones haven't done the job! So if you win the big lottery, remember UNT! GMG

The 3-game mini plan is also a good deal for those who know they can't attend all the games or afford to spend much on tickets. A seat near midfield for 3 games of your choice, with blue parking, is less than $250. Not out much money for missed games and the AD gets some money, although a mere drop in the bucket, if you can't attend. Like the fact there are more options being made that may appeal to potential new fans or those people with limited money available for entertainment. It starts by getting people in the seats or at least committed to buying tickets! GMG

Many years ago I worked at a high school that had a Tiger as the mascot. The logo used by the athletic department was deemed to be too similar to Missouri and the school received a "cease and desist" letter from the university. This is not a new issue.

Faithful supporter, great fan, and nice person. I have enjoyed times we have been at the same places at the same times cheering on the Mean Green over many, many years. Wishing you a wonderful Happy Birthday, George. Wish we could clone him!

Might expand this idea of "fish" camp to also having an "eagle" camp (or some more clever name) for the current 3-game mini plan buyers and maybe 1st time season ticket holders. Used to have a coaches clinic focusing on women that was also well attended in the past. I haven't seen anything like that lately. More individualized, specialized attention always makes people feel important and results in a bigger buy in to the program. That is why I think the Mean Green Club of old had more appeal to many than the current MGSF...you felt important and part of the bigger picture as well!

I think it depends on what appeals to you. For many years I had tickets in both areas. I enjoyed the social gathering and buffet before the game, having nice restrooms and a cool (or warm) and dry area if needed in bad weather conditions. As far as watching the actual game, I much preferred the lower bowl seats and stayed there during the game. I would go back to the club at halftime to get a soft drink and visit. Enjoyed both for different reasons. I had the club seats since Apogee opened but do not now...has become too costly in my retirement years to have them after investing in original seat licenses, yearly MGSF fees, season tickets, etc. Hoping for tolerable weather this year since I will be in the lower bowl only.

One of the biggest changes affecting attendance at college sporting events, especially football and basketball, is the ability to see the games on television. It doesn't take much effort. A hard-core fan will come to the games, but a casual one is not as likely to do so unless you make the game atmosphere/experience worth the effort. Game day and games must provide something the casual fan sees at entertaining enough to make the effort to go in person. Marketing and providing an enjoyable experience that outweighs just staying at home to watch a game is the key. It will take innovative and consistent effort. Winning helps but it takes a myriad of different approaches because different people respond in different ways. Hopefully the new AD leadership and staff have some new ideas and the fortitude to stick it out and start some new initiatives for current students, Denton area residents, and alums who have to take the time to drive a few hours or more to get to the game. GMG

This is my concern as well. I see the NIL hurting the desire of many, many athletes for getting a degree and concentrating on getting an education that will last them a lifetime. I hope the NCAA makes some modifications to the NIL. I am all for meeting college expenses, plus spending money, but can't endorse "pay for play" at the college level. Leave that to the pros or develop a pro minor league that pays for play and leave the college game for those wanting an education while playing.

Do you know whether the players were considering transfering prior to Coach Lama not being rehired or after they found out he was leaving?

Thanks for the info! Looks like we will need some help from the transfer portal for next year since we have lost several players to the transfer portal already this year.

Seems like a solid choice...good background and might be able to get Denton behind her based on past history. Also interesting that a female coach in charge for a change. Not sure if that will be a factor. Don't know much about her. Anyone know how she is in recruiting? Or developing players? Retaining players? These seem to be areas we need to strengthen.

I agree on Jeff Maren. He would be a great get but I think he is where he wants to be. You seem to have a more national tennis perspective than I do. How attractive is the UNT tennis coaching job to potential candidates? I think our facilities are lacking (no indoor facilities) but am not sure about salary, resources, AD support, etc. Moving to the AAC is probably a plus but so much is dependent on the ability to recruit internationally. Looks like we will have a complete rebuild of the program.

Are the Maniacs a basketball only group? They seemed to have increased some student interest in basketball. Might translate to football.

Did you mean Jeff Maren at Liberty or did he leave? I know he and Jeff Hammond were both assistants for UNT tennis but thought Coach Maren was still at LIberty.

An example of what college athletics should be...athlete doing well in a major preparing for the future and doing well on the field of play. NIL within original intent would be ok, but afraid it has escalated to a point that it will take away the empahsis on education for the future. Great job, Nick...you are an inspiration! Glad to have you in the Mean Green Family.

Great to see the football GPA up last semester. I would be curious to see a breakdown of the majors the players are pursuing. I only hope their majors will prepare them for life after college football and, in a few cases maybe after pro ball. I have seen too many college athletes advised to take the major whose courses would most easily accomodate practice schedules rather than prepare for the future. I hope our academic advising at UNT is strong in thinking of the student first and the athlete second. Not saying it isn't...don't know...just know stats aren't always what they seem. GMG in the classroom and on the field/court/pool/course/etc.

It is obvious that the bar had been raised for all sports, the latest being golf and tennis. Coach Lama definitely improved UNT Womens Tennis, but there has not been much recent success. I appreciated his empahsis on academics and the character of his players. Hopefully a new coach can keep up these standards as well as raise the level of play. GMG

YES, please!

I agree...Mason was just so fun to watch and I loved his attitude and demeanor on and off the field. I hope he is having fun in the CFL. He is a class act all the way. I still have my "Mason Fine" T-shirt but can't ever remember if it says Mean Green or North Texas! As I mentioned in another thread Mason and Tylor Perry are two of the most enjoyable athletes to have played at UNT and I have been a fan for 55 years! Lots of others too but they are two of the more recent favorites.