KRAM1

Quoner...somehow I just knew you would love this guy!

This isn't about Bliss...it is about a guy who "did the right thing" and got the shaft. The guy did not go around taping all the head coach had to say, this was about a murder cover-up! For gosh sakes, folks, get a little perspective. Let's see, it would never happen in the pros????? Hmmmmmmm...how many pro athletes are now in jail?????? Seems the Patriots did a little taping of their own recently...yes, a bit different, but taping none the less Time to really think about what is going on here...if my kid was the one being attacked, I would darn sure hope that someone had the guts and the integrity to make sure the truth was known....the guy put his career on the line for the truth. In my book that says alot and that's the kind of guy I would want watching my back if I were a head coach. Yes, you can say he "ratted his head coach out" if you want to...I am not sure that's the real story at all. If you don't want to get caught cheating (or whatever), don't cheat! It's that simple. I got my first speeding ticket in about 25 years the other day..I was ticked at the Cop for giving me a ticket until I remembered that I was in 100% control of whether I got a ticket that day or not! It's called personal responsibility....THIS GUY DESERVES ANOTHER SHOT to see if he can coach! I hope some coach has the guts and the integrity to give him that shot. And, why do some of you folks dislike Coach K so much?

This is GREAT NEWS...let's go after Navy, Rice, Air Force...Tulane (how about a home and away with Tulane so we can make a road trip to Nerw Orleans? Think about it!). As I continue to say...good things are happening at UNT....

Lots of blame to go around...lots of places to lay the blame...BUT, that is the past...not much anyone can do about it. We may want to consider working in the present time and not worrying about the past as there really is not much we can do about that! I recall games in the old pit for basketball where the place was completely full on a regular basis and we were playing nationally ranked MVC teams....way cool, but, if I were a betting man, I would bet that we will not go back to playing games in the old pit! What I mean is that as much as I recall in the past in glowing terms and with golwing memory, it is not in the past where I now find myself...nor is it where the UNT athletic program finds itself. Remember, UNT went down to 1-AA for several years for several reasons...$$$$ and attendance being a big part I would imagine. Yes, Dr. Hurley did not support our athletic programs very well...at least not the way they are getting support today for moving forward with both facilities and scheduling and coaches salaries, and quality, etc., etc. But, Dr. Hurley is no longer in charge...that, too is the past. I would love to be in a "better" conference (I for one am not certain Conference USA is much if any of an upgrade nor is the WAC), but UNT is probably where it needs to be right at this moment...let's win the Sunbelt again and then see what happens...or let's create a new SW Conference with teams near and dear to "our hearts". While UNT might (MIGHT) like a conference with Baylor, SMU, TCU, Tulsa, Houston, Tulane, Rice, etc., etc. (hey, remember it could be a road trip to New Orleans...come on think about it!) I wonder what those scholls might think about it. Not an easy thing to pull off. Let's get the new stadium and then see what happens. I appreciate and fully understand the thought in looking at where we were "in the past"...yes, good things some of them, but also remeber that memory can be a "selective" thing. For me, I am looking forward, not backwards to all the good things happening, planned and to be planned at UNT! GO MEAN GREEN, GO EXES, GO MEAN GREEN CLUB! Mark

This has been a good string of posts with views all over the place...some very thoughtful...a good read for sure. For me, it just comes down to doing a better job of recruiting "students first" and athletes second. That is not to say "second class" athletes as I do not believe that athletes cannot be great students. They can, and there are many currently at UNT that prove that very point...in all of our sports. However, it does mean that we should look VERY VERY hard at anyone who is a non-qualifer or partial qualifer from an academic standpoint and CHARACTER should be give VERY high priority in the recruiting process. The problem here too is that now five (5) students will not get a chance to be on scholarshiop because UNT took a chance on some "suspect" (academic-wise) students in the past. BIG MISTAKE...always is a majority of the time. T Dodge and his teams now suffer the consequences of some questionable behavior recruiting-wise int he past. BUT< that is the past...can't and will not go there...it is time to move forward. Lots of great things happening and I think both the character of our athletes and the academic skills are improving with each year/class recruited. So, mistakes were made, OK, now it is what does UNT do about it going forward? Get over the past...IT IS OVER...fix it and move on...for gosh sakes, do not repeat the past mistakes. Anyone like the idea of turning a few current (say 5) football and one (1) basketball athletic scholarships into academic scholarships for the players who can qualify and actually "regaining" the numer of athletic scholarships lost???? Might work...what say you?

This guy DESERVES another shot. I have no idea if he can coach or not, but this is pure BS to keep him out of coaching. Someone should give this guy a shot at a D-1 assistant job...if for no other rweason than to make the point that integrity and character DO COUNT. What a bunch of "bums" the BB coaches are if someone does not give this guy a shot/job. Man, you can break every rule in the books and get re-hired somewhere else as a HEAD COACH for gosh sake, why not an assistant who DID THE RIGHT THING????? Man, this makes me ill!

This is the sort of thing Derrick Morgan is working to "fix". LA and Ark.....give Derrick a call directly...and Rob McKinney too...Rob is in charge of chapter development and is a real good guy...works hrad and is more than willing to help. Look, let's me honest here a bit too...with the state of the Exes Assoc. being what it has been in the recent past, there is a TON of work to do to get it to the point it needs to be. The first move has been made in getting a new director (Derrick) and some actual full-time staff. Tough to do much with no director, one full time staff member and a couple of part-time student employees. So, first things first...the Dallas-Ft. Worth area needs major attention as that is the area that "holds" the majority of our Exes in large concentrated amounts. So, the effort HAS to be there in a big way. That being said, other areas of the State (Houston, San Antonio, Austin, etc., etc.) also need attention...as do "out of state" locations such as Ark. and LA. But, fact is, resources are tight, so the further away one is, and the fewer the concentartion of Exes, the tougher to "fund" things. That being said, I would definitely give Rob and derrick a call and see what CAN be done to genertate some out of state MEAN GREEN NATION building. I would be willing to bet they would be happy to help spread the word via email, notices on the Exes site, etc,., etc. about events that you would like to set up as UNT Exes. As I mentioned earlier, do not look for a lot of "volunteers" from you fellow Exes when it comes to the "heavy lifting", but you can do quite a bit without too much of a challenge if you find local folks willing to give you space, etc. Check your local "hangouts" for possible Happy Hour pricing for drinks and some freebie food and set up a Mixer to get things going in your area...or set up a picnic for UNT Exes families, go to a ballgame, etc., etc. Run it up the flagpole...you may be surprised at the positive results. I for one appreciate the support you give UNT and the Exes...you can have a great time BUILDING a local Exes group...hey, you can always have a get-to-gether at your home to jump start it off....GO FOR IT!

Interesting move by Chrysler. I think they are "playing to the crowd" as it really does not make much sense from a buyer standpoint, but with the media hyping gas prices every second of every day, what do you think the "average Joe or Jane" is thinking about? The average consumer in the US these days seems to be none too bright and heavily influenced by this sort of thing...just listen to the campaign talk coming from all parties these days...if you think THEY think the American public is very bright, well, you had better think again. This ad campaign by Chrysler is pretty unique and I would not be surprised if it worked a bit for them. Playing to the crowd folks...that's all it is.

Just another example of the good things happening at UNT these days...this will mkake it even nicer when RV brings back the men's soccer program. O.K., a fella can dream, right? GO MEAN GREEN!

This all sucks! But, it brings up the point of recruiting quality STUDENT athletes, not just athletes. UNT has made some very good progress in the last few years in improving the academic side of its athletic programs. I have no clue why some schools (UNT) got hit so hard while others (think Louisiana schools) did not, but for whatever reason, the fact is...UNT lost 5 scholarships and that will hurt! But, the emphasis going forward must be on STUDENT athletes... I think we could "regain" the five lost scholarships by looking to "transfer" some of our better student athletes on the football team to academic scholarships and "free up" their athletic scholarships. Anyone think that might be a temp solution for awhile? I believe there are several gifted (academic-wise) athletes on the football team....could work...what do you think? One thing about an academic scholarship....you gotta keep the grades up to keep the scholarship...much unlike an athletic scholarship. All you have to do in that case is sack a QB once or twice and you are set, etc., etc. I like the idea of a good solid walk-on program...time tyo give that some serious consuideration..Jerry Moore had a great idea to bring the "Nebraska thing" to UNT. The local talent base is DEEP here in NTX and some of these kids are just looking for a chance to prove they can play D-1 football...and many can. Much like Welker at TT who was said to be way too small for pro-ball...call him a walk-on with the pros...look what happened there to a kid with the head and heart to make it work. O.K., we lost 5...the world is not over, the sky is not falling and UNT will put a better team on the field....I am still saying 6/7 wins this next season and more to come after that. This just means you have to do a better recruiting job...can't afford to recruit a "maybe" kid whao has potential academic or character issues! I see this as the glass is half full. I predicit this will turn into a positive for UNT!

Arkansas Eagle...yes, just see what happens...get it going yourself if you are really interested. "Run something up the flag pole and see where it takes you". Sometimes you have to take action yourself and not wait around for someone to do it for you or to "help". I would bet that if you wanted to organize something in Arkansas and set something up with a local "watering hole" for a mixer (or whatever) that the Exes would be happy to send an email announcement to all the Arkansas Exes to help hype the event. You will need to get the word out in the local papers and in any other means you can think of to raise interest. It is not as easy as you might think to get something like this going...heck, here in denton we just had an Exes Spring Picnic with free beer and soft drinks, chips/dip, etc. Sent email notices and mail out flyers and how many folks do you think showed up on a beautiful spring Saturday????? For all the time, effort and money put into the event i am too embarrased to say how many Exes took the time to even drop by...Picnic was at the Exes center on the grounds outside with the Center being open for "tours" and indoor seating if desired...it was a real nice and fun event for those who came...no problem, I just don't want you to be disappointed if you plan something and you are not "overflowing" with attendees. Just keep it up and "they will come". Just remember, you will get more folks telling you how YOU should do something than you will ever get volunteering to actually help make it happen successfully. DO NOT let that get you down...it is too much fun and too rewarding to actually be an active member of the MEAN GREEN NATION....just need to keep going...I am 100% convinced that UNT will one day soon have an Exes Association that is the envy of all....YES, I am an optimist! But, for good reason as good things are happening at UNT. GO ARKANSAS EAGLE...."if you build it they will come"....(gee, where have I heard that before?). GO EXES...GO MEAN GREEN!

And some folks on this board seem to think this sort of thing only happens in the world of professional soccer! Go figure.....

Well, it is a bit early for such predictions as we have no way of knowing what injury "bug" may or may not hit UNT's already thin D-Line/O-line in the fall drills, but, if we stay healthy and get some good contribution from some of the JUCO and "newbies", I would say 6 wins is well witin reach this year. Our defense will be much improved. Improved not only from the physical sense, but from the mental side and the D-scheme side. I agree that such progress alone should be worth 7-10 points per game. Given that difference, and what I think will be an exciting offense, 6 wins is well within reach, and I would not be very surprised to see 7 wins this season! GO MEAN GREEN...GO DODGEBALL...JOIN THE EXES...JOIN THE MEAN GREEN CLUB...BUY SEASON TICKETS...see you at the games!

This is really too bad...UNT could use that scholarship, and, as I understand it, UNT's score was 924...one point below the required 925 to retain the scholarship. Man, I wonder who is getting punished here and for what???? Yes, thanks Flemmings...BUT, there is a real lesson to be learned here...recruit good kids who meet the academic standards and who have a solid chance of graduating on time. Taking a "risk" on a marginally qualified kid (either academic-wise or character-wise) can cost you. And, it can cost you in more ways than one. Now, maybe some good kids around the nation who can play and "make their grades, will get another chance....Hmmmmmmm, I wonder? This is really too bad, but probably knew it was coming and saved the scholarship. If so, good move athletic dept in that sense. Now, let's give scholarships to kids who have a chance of graduating. A real chance of graduating and who meet every one of the requirements for admission in the first place.

I have absolutely no problem with this salary. IF, of course, she finds a way to put women's BB "on the map" at UNT. It has been provern that fans will show up for quality women's BB. Just look at what SFA did in attendance during their "hay days", check Baylor, Texas Tech and UT just to mention a few...and OSU is beginning to bring them in these days too. So, it can be done. Besides, the more we get at Women's BB games, the more opportunity we have to pack the house for the men's games too! We will know women's BB has "arrived" at UNT when the games are NOT scheduled prior to the men's games when lots of folks can't get there for the tip off as they work for a living and some even commute to Dallas, Ft. Worth, etc., etc. Good luck Coach Stephens. I wish you great success and lots of wins. It CAN happen for the MEAN GREEN. Believe it!

I don't have a clue. But, I hope the Stars win. They seem to be on a great roll right now, and it would be nice to see them in the finals. Well, for those of you who watch hockey it would be nice to "see" them in the finals. I am sure I'll tune in sometime during the Detroit series as the games will probably not start so late in the evening...isn't Detroit in the Central time zone? Man, those west coast times are murder! I am suure the hockey fans out there are all really tired today! GO STARS!

MeanGreenEagle...I assume you were kidding with that last statement...AT least I hope you were. Also, there was a staement made about "let's all get a trophy" or something like that. If that was "tounge in cheek" I certainly agree...this idea about eveyone getting a trophy for just "showing up" is bogus at beast...BUT, I do not think that has anything to do with "sportsmanship" of the type we are speaking of in this thread. I agree with Rick about the Lance Armstrong thing!

I would think that it was about time that sportsmanship won out over the winning! By the way...ijn case you didn't realize it...this sort of thing happens in soccer on a regular basis...even in the pro ranks...if a player gets hurt and in need of real assistance...the ball may well be kicked out of play on purpose by the team with the injured player (if they are in possession of the ball at the time)...when play resumes, the opposing team is awarded a throw in...it is nowhere to be found in the "laws of the game", but the team will actually throw the ball back to the team who kicked it away to stop play and aid the injured player....a coach...it may have been Liverpool's coach in the English Premier League demanded that a replay of a game actually take place because a player on his team did not follow this unwritten "law", and Liverpool scored a goal as a reult of this young players "unsportsmanlike" actions.....true story...I am just not 100% sure it was Liverpool's coach! Also...you will see such "sportsmanship" in professional golf also...players have "lost" torrnaments because they called a stroke penalty ON THEMSELVES! Quite different from one of this year's top drfat picks saying that he holds all the time, but doesn't get caught beacuse he has learned to hide it so well. Yep, it ain't cheating unless you get caught...that's usually the case in sports thinking these days.....TOO BAD!!!! Congrats ladies....well played...Quoner...I understand your thoughts....well said...good question! I too wonder what others would say....

Lifer...good...very good...but that's 49 more than professional boreball...I mean baseball has...OK, I couldn't resist either! You put a smile on my face with that one...nicely done!

Do you work weekends? Our Denton Exes picnic was on a Saturday afternoon...there are some weekend opportunities to get involved...several of the Denton Exes cahpter events this year have been held on the weekends....there are opportunities to get involved even with a challenging schedule....If you are in the Denton Chapter area and are an active Ex you should be receiving emails and flers regarding Exes events and activities...if you are not...just contact Susan Williamson or Rob McKinney at the Exes center and they will make certain you get on the distribution lists...your participation is more than wanted and wopuld be 100% welcome....thanks for your support.

And, this is an example of why I like amataur sports more than professional sports! This would NEVER happen in pro baseball! Way to go ladies...a great deal of class and sportsmanship was on display for all to see and read about.....WONDERFUL STORY...every young athlete should read this story and every coach in America should make this mandatory reading for their teams and it should be laminated and posted on every locker room bulletin board across this great nation of ours! WAY TO GO!

The women's soccer team under Coach Hedlund has been, is and will continue to be a shining star in the UNT athletic department...great recruiting job again this year...this is a team people around the country who follow soccer KNOW about and see as a quality program....CONGRATS to Coach Hedlund, his staff and his team...looking forward to yet another great season... Now, if we could only reinstate the men's program..............

Yes, the Exes ARE doing some great things these days, and I, for one, am glad folks are beginning to take notice. In addition to the "formal" ring ceremony (as was noted...this was not the first ring ceremony the Exes sponsored...just the first formal one), the Exes sponsored a networking mixer at the Exes Center on April 24th and the Denton Chapter held a chapter picnic and scholarship raffle drawing on April 26th. If you are not a member of the Exes...you ARE missing out...if you do not get involved in the activities the Exes are sponsoring...you are missing out...and, if you want to help move things forward and help plan and work some of these events...you are MORE THAN WELCOME. Thanks for the kind words here about the Exes Ceremony and for actually noticing all the effort the Exes are making these days to develop into a GREAT alumni association that we can all be very proud to be associated with as ACTIVE members. JOIN THE EXES.....GO MEAN GREEN.....JOIN THE MEAN GREEN CLUB!

Lots of quality players were "overlooked" in the draft...but, I have to wonder about the SBC when only three players are drafted...I think if you chweck the free agent signings, you will see that the SBC has done a bit better...but, still....only 3 drafted! hard to believe!

Man, I just want to see the next scene! Stadium? What stadium???????