Aquila_Viridis

I have to give the administration credit on this one. When I saw the bios of the Board members I did not expect it to pass; plus the other two construction items were more politically appealing. Credit goes to the Board also for making the right decision for the North Texas region and the state. This is a real accomplishment and goes with some other significant non-athletics achievements for the university this year. It is an encouraging sign, and I hope they capitalize fully on the momentum.

Right they would set it up and then let it sit there empty waiting for someone to do something with it. Apparently they think that someday the thousands of alumni that they didn't develop a relationship with in the first place will spontaneously get an idea that North Texas having a terrible football program is unacceptable, despite the longstanding acceptance of it.

Passage is the right thing for the people of Texas. The North Texas region, being so important to the rest of the state, needs a major public university. The stadium and a successful football program are important parts of making UNT a major university.

You not giving support is not going to change anyone's mind. You trying to raise funds in your spare time is not going to attract enough money. So the question is, what really would influence the school administration, trustees, congresspeople, etc. who can actually affect the outcome? We don't have real money. They don't love or even desire us (alas). What's left? Fear?

All those same qualities can be obtained at a lesser salary level. Like I said, it is not a guarantee, but do you really think we have a chance to be say in the top 75 teams when we are paying a fraction of what those teams pay? What exactly would be your plan for getting to that level paying what we are?

What's new? Anyone expected this game to be close? I agree we need different coaches, but not because of this game. Glad to see some people waking up though. TCU had a plan; look where they are now. North Texas' 'leaders' have never had a plan. I think they find the situation acceptable. I said this when they got rid of Dickey. If they're going to pay the successor at the same level, they'll get about the same results. Nothing will change until NT decides to, and figures out how to, and ultimately does, go out and get enough to pay a new coach more like $650K. No that does not guarantee results, but on the other hand, it is almost certain that continuing to do the same thing will produce the same results. It all starts with a decision, to do something substantially different. Then they need to commit to that decision, by announcing that intention and THEN building support. Not the other way around. That takes vision and leadership. We'll see if NT has that.

Things started really going downhill when Steve Miller cursed us. He came to Memphis a few years ago, he played like an hour and a half. We were there in the POURING rain the whole time. He never played Fly Like an Eagle. I decided it was time to leave Memphis. Even the Neville Brothers' version can't remove this voodoo. If Steve Miller will come play Fly Like an Eagle on campus, then things will turn around.

From all that you would have to conclude that over in the administration someone with influence is actually taking delight in our suffering. Is it time for a takeover?

Are you saying those aren't tukeys they are frying in Monroe?

Uh, right. I am one of the biggest haters of Northeast and yet I think you have to recognize that North Texas no way is in a position to make a statement like that. They DO have a baseball program and oh didn't they beat Alabama not too long ago and won 2 of the last 3 meetings with North Texas? Plus they have a swamp on their campus which works as a positive only in Louisiana, but still. If the North Texas ship ever gets headed in the right direction, then you can go back to this kind of dumping, but not right now please. Meanwhile you should acquire a taste for fried turkey.

Could we bring some Tech fans and throw them? That's something they didn't think of, or if they did, they deserve it.

Actually, my interest is INCREASING. When the siren is going off you better take interest. KRAM's 'test of faith' concept interests me too, see because the outcome of it is a tiny group of supporters, the ones who are PROUD that they stuck it out through the long winter that maybe never ends. I have a better idea, how about - no long winter. I'd rather be PROUD about a school that takes on a task and gets it DONE. This aimless wandering they started out on a few years ago is an enduring testament to failure and ineptitude. Is that what you want that Eagle to stand for???? It won't stop until they get committed to the program - or kill it.

Uh, they will plan to win?

It is visionary and inspiring. I am bringing some artichokes and a guacamole shooter.

No there is only one column and it is a big one.

This is highly consistent with my 'inside job' theory. It's a theory that is getting very hard to deny.

Ugh, that other list is just depressing. As for me being back, well I went ahead and renewed MGC; it was a close call and it has not been that since I started. I am needing a clear statement from the university's most senior leadership that they are firmly committed to being a consistent top 75 football program starting within 5 years, and that they will aggressively tap every available resource to achieve that goal. If they don't come out and announce that during this season, then I won't be back. The time for hedging, wavering, soft-selling and hesitating is over.

An indication in each case of roughly where that school's administration expects their team to be on the totem pole. For us, not a good indication.

I read Vito's article and the comments on this board and on DRC. The discussion is like people arguing what weight oil to use in a car that is going off a cliff. Our university has failed to announce any commitment to athletics. The comments about apathetic alumni beg the question, why? It's because the school administration does not have or offer a vision. The vast alumni base is not going to magically all develop interest on their own. This school thinks the cart will pull the horse. I have had several years of frustration watching this school miss the boat. In the face of such a pitiful experience, this administration acts like nothing is happening. Frankly it gives me a sick feeling in my stomach, a lot. I can't stand any more of that feeling. I'm turning my back on this, for good. Some of you will say 'good riddance'. To those: you are part of the problem.

I am starting to wonder what some mean by 'turn it around'. Do you mean that it takes 4 years until you can win more games than you lose? Does it take 4 years to stop losing most games by whopping margins? Ridiculous! I wonder if any coach ever has had 2 worse years to start. Yet some want to 'stay the course'. Seriously, even if we lost as many as we have, I wouldn't be all over it if the losses weren't mostly so terrible, and in many cases to such terrible teams. Don't start on me about this close game against stAte. I would fully expect to see many more blowouts next season. This whole school and program looks hopeless right now. I'm giving them this week to make a different statement. Assuming they don't, after that, all you numb diehards can go down with the ship.

It appears this is coming up again early in 2009, though I have mixed feelings about it as it will ultimately be a part of the 'separate identity' (remember the blue and yellow jaguar) UNT Dallas.

Interesting. It seems unlikely that 2 legislators swung the entire process. You know I am paranoid; even if it sounds convincing I will say it's a cover-up. The point is, don't take it for granted. It seems like there has been a pattern of abuse over the decades that has left one of the nation's most significant metropolitan regions without a major public university. It can't all be coincidence.

Why wouldn't they? North Texas is the only school that has the potential to materially impact those other schools in terms of community interest and recruiting. Maybe you don't remember how poorly NT's effort to establish a law school fared in the legislature. Until the residents of DFW wake up to the fact they are getting the shaft not having a major public university in their region, we can expect more of the same. The idea that this region is properly served by TCU and SMU is tragic. They are only accessible to a few.

If this requires legislation I fully expect the UT, SMU, TCU, A&M and Texas Tech lobbies to get it killed.

I assume this went to my address in Austin. Is there a check box for 'serious coaching staff'?