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Topic: Parent Perspective

Topic: Parent Perspective

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catfight
General User

Member Since: 11/23/2012
Post Count: 7

Status: Offline

Parent Perspective

Posted: 11/23/2012 7:16:03 PM

    My family came aboard the Bobcat band wagon five years ago. For us, it's been a great ride. Our hearts will forever bleed green. It's easy to sit on the bleacher or this message board and criticize. Tell an injured player recovering from surgery to his face the derogatory remarks some of you take pride in posting. Tell him he needs to work harder or give more.
   Blame the coaches?   You can, if that makes you feel better. Most of you have no clue what these players and coaches give and sacrifice. It's easy being a supporter of a winning team, and that we are. When the chips are down, the real fans remain. They appreciate their players and coaches. True fans remain positive and support their team. Tearing them apart does nothing. Every player and coach hates losing. You think you feel down after a game like today? I guarantee your feeling of loss is nothing compared to what the players and coaches feel. This team and coaching staff is filled with men of great character. I support this team and coaching staff. I will be there to cheer them on to another bowl victory!

                    Go Bobcats!

OhioCatFan
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Member Since: 12/20/2004
Location: Athens, OH
Post Count: 14,755

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RE: Parent Perspective

Posted: 11/23/2012 7:49:19 PM

+1

Great perspective!

The only BLSS Certified Hypocrite on BA

"It is better to be an optimist and be proven a fool than to be a pessimist and be proven right."

Note: My avatar is the national colors of the 78th Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry, which are now preserved in a climate controlled vault at the Ohio History Connection. Learn more about the old 78th at: http://www.78ohio.org

Bcat2
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RE: Parent Perspective

Posted: 11/23/2012 8:25:12 PM

catfight wrote:

+1 Thanks

"Do not pray for easy lives. Pray to be stronger men." JFK

Ohio69
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Member Since: 12/20/2004
Post Count: 3,061

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RE: Parent Perspective

Posted: 11/23/2012 8:48:32 PM

Catfight - nice post - just try to remember this is the place some folks come to rip on players and coaches. Heck just before the MAC Tourney and NCAA run some were ripping on Groce and the etc. last year. It's frustrating but it's the nature of the beast for fan web sites.

Can somebody hit a pull up jumper for me?.....

Bcat2
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RE: Parent Perspective

Posted: 11/23/2012 9:03:03 PM

Ohio69 wrote:

Ohio69, your example perfectly shows how much that crowd knows.

"Do not pray for easy lives. Pray to be stronger men." JFK

Bobcat36
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Member Since: 1/5/2005
Location: Delaware, OH
Post Count: 1,167

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RE: Parent Perspective

Posted: 11/24/2012 12:18:37 AM

CatFight

Thank you for providing the perspective that too many have lost. This board wasn't always like this and that's precisely the reason that after so many years as a member, it's barely worth a browse anymore.

Somewhere along the way it became OK to call for Coach's jobs or to criticise student athletes for an 8 and 4 season after losing more than 20 players to multi game or season ending injuries.

Please extend my gratitude to your Son for everything he put in to representing our Alma Mater over the last 5 years. You're right...It has been a GREAT (not to mention historical) ride!

GoBobcats!!!! Always have been and always will be... Ohio's First and Finest!

bostonbobcat
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Member Since: 12/20/2004
Location: East Bridgewater, MA
Post Count: 268

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RE: Parent Perspective

Posted: 11/24/2012 1:08:11 AM

This board was even more pissed when Boeh fired Larry, Tim wasn't warm and fuzzy enough and Knorr ruined all the momentum Grobe had built.

74 Cat
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Member Since: 2/23/2005
Post Count: 114

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RE: Parent Perspective

Posted: 11/24/2012 9:22:40 AM

By some of our postings, I do think the board has recently been somewhat collectively backsliding in demeanor and tone content. Even so, it is mostly a civil board when compared to many others. That does not excuse lack of civility here however infrequent.

I think it needs said of most of those who have endured the long march from 1968 to the Solich era that deep down, win or lose, they have nothing but the utmost respect and admiration for those who suit up in the green and white. Moreover, their posts will reflect those sentiments. Some newer members of the Bobcat nation may not share in those endured memories and/or some tenured members may have selectively forgotten them. These members in this combined demographic also have respect and admiration for the green and white but some of their well intended posts but fall short of the expectations of respect.

Mindful of the aforementioned, this is not a call for sugar coating. Win or lose, I appreciate insightful results analysis as opposed to those of an incitable nature. The messages needing conveyed can be done but they can be done within the contexts of civility.

I thank the players, coaches, and staff, who provided us with the efforts over the past regular season. Players injured or otherwise in physical pain, may your injuries and pain heal. Those of you wrestling mentally or emotionally over what may have been may have the greater healing challenge. That challenge can be overcome in the upcoming days and weeks. It will take the efforts from both within the individual, from the team, and your other personal support groups to do so. Know we have faith in all of you.

To the parents, family, guardians, whomever of the players, thank you for your support of Ohio and for the sacrifices you have made through the years in helping your player become a Bobcat. Deep down, we have your backs and we love you all.

87OU Alum
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Member Since: 12/23/2007
Location: Macomb, MI
Post Count: 123

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RE: Parent Perspective

Posted: 11/24/2012 9:38:23 AM

catfight wrote:

Great Post!!!!

Thank You to all the Seniors.......You have definately left the program better then you found it. This has been an extremely frustrating season for all of us........the promise in September after the Penn State win has given way to an injury laden November and there in lies the frustration.

Depth is the issue. Not heart, not effort, and certainly not Character.

I loved the Cats back in the 80's and I love the Cats today!!!!!

Go Cats!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Checkrama
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Member Since: 8/28/2010
Post Count: 63

Status: Offline

RE: Parent Perspective

Posted: 11/24/2012 10:18:07 AM

I think there is a huge difference between those who honestly critique the team's performance and those who just rip players or coaches personally. Not sure if if it makes them feel better or what, but there's no place for personal attacks in my opinion. I hope the team and coaches come back even stronger next year.

Monroe Slavin
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Member Since: 12/20/2004
Location: Oxnard, CA
Post Count: 9,121

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RE: Parent Perspective

Posted: 11/24/2012 12:15:18 PM

I agree that it is very bad form to state player names when criticizing the team.

But I disagree with the thought that we should refrain from criticism of the coaches and our approach to the game. They are professionals; this is their business. In business, one doesn't just accept results. One analyzes and adjusts. That should be done in a positive manner. I can certainly tell you some stories of how 'tone-deafness' in the workplace can be discouraging--as can anyone who's been in the workforce for a while.

That tone-deafness can bring forth in rightful criticism. Most here will forgive a subpar performance or two. But, when it continues and when the current approach isn't working then criticism can be fair. I just cannot subscribe to the 'your not there and doing it' so you can't have any insightful commentary school of thought.

In fact, true professionals crave reasonable, fair, well-stated insights.

Last Edited: 11/24/2012 12:16:36 PM by Monroe Slavin

Where's the band?!
WHERE"S THE BAND?!

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Bcat2
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RE: Parent Perspective

Posted: 11/24/2012 1:11:55 PM

Monroe Slavin wrote:

Monroe, fans who decide to be critical often have knee jerk reactions to what/when something "isn't working." Today I read a post from a fan who had no idea why Beau might have been more available as a receiver against Penn State than vs Kent. Most fans who decide to be critical are in over their heads and are looking to blame someone for something. When a parent of an athlete comes in with input from someone who is "there and doing it" and they are positive about the staff I have to value their perspective way above that of that of the game day fan. A football program is very changing and there will always be something working better than the other and these change year to year, game to game. Critical fans think they are smart because they can see something that did not work and point it out. I can not remember when I read smething from a critical fan that seemed informed, knowledgable and fair.

"Do not pray for easy lives. Pray to be stronger men." JFK

JSF
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Member Since: 1/29/2005
Location: Houston, TX
Post Count: 6,554

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RE: Parent Perspective

Posted: 11/24/2012 1:15:06 PM

Bcat2 wrote:

I can not remember when I read smething from a critical fan that seemed informed, knowledgable and fair.

Of course not. You dismiss any criticism no matter how valid. Half the time I wonder if you're on Frank's payroll to be his defender.

"Loyalty to a hometown or city is fleeting and interchangeable, but college is a stamp of identity."- Kyle Whelliston, One Beautiful Season.

My blog about depression and mental illness: https://bit.ly/3buGXH8

Monroe Slavin
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Member Since: 12/20/2004
Location: Oxnard, CA
Post Count: 9,121

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RE: Parent Perspective

Posted: 11/24/2012 1:24:03 PM

Bcat2--Let me give you my perspective. I turned to accounting about 25 years in my working career. I had to take classes to be qualified to become a CPA. In my auditing class, they teach you that certain roles have certain responsibilities. For instance, the same person who writes and records checks cannot reconcile the checking account--that's a recipe for embezzlement by way of giving one person total control of the checking account.

But, it is very specifically taught, you want good ideas and observations no matter who they come from. If the janitor's idea is better than the CFO's, you go with the janitor's idea.

I suggest to you that an emphasis on good thoughts is more appropriate than a consideration of who brings forth the thought.

Deciduous Forest Cat
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Member Since: 12/20/2004
Location: Ohio
Post Count: 4,468

Status: Offline

RE: Parent Perspective

Posted: 11/24/2012 1:54:22 PM

Bcat2 wrote:

Monroe Slavin wrote:

It's not a knee-jerk reaction when this team really hasn't played good football since norfolk state. Whatever the reasoning, and who is or is not to blame, those are the facts. Even if two elements of the game seem in sync, that third element is SO bad that it costs us football games or creates problems with bad opponents (offense vs Kent, special teams versus BG, defense vs Ball, defense versus UMass, offense versus Miami and Buffalo). And I don't want to hear any more crap about how good Umass or buffalo or Miami are. They all suck. Hell, Umass, in 11 other games, barely scored what they did in one afternoon against Ohio. We all know we have a lot of great people associated with this program and that's something we are all proud of. But on the football field, 8-4 is a minimum achievement against the easiest schedule in the country. This is a place where we celebrate plenty when we win, but also come to vent when we lose. And whether a player parent thinks that's okay or not, it's generally best to avoid message boards. If not, go spend some time on a "big time" message board and do some comparison shopping. Right or wrong, you'd get a lot worse many other places.

ou79
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Member Since: 12/20/2004
Post Count: 660

Status: Offline

RE: Parent Perspective

Posted: 11/24/2012 3:02:18 PM

First, I have been following the Cats since the 1960's. Secondly, I am an alum who over the years has spent or sent a lot of $$$ towards OUr athletic programs. Finally, I am not a "fair weather" fan. Believe me, I followed/supported this program when many avoided it!

That being said, I completely agree with Monroe. I have never called out a player although I do expect them to play above average ball as they are on scholarship at a D-IA/FBS school. Secondly, I especially expect them to play all the time with passion and intensity. Finally, I do expect more out of them because they were recruited to play at the highest level of college football and there are many who have a lot of heart/passion who will never get that opportunity (think D-III). Finally, I will call out the coaches as they are professionals working at the next to the highest level of football in the nation (NFL being the top). This is their job and as such they can be held accountable.

The coaches may be "nice guys", but this is not a middle school/junior high program. You can be as nice as you want but if you cannot do the job at this level, you need to go and no, I am not talking firing Coach Solich. Howevewr, this staff is not getting it done, be it the OC, DC or Strength Coach.

We failed miserably this year, and yes, I do consider this team underachivers at this time. Outside of Penn State, we basically barely got by a bunch of stiffs and when we played better teams, we had our collective A$$e$ handed to us. Continuing to dumb-down the schedule is not the answer. After 8 years of the same system, we expect/demand more!

Last Edited: 11/24/2012 3:10:57 PM by ou79

Jerry86
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Member Since: 12/18/2010
Post Count: 651

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RE: Parent Perspective

Posted: 11/24/2012 3:35:20 PM

ou79 wrote:

1. The coaches are not on the field playing.
2. We had massive injuries this year.
3. We adjust as we can given the injuries but a dropoff is expected.
4. The Solich era is the best in our lifetimes.

Given the above I don't see how people can whine and call out coaches (or players). After all, it's a GAME played by 18 - 22 year olds.

So if it makes you feel better in calling out the coaches that's your right. And if 8-4 is failing miserably then I can only wonder what your feelings were in the Bryant or Lichtenberg eras.

PA Bobcat Fan
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Post Count: 78

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RE: Parent Perspective

Posted: 11/24/2012 3:50:48 PM

ou79 wrote:

After 8 years of the same system, we expect/demand more!

This is why you have so many frustrated fans. Had we previously won a MACC, this season would not have been so disappointing. Having the cupcake schedule, seasoned quarterback, returning veterans, and experienced coaching staff, everyone thought this was "the year". The PSU victory had everyone believing. We struggled through games that we should have controlled for 4 quarters. The Fiami loss was a gut punch. When we see other programs that have newer coaching staff out recruiting/out coaching us we have the right to vent and question where things went wrong.

No one should ever call out specific players. The coaching staff have to ask themselves where it all went wrong, why we have so many injuries, and if we are invited to a bowl game, how we can be competitive with the guys that are healthy.

Go Bobcats!

Scott Woods
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Location: On the banks of the Ohio, OH
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RE: Parent Perspective

Posted: 11/24/2012 4:29:59 PM

PA Bobcat Fan wrote:

ou79 wrote:

After 8 years of the same system, we expect/demand more!

I like this one. Slavin, DFC, and ou79 had solid posts as well. There is no doubt that the players and coaches feel worse than the fans, but this is a place to discuss our feelings and the players would be best served by not looking at this board.

Historically speaking, 8-4 is a super fantastic season!!! However, there was #UnfinishedBusiness heading into this season and everything that everyone was hoping for was on track after the non-conference slate part of the schedule was complete. There is no doubt that the injuries contributed significantly to the late season collapse. But Ohio pays Solich north of $400k and he's been here long enough for expectations to be higher than they have historically been.

Hopefully, Ohio gets some extra practices by making a bowl game and can come back next year and get some #UnfinishedBusiness done! They are slated to have 7 home games next year with the only non-conference games on the road being at Louisville. I'm looking forward to a bowl game and next year because this one was a disappointment.

Last Edited: 11/24/2012 4:31:30 PM by Scott Woods

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Bcat2
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RE: Parent Perspective

Posted: 11/24/2012 5:36:22 PM

Scott Woods wrote:

PA Bobcat Fan wrote:

ou79 wrote:

After 8 years of the same system, we expect/demand more!

Yes, the Cats start with Louisville, another team disappointing thei fans. Starting 9-0, losing their last two. Can they beat Rutgers? Surely they know how fragile success is. Another loss and the season is approaching "dismal failure."

Last Edited: 11/24/2012 5:45:58 PM by Bcat2

"Do not pray for easy lives. Pray to be stronger men." JFK

bobcat695
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RE: Parent Perspective

Posted: 11/24/2012 6:27:21 PM

I think this discussion is more about whether or not concern/complaining is acceptable or if we should keep our mouths shut. For me, this is a place to discuss Ohio athletics with the most informed and most passionate segment of our fan base. Nearly all of us love Ohio Athletics and want success from our teams. I also think we unilaterally wish for quality young men and women to represent our school on the playing fields.

I take a lot of what is written here with a grain of salt. There are folks with different opinions, agendas and ideas on this board. Also, most of the posters hide behind a cloak of anonymity. It is easy to spout off anything you want when you don't have to identify yourself. I discount most of the emotional rants by the anonymous posters.

It is rare that we have an athlete that does not do their job in the classroom or as a representative of the university. I do not demand a certain number of wins as a fan. I also do not question a student athlete's committment or effort. I assume they are giving all they have. It is up to the coach to determine if they are not, not me. I do, however, express concerns about whether certain players are put in the best position to succeed. This could be position, play calling, coaching or general execution of the game. Frank Solich is the CEO of the program. If he thinks a change needs to be made in player or coaching personnel, I trust him to do it. I am not in the camp that thinks he has embraced mediocrity.

I think this football season is the first time in my life as a fan (22 seasons) where the team has underperformed based on their talent level. I think we had better players and better coaches than just about everyone we played. It was frustrating to watch the team not meet their team goals (which quickly became our goals as fans). Something changed at Miami. I felt it in the stands. I don't think the team ever quit. I just think they ran out of gas physically and emotionally. They lost their swagger, which goes a long way in football. Confidence is a great weapon. Injuries took their toll. I know nothing about football strength training, so I have no idea how many were truly avoidable.

I'd say every one of these things to Coach Solich if we were chatting face to face. I don't think I'm out of line to believe the team underacheived this year. I'd be really disappointed in the team if they felt OK about the way things ended this year. I hope the injured players heal and contribute positively next year. I hope they learn from the wins, as well as the losses and use that experience to make next year better than this one.

"You can't un-fist a fist pump." - Saul Phillips 1/24/15

BobcatbyProxy
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Member Since: 11/27/2010
Post Count: 15

Status: Offline

RE: Parent Perspective

Posted: 11/24/2012 6:51:44 PM

+1

Excellent post! Thank you.

Proud "AUNTIE" of an OU Bobcat

Jerry86
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Member Since: 12/18/2010
Post Count: 651

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RE: Parent Perspective

Posted: 11/24/2012 7:28:31 PM

bobcat695 wrote:

You make good points. But ..... if we lost Coop, Baltic and at least one other of the top 8 guys and ended the year at 16-11 would you feel we underachieved? Many of us are expecting maybe 24 -7 or 26 - 5 (if all goes well). That's the analogy I see here. If we had NOT had all the injuries we'd likely have gone 10 - 2 or better. iMO it's true in any sport .. if you lose key players it becomes a lot harder to play to the expectations that have been set by fans when you have to go further down the depth chart.

Casper71
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Post Count: 3,090

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RE: Parent Perspective

Posted: 11/24/2012 9:59:25 PM

I have been around OHIO athletics for a long time and definitely before the advent of these boards. I think it has been said before and I would agree that ALL parents, players and coaches should NEVER go to a board or read a post. It can only lead to bad feelings.

While I understand a parents perspective, I think you have to know/realize this has been a frustrating year for the players, coaches, parents AND FANS. After game #1 we expected a lot. Back then i posted that I would not allow a 10-2 or 11-1 season to disappoint me. At that time, I never dreamed we would have the number of injuries and play that could lead to 8-4. i think we all felt there was depth to overcome anything this but that turned out NOT to be the case.

Sony7
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Member Since: 6/25/2005
Location: Greenfield, WI
Post Count: 299

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RE: Parent Perspective

Posted: 11/25/2012 12:55:39 AM

I agree with "Parent Perspective". When we win, we win together. When we lose, we lose together. Athens is a small town, and OHIO is a mid size (however excellent and beautiful) university. There are not enough of us to rip each other apart and turn against one another. I believe in speaking your mind and venting - if you must, but respect for each other is very important. I believe OHIO athletics are at the highest point in my lifetime. I turn 49 next month. I love my alma mater and always will. The kids are trying and so are the coaches. If they are not, changes will be made. However; I did not see any quit in any of these student athletes all year. I'm proud of them and Ohio University.

Last Edited: 11/25/2012 3:35:22 PM by Sony7

Go Bobcats!

SONY7

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