KRAM1

You know, I like comparing the Mean green's program with other school's programs...especially those in the Sun Belt and our new affiliation CUSA. I think we and the folks in the athletic department can find good ideas to copy. And, you know what? They have. Look at the Mean green Club priority point system, the Mean green Club Volunteer Rep program, the Coaches Caravans, membership benefit levels and on and on. Many were ideas that originated at other programs brought to us by staff members, alumni and fans. So, comparing UNT and how UNT does things to other programs is an excellent ex cerise. One, I can tell you that the Athletic Dept. does on a very regular basis. One of our senior staffers was just this last weekend away at a conference sharing ideas with other schools and learning about new and innovative programs that might benefit UNT. But, when one compares, one must compare more than just the cool stuff. Let's take Southern Miss for an example...the Southern Miss Golden Eagle Club (our Mean Green Club) requires a $1500.00 minimum Golden Eagle Club donation to our $500 in order to purchase lower bowl 50-yard line section seats. In addition, So. Miss charges an EXTRA $300 per seat according to the number of seats you purchase...So, you buy four 50 yard line seats your cost per year is $ 2700.00 PLUS the price of the tickets! Did I read that correctly on the So Miss site? At UNT that cost is $500 plus the price of the tickets. The other sections are priced at So Miss are priced accordingly. So, one must realize how much more money So Miss has to do things with than UNT does at the moment. So, comparisons are great, but let's compare available funds and the willingness of fans and donors to step up and pay the price as well. To get ones name in the football program at So Miss, one must donate a minimum of $500 to the Golden Eagle Club. Think about that Mean green Fans! This is a level of support I would hope UNT and UNT fans everywhere are striving to obtain. And, yes, UNT is behind in that level of support by a good margin, but progress is being made. Right now several Volunteer Reps are working hard and sometimes swimming against the currents to try to raise the number and overall donation level for UNT's Mean Green Club. As one such volunteer, I can tell you that you hear lots of things regarding the program and the ideas folks have about the Mean green Club and the Mean Green in general. So, let's all do compare UNT to other schools and let's compare UNT to the best of the best as that is where most of the great Mean Green Nation wants to be...and in many areas already is at that level. BUT, let's never forget that it takes many many more dollars that UNT currently has at its disposal to get that done. And, when we compare, let's all realize what a fantastic BARGAIN the Mean Green Club and the benefits we all receive are as the price will definitely have to go up in order to get where we want to go. One simply cannot make suggestions and wish it so and then leave it to someone else to do the heavy lifting. It's that time where Mean Green Nation members everywhere might need to look in the mirror and get out those work gloves and start helping with the heavy lifting that needs to be done. Does this mean only sending in more money? Nope, it can mean volunteering one's time and expertise as well. Live outside Denton? Like to play golf? How about organizing a Mean Green Club golf tournament? It's hard work...I've done it, but it can sure help raise a lot of money. How about helping to organize a local Alumni Chapter? Yep, hard work and lots of frustration, but when it gets going it is well worth the effort. Complaining that someone else SHOULD be doing something, that in fact you could help do, is not doing much to make those comparisons with folks like Southern Miss seem much closer. So, I know, lots of folks will complain bout this post and perhaps disagree quite loudly...that's well OK as they are more than welcome to their opinions, but, at the end of the day, we all know what must be done and we all know if we are part of the "doing it crowd" or the "they should be doing it" crowd. The great Mean Green Nation really can do this...they have shown their willingness time and time again...we just need more of those folks and we need some we have to help make something more happen. Bring on those comparisons...they really do help put things in perspective...let's do have a complete perspective howerer......

I'm pretty much with Silver on this....

INDEED! To one of the great members of the Mean Green Nation...Happy Birthday Drex! The nation owes you a debt of gratitude for all you have done over so many years! Happy Birthday.....and many happy returns.

Thanks, Quoner...I must learn how to do that! Appreciate the help...hope lots of folks take the time to read the piece...well worth it.

I so agree with you on that! Yes, I am one of the "older guys" who still reads the hard copy edition. I HATE on-line versions of the papers...you have to scroll around, the screens often are not big enough so you fish around and I have found the online versions of many papers are not as complete as the printed versions. My wife likes to use the I-Pad, but for me IT SUCKS. I want to relax in the morning or evening with the paper and a cup of coffee if in the morning and a beer or soft drink if in the evening. I know the fact is that hard copy editions are "going away" and I'll have to change, but I do find that many younger folks have very little idea about the news of the day unless it is not something someone posts on Facebook or some link to some article that someone sends them. The idea that young people in mass read the news on-line is an urban (and rural myth). On-line readers seem to not read the entire paper...all sections...as do most hard copy readers. BUT, the times they are a changin', and soon all the hard copy editions will be gone. Sad, but the handwriting is on the wall, and we will all need to adjust to the "new reality". For me, it will just not be the same....sadly!

Well, six seems doable with 7 on the outside...so, at this very early stage, I would say 6-7. OOC schedule looks really tough and that could hold the key to how the entire season goes. I think this squad is better at this stage in the season that was last year's squad. How they fare going into the conference schedule has much to do with injuries and how the OOC goes...so, right now, I think 6 wins with 7 as a stretch.

There is a great piece on page A13 of today's Wall Street Journal written by retired Marine Col. Tom Minion entitled "Why They Serve: 'If Not Me, Then Who?' I am sorry that I don't know how to get a link up to that article. If anyone knows how, please post it here as EVERYONE should read that article as they head out for the long Memorial Day weekend. It drives home the point of Memorial day pretty well in my opinion. And, before you put on those water skies, jump in that pool, tee off or fire up that grill this Memorial Day, please stop for just a moment and reflect on what memorial day is really all about. We all get to put on those skies, tee up that ball, jump in that pool and fire up that grill because of folks who understood the meaning of "If not me, then who". May Goad Bless and keep all those who have served and are serving this great nation of ours. Be Safe.

At least the "have not's" have a chance this way...not so in college football. Win enough, you move up...no one can keep you out of the "big boy" group if you win and it's "win" against your competition...not those "big boys" if you are not already in the Premier League. Look at Manchester City...doesn't seem like always the same five to me at this point now does it? Remember Flyer...you have just recently come to the "beautiful game". ha! Just pullin' you leg a bit.

Good point as well...if you "hit" on a JUCO you are a hero for sure, if you miss, well it's probably worse in some respects than missing on a HS recruit. I doubt that the JUCO route will ever be abandoned. The temptation for a quick fix for a downtrodden program is just too great for some folks to pass on. I'm "good" with the Mean Green having a few JUCO's every year, just don't think it's the way to go as an overall program "builder"....in spite of the success Snyder has had at K-State.

Indeed he did...and K-State was once the doormat of the Big 12 before Snyder. Good point. And, one good example of using JUCO's to build and sustain a program.

So, in your opinion, how long will "Troy" be building with JUCO's? And, will they have lasting success going this route in your opinion? I don't think I can point to any team with a quality long-term record over the last 20 years or so who built anything long lasting with JUCO's as a majority of their recruits. Could be wrong, of course. Just want to have your thoughts since you seem to be more positive on loading up with JUCO's than I am.

Hey, I doubt that anyone here is saying that you don't find a gem of a JUCO from time to time. I am not saying that one should never sign a JUCO player...as ScreamingEagle-66 rightfully pointed out, there are those not so negative reasons for players to go the JUCO route. For me, the issue is how many and why. I'd be fine with the occasional JUCO to shore up a weak spot for a year or two while the recruited and potential (potential being the operative word here...as we have all seen "potential" not develop or leave) 4-year HS player develops and gains experience if no other players were available. JUCO players certainly have their place and I am fine when that is the case, just don't want to see a program try to base it's future on JUCO guys.

I think, pending some unforeseen injury to Thompson, that the Mean green are well set at QB going into the 2012 season. Thompson can be the leader UNT needs on the field and has shown marked improvement, in my opinion, in his decision making and execution. Of all the positions in question for the season, I think this one is the least of UNT's worries. Depth behind Thompson looks solid with Osborn and McNulty and Dodson. And, as jimbob just pointed out above, Thompson's most creative game came with Dunbar sidelined. Coul;d that bode well for Chico's offensive planning and play calling for 2012? I think it's a real possibility, and I think Thompson can execute that plan quite well. I am more than happy with the QB position going into 2012. Now, defensive backs...that's another story altogether.

For me, I am really happy to see this trend. As has been said...you live by the JUCO, you die by the JUCO and, in my opinion, it is NO WAY to build a program. I can see using a JUCO as a "spot need" player from time time time when there is a glaring need at some position that developed unexpectedly due to injury, grade, discipline or "want to" problems, but to try to build or sustain a program on JUCO guys...well, you are asking for failure. Short-time "fix" at best. One needs to always remember...JUCO guys are JUCO guys for a reason, and you only get so much time from them. I think you bite the bullet and build relationships with HS coaches and build with guys who can help you for up to four years. Just me.

Plumm...that was a great read. Probably one of the "fairest" assessments of the state of the UNT program I have seen or read in a long time. I pretty much think that, at this point, the read was "spot on". Really do appreciate your posting the link.

Sometimes it's just hard to realize that one does not have the real facts on a given situation, and to let the courts sort it all out. UNT90 is 100% correct in stating that we do not KNOW for certainty what happened that night...and neither does the media, Zimmerman's friend's and Family not Trevon's friends and family. And certainly not those of us who can follow it only through the media. Lots of folks want to share their thoughts on the matter and that's fine, but remember...no one here has anything near enough real information to know which way this will go...and neither does the press or the "court of public opinion". Many in the media and with those close to the parties in these sort of things stir up way too much negativity because they let their emotions run ahead of their brains. Many here do the same, but only the courts can sort this out...and even then we may not know for 100% certainty what really happened that awful night!

Well, Edison had just wired Denton, so it was a very early version of the electric light. You smarty youngster you! Edit: It was tough doing all those term papers by candlelight before Edison came to town!

You always bring back so many fond memories for me...loved those light fixtures at Mickey D's!

I couldn't care less what LSU thinks. For me, I like who UNT signed and am more than happy not to have Odoh. Pretty raw talent. If he signs at LSU, I think JJ will have a very big project on his hands for a couple of years. I wish the kid well...and who the heck cares what LSU thinks? I'd be plenty OK with never playing them again...unless it's a bowl game or NCAA game!

Hey, I get that and I wasn't "preaching to the board posters"...just generalizing about Dallas area fans who "complain mightily" about "no events" and then when one is held they cannot be bothered enough to fight a little traffic to get to it. Hey, lots of ways to get to that Hotel without ever driving on LBJ. I worked at LBJ and Midway...commuting from Denton every day...for several years. I know of plenty of ways to get to the place...so do others who actually live in Dallas. Location was simply not the reason. People can use it for an excuse if it makes them feel better, but I "ain't buying it". Way too many Dallas area alums to have such a poor showing. Find another excuse if you must, but let's stop with all the Dallas-area whining...get off your rear ends Dallas and get there! The same amount of advertising went into the Denton and Plano and Ft. Worth events and folks knew about them. As we all know, and I was born and raised in Dalllas and I love the place...it's HOME....Dallas area fans do not have the best of reputations for support...way way too many band wagon type fans of all sports in the dallas area. It's the nature of the "beast" in Dallas. So, it wasn't the location or the fact that folks didn't know...it's Dallas people! Sorry if that "hits where it hurts or close to home" a little, just the facts of life. Dallas area alums have not even established an active Dallas-area alumni group for Mixers and tailgate parties like folks in Denton and Collin County have...even though there have been several folks who have offered to help some Dallas area alums get that going...you know, it takes a bit of effort and some "stick to it" to get this sort of thing going. So far, to my knowledge, folks in Dallas want to be spoon fed and sit back and "let someone else do the heavy lifting". That's fine and that's OK, just don't then whine and moan about the results of the lack of initiative. UNT does not have the financial resources to do all the things it would like to do in this area. Why? Lots of reasons...one being the lack of alumni and fan financial and personal support for this sort of thing. UNT is in the position that it needs its alumni and fans to step up and be part of the solution...which they certainly can be. It won't always be this way, and it's getting better and better with each year, but UNT is not "there" yet. So, want stuff to happen...get involved with your time and your talent...I stand ready to help any Dallas area alum or fan who wants to take the lead and STICK with it...it takes time, some $$$ and lots of effort. Is it worth it? You bet your life it is!!!! Interested? PM me....I stand ready to help.

The UNT Alumni Association is, I believe, planning a tailgate event for the Houston Game. Should be fun and the word will go out.

Sign Him!

Your point? I think we all know he did...the point here is why and if he felt he was in a life threatening situation under Florida law. Isn't that what the courts are looking to decide? I wasn't there that night and I doubt anyone who has posted here on the matter was either. So, it's all speculation and opinion. As UNT90 has tried to point out...along with others...Zimmerman seems to have already been tried and convicted in the press and the court of public opinion. Neither of which should...SHOULD...have any bearing on the outcome of this case.

You know, we hear stuff like "we need more events in Dallas" all the time. Then an event is held in Dallas and we are told maybe 20-30 people bothered to attend. It doesn't matter where the location is in Dallas. It's not the location...it's the apathy of Dallas based fans it seems to me. If you really cared, it seems you could find a way to attend...no matter the location. At the Denton event we had Dallas and Ft. Worth fans...and in Plano I know there were attendees from other areas as well who could not make any of the other locations, but found a way to drive the extra distance to get to the Plano and/or Denton events. I could only attend the Ft. Worth event last year which was held in the Stockyards area. I made sure I got there in time from Lewisville where I work. I also know that several Dallas based folks went to Plano and Denton, so that could have cut down on the Dallas crowd a bit, but really, in Dallas 20-30 show up? Really? So, what's up with the Dallas "fan base"? I realize that the Hilton is not the greatest of locations, and maybe that will change for next year...but to blame the small crowd size on the location is simply not fair or correct. The problem is the lack of interest in the "fan base" in Dallas. heck there are more than 200 grads living or working within 4 miles of the Hilton location...I would bet any amount you want on that. So, to say it was the location that made the difference...well, I'm not buying that AT ALL. Get off your rear ends PEOPLE! You want events in Dallas? Show up! Now, all that being said...and after two poor turnouts at the Hilton location, it behooves the Athletic Dept. to look closely at a new location for next year's event. If I were in charge of finding the location, I would definitely consider a move after a post-event re-cap meeting. There has to be a site that would work better and be more accessible. So...where? And, if the turnout is as poor next year, I'd consider not even holding one in Dallas...maybe the Grapevine area or more south. You want events in Dallas, show up when events are held. Make it a priority. I'll bet the folks who did find their way to the Dallas event had a great time.

I echo most all of what is said here...plus, since tylermeangreen sits down a few rows in front of me, I can throw popcorn at him during the games! For my bride and I it has been a great investment. We are very happy that we bought the seats and look forward to year two in our seats. Yes, it is a bit of a different experience from being in the bowl and "in the mix" of the crowd noise, etc. So, yes, it is a bit different for me, but the pros so far outweigh the cons that it is a no brain-er. The food was fine, the Club Level lounge area is awesome on game days and the sight lines are excellent. I stay outside most all the time as our seats are covered (we are on the back row of our section) while the bride likes to wonder in and out during the games. That works for us...at least she did not leave me at halftime last year telling me to "find a ride home" because she was cold or it was wet. OK, so she is not the biggest football fan in the world, but she loves the Mean Green, loves the game day experience and goes because she likes the Club level so much.....for us, GREATNESS! So, if you are thinking about Club Seats...buy a ticket to a game in the Club area and try them out for yourself. There are some seats left, but I don't think there will be many left much longer...especially with UNT's entry into CUSA on the horizon for 2013.