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Topic: RE: Something I've noticed during the first four home games this year

Topic: RE: Something I've noticed during the first four home games this year

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DelBobcat
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Member Since: 8/26/2010
Location: Cincinnati, OH
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RE: Something I've noticed during the first four home games this year

Posted: 10/18/2016 1:57:39 PM

Just some perspective: There are 128 FBS schools. I'd venture to guess that somewhere approaching 100 of them complain about the same problems to some extent. Most of those schools can't even get people to get rowdy for the band.

Go to a Temple game, it's much worse. They play in an 80% empty NFL stadium. Go to a Rutgers game. Twice as many people but quiet as can be, except when they play Penn State and there are more people rooting for PSU than RU.

Heck, my friend attended an OSU game in Cbus for the first time this year and he said he was shocked by how the crowd was so out of it, even there there were 100,000 people there. And half the people left after halftime! Fancy that!

BA OHIO 2010, BS OHIO 2010, MA Delaware 2012

giacomo
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RE: Something I've noticed during the first four home games this year

Posted: 10/18/2016 5:47:31 PM

I enjoy going to games, though it's less frequently as time goes on. I'm not a big screamer or clapper. Who says it has to be noisy at all times? It's unrealistic to expect that kind of audience participation. Then throw in everyone looking at something else on their smart phones and it's predictable.

Monroe Slavin
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RE: Something I've noticed during the first four home games this year

Posted: 10/18/2016 7:42:18 PM

Not every game is going to call for significant emotion. When we play cupcakes, we should beat them without much of the emotional tension.

It's the total lack of emotional content for so long that is sad.

Giacomo--I guarantee you that should circumstances warrant (being a lot at stake and the Bobcats playing well), you will find yourself standing, screaming and clapping. And, we'll both agree it's a very good thing!

Last Edited: 10/18/2016 7:42:59 PM by Monroe Slavin

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

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GoCats105
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RE: Something I've noticed during the first four home games this year

Posted: 10/19/2016 7:18:43 AM

MaMaKitty wrote:

BEG wrote:

Uncle Wes wrote:

It doesn't help when you can't hear the PA and have a videoboard screen that is smaller than what you can find in the average person's living room. I've noticed that while its not showing up that much in the overall attendance numbers student attendance is down from previous years. The hill hasn't been packed all year.

I am not an alum, but I am a player parent who hopes that my son will graduate and continue to have ties to this University. With that being said, I have some fresh eyes when it comes to observations about the Game Day experience. OU seems to do some strange things that are not the norm at other colleges that could contribute to the lack of student interest.

Why aren't are our cheerleaders (the ones actually responsible for pumping up the crowd) ever near the students? How can anyone expect a student section to stay focused when there's nothing to focus on? I have never been to a college game where the cheerleaders are such a non-issue. They spend 2 quarters cheering in the corner near a cannon, battling for space with the cheerleaders from the opposing team. A complete dis-connect from your fans.

Why is the student section behind our bench? That does not seem to be very common in other college stadiums either. i don't know the reason for this but obviously that's why the cheerleaders can't go there, so move the student section to either side of the bench.

Stop with the stupid contests down by the Bobcat tunnel. Nobody cares how well random 8 year olds can dance. The only good thing about it is, that seems to be the only time somebody actually has a PA mike that we can all hear and understand. Maybe use that opportunity to go up into the student section and broadcast or do a contest from there. Maybe have the cheerleaders or dance team do a routine during that time.

Why is our bench across from the press box? In most stadiums the press box is the "home" side and your fans and team stand there. It is also the side the band performs to. i am sure there are reasons for this but I'm not an alum so I don't know the history.

Thank you BEG. I have purposely NOT made many comments on this board because I am also a player parent. BEG's observations mirror mine. I travel a long way to attend home games. My son has had a great experience at OU (senior).
I have been introduced to other parents who are absolutely amazing and support their son and the team's efforts. I do appreciate the lack of player specific criticism placed on the message board. Maybe they are edited - if so, this is appropriate.

The dance team is really good and I enjoy watching them much more than the cheerleaders. Why don't they dance move around to different parts of the stadium?
The cheerleaders push-ups after touchdowns are dumb but probably tradition - but they really suck at it. The cheerleaders spend most of their time in front of the player parents. We already cheer!! Put their efforts to a different part of the stadium where it will make a difference.

I have read the comments over & over about the small scoreboard/video screen. It's insane how small it is. Seriously - just something we can actually see!!

The contests during the timeouts, etc are sophomoric. Really - rolling in a bag?

I'm not that picky about the concessions or the restrooms, but can see where upgrades would be beneficial.

Yes - the band is amazing. I mean really amazing. OU should be and rightfully so, proud of this band. That being said, if you think the players don't notice the students disappear for the 2nd half - you are wrong. It's a disgrace.

I doubt I will post again. I have enjoyed the Pollyanna posts and groan when I read the Eeyore (aka Monroe) posts. I realize this is a place to voice opinions, but these boys put in a lot of effort and hard work into this sport. They don't want to lose either.
Drop Mike.

This stuff is important if PLAYERS' PARENTS are noticing.

mf279801
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RE: Something I've noticed during the first four home games this year

Posted: 10/19/2016 8:12:26 AM

PhiTau74 wrote:

mf279801 wrote:

Robert Fox wrote:

mf279801 wrote:

That doesn't strike me as the most convincing argument. Second half attendance shouldn't be a factor in stadium size: peak crowd size (at a given price point), seems like the more relevant factor. Disagree?

No, I don't completely disagree. However, I do think crowd enthusiasm is an important factor in predicting future growth. The mass exodus seems to indicate tepid fan support. If I'm playing the odds (with my own money) on future fan growth, that behavior causes me great concern. Now, if I'm betting Monroe's money, I say build it!

Ahh, I understand where you're coming from now. Good point.

So long as we're spending Monroe's money on things, I think we need a giant mobile Monty Burns style sun blocker built on the Ridges, so that our sideline doesn't have to spend the second half of every game staring into the sun. Should help on the field performance AND fan engagement/enthusiasm.

This sun argument is lame, go to a South Carolina game and sit facing the sun in 95, 90 or 85 degree weather. The student side faces directly west so you get fried both literally and figuritely.

At home games, is the Soutg Carolina TEAM also staring into the sun for the 2nd half? (The actual point of my jestful suggestion)

.
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RE: Something I've noticed during the first four home games this year

Posted: 10/19/2016 9:38:52 AM

DelBobcat wrote:

Heck, my friend attended an OSU game in Cbus for the first time this year and he said he was shocked by how the crowd was so out of it, even there there were 100,000 people there. And half the people left after halftime! Fancy that!

If you put a blindfold on a fan and sat them in the middle of the Big House during an early-season non-conference game and asked them how many the stadium they were sitting in contained, they'd guess 40-50k. It's a place where 110,000 sounds like half of that.

GoCats105
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RE: Something I've noticed during the first four home games this year

Posted: 10/19/2016 9:51:39 AM

Brian Smith wrote:

DelBobcat wrote:

Been to the Big House many of times and can confirm this. It's intimidating when you first walk in because it's so massive. But it's massively quiet during periods of the game.

In 1994 when Kordell Stewart beat them with the Hail Mary for Colorado, you could hear a pin drop.

OU_Country
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RE: Something I've noticed during the first four home games this year

Posted: 10/19/2016 2:53:01 PM

GoCats105 wrote:

This stuff is important if PLAYERS' PARENTS are noticing.

Circles back to thoughts from my original post here that "it should bother Jim Schaus and his staff" and "It's something to consider if you're Ohio Athletics. I know this much: You don't see a quarter to a third of the crowd leaving The Convo at halftime."

I hope they investigate (or already have) some ways to curb the mass exodous after the 110, and help generate some additional excitement in the stadium.

giacomo
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RE: Something I've noticed during the first four home games this year

Posted: 10/19/2016 5:16:58 PM

That ship has sailed. Gone are the days where the stands were packed and it's the highlight of everyone's week to attend these games and pay attention. It wasn't even that way in 77-81 when I was on campus. Way too many entertainment options to compete with. Get a new scoreboard, have better speakers etc. Will it really make a difference? You're searching for some ideal that is not attainable. That's not to say that improvements in facilities aren't warranted from time to time. But it won't transform Saturday afternoon into your idea of football utopia.

bobcat695
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RE: Something I've noticed during the first four home games this year

Posted: 10/19/2016 8:55:54 PM

MaMaKitty wrote:

BEG wrote:

Uncle Wes wrote:

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

Mark Lembright '85
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RE: Something I've noticed during the first four home games this year

Posted: 10/19/2016 9:46:53 PM

giacomo wrote:

Agreed. Students leaving after the 110 do their halftime show is an Ohio tradition. They did that when I was there in the early 80's. As I've (and other posters) have said, for whatever reason Ohio is just not a football school-it's just not in Ohio's DNA. The overwhelming majority of alumni don't care.

GO TRIBE!!!! The Year of Cleveland continues!!

Recovering Journalist
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RE: Something I've noticed during the first four home games this year

Posted: 10/20/2016 9:33:48 AM

giacomo wrote:

I agree with this, and I think there are too many people on here who have a notion of an ideal fan (ie one who looks, thinks and acts like them). Student don't leave because the scoreboard is too small or the sun's in their eyes. They leave because by halftime they've already been in the place for close to three hours and they'd rather do something else. Most alumni come for the atmosphere, tradition and band. If the team wins, it's a bonus. The rest of the fans are regional folks enjoying an affordable event -- most are not emotionally invested in the team. We can wish it was different, but any change would have to be organic and I think it would rely on a long string of success. Struggling against the MAC East doesn't do it.

.
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RE: Something I've noticed during the first four home games this year

Posted: 10/20/2016 10:16:26 AM

The only thing every one of us can control is how we enjoy the game. If we go to games, bring friends and family, make a day of it, have fun and cheer, treat people right around us... magically IT IS our own personal football utopia. Hopefully some other people see we're having fun and it brings some more into the fold.

This mindset works for most things in life. Think about it: when I'm sitting on the grass up on the hill watching a game in Peden, I'm happy. The scoreboard doesn't have to be gigantic, the stands don't have to be filled and everyone doesn't have to be a superfan. There doesn't have to be a ranking next to our name. I'm watching a bunch of hard-working athletes that are wearing the colors and name of the university I love at a really high level. I'm sitting in a town I love, surrounded by hills and majestic trees turning their wonderful colors, all of it bringing back a bunch of great memories. This place creates new memories for me each year.

That said, I think the program needs to win games for there to be a baseline happiness. Knorr years didn't lend themselves to wonderful Saturday afternoons. I do think there needs to be energy injected into the gameday experience. At the very least, the concessions need to be fixed. But if we're going to be unhappy until the football program is a well-oiled national machine, we're never going to enjoy this thing. In the words of DFW, "if [we] don't make a conscious decision about how to think and what to pay attention to, [we're] gonna be pissed and miserable every time."

Expect more from the program, but don't forget to enjoy it. It's a sport. It's Athens. It's fun.

MaMaKitty
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RE: Something I've noticed during the first four home games this year

Posted: 10/20/2016 11:06:14 AM

If you pick the mic back up, I'd be curious to know a few things. Do your sons, and the rest of your family, feel like things are better or worse than what they were sold during the recruitment process? I would hope the academic experience is close to what was advertised. I wonder if the player development, team experiences and admiration of the coaching staff in the locker room are living up to the expectations from when they sign their letters of intent.
[/QUOTE]

Well -
The whole recruiting process was somewhat stressful but his high school coach helped us through it and gave us guidance. OU coaches were respectful and showed they really wanted him to come to Athens. He was slow played by a P5 almost up to signing day which was just cruel.
Academic wise - He has done well and Jenny pushes them to get the credits they need to graduate on time. They watch them closely in the first year or two to determine if they have the discipline for the coursework. Tutors (sometimes were upperclassmen players) are offered and my son has taken advantage. He may have chosen a different major while there but time requirements of football practice, workouts and travel and the time requirements of this academic program would not have worked out (OU would not allow him pursue this major).
Player development - Realizing this is not a P5 with an abundance of funds, I still am disappointed there was not a better nutrition program for the boys. At the very least, provide some type of nutritional supplements (protein) after their workouts for replenishment. I'm sure that would be very expensive - as it is, my son purchases his own. And don't dog me on the NCAA Cost of Attendance bit. I am extremely thankful for this decision.
Coaches = Solich has been good to my son as have the others. One of coaches commented to me how he has seen my son mature and is so proud of what he has become. At the same time, my son has called/texted over these past 4 years upset with this same position coach for this, that or the other. So they push them. And that is a good thing.
So from a parent's perspective - OU has been good for my son. He has been given the gift of a good education, the opportunity to continue to play football beyond high school, and has been fortunate to serve in a leadership role which will serve him well as he moves into the next part of his life.
Can I drop mike now?

Mike Johnson
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RE: Something I've noticed during the first four home games this year

Posted: 10/20/2016 11:26:13 AM

MaMaKitty wrote:

Well -
The whole recruiting process was somewhat stressful but his high school coach helped us through it and gave us guidance. OU coaches were respectful and showed they really wanted him to come to Athens. He was slow played by a P5 almost up to signing day which was just cruel.
Academic wise - He has done well and Jenny pushes them to get the credits they need to graduate on time. They watch them closely in the first year or two to determine if they have the discipline for the coursework. Tutors (sometimes were upperclassmen players) are offered and my son has taken advantage. He may have chosen a different major while there but time requirements of football practice, workouts and travel and the time requirements of this academic program would not have worked out (OU would not allow him pursue this major).
Player development - Realizing this is not a P5 with an abundance of funds, I still am disappointed there was not a better nutrition program for the boys. At the very least, provide some type of nutritional supplements (protein) after their workouts for replenishment. I'm sure that would be very expensive - as it is, my son purchases his own. And don't dog me on the NCAA Cost of Attendance bit. I am extremely thankful for this decision.
Coaches = Solich has been good to my son as have the others. One of coaches commented to me how he has seen my son mature and is so proud of what he has become. At the same time, my son has called/texted over these past 4 years upset with this same position coach for this, that or the other. So they push them. And that is a good thing.
So from a parent's perspective - OU has been good for my son. He has been given the gift of a good education, the opportunity to continue to play football beyond high school, and has been fortunate to serve in a leadership role which will serve him well as he moves into the next part of his life.
Can I drop mike now? [/QUOTE]

Yes! Always a pleasure to read a missive written lucidly, thoughtfully, candidly.

http://www.facebook.com/mikejohnson.author

OU_Country
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RE: Something I've noticed during the first four home games this year

Posted: 10/20/2016 12:03:09 PM

Mark Lembright '85 wrote:

It can be a tradition that changes though. And, in the years you're referencing, the early to mid-80's weren't exactly the peak of Ohio Football.

OU_Country
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RE: Something I've noticed during the first four home games this year

Posted: 10/20/2016 12:04:57 PM

Brian Smith wrote:

You make a very fine point. Enjoying the place, the people, and the memories shouldn't be forgotten. Enjoying the journey while getting better should be a part of it.

bshot44
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RE: Something I've noticed during the first four home games this year

Posted: 10/20/2016 12:13:38 PM

MaMaKitty wrote:

If you pick the mic back up, I'd be curious to know a few things. Do your sons, and the rest of your family, feel like things are better or worse than what they were sold during the recruitment process? I would hope the academic experience is close to what was advertised. I wonder if the player development, team experiences and admiration of the coaching staff in the locker room are living up to the expectations from when they sign their letters of intent.

Well -
The whole recruiting process was somewhat stressful but his high school coach helped us through it and gave us guidance. OU coaches were respectful and showed they really wanted him to come to Athens. He was slow played by a P5 almost up to signing day which was just cruel.
Academic wise - He has done well and Jenny pushes them to get the credits they need to graduate on time. They watch them closely in the first year or two to determine if they have the discipline for the coursework. Tutors (sometimes were upperclassmen players) are offered and my son has taken advantage. He may have chosen a different major while there but time requirements of football practice, workouts and travel and the time requirements of this academic program would not have worked out (OU would not allow him pursue this major).
Player development - Realizing this is not a P5 with an abundance of funds, I still am disappointed there was not a better nutrition program for the boys. At the very least, provide some type of nutritional supplements (protein) after their workouts for replenishment. I'm sure that would be very expensive - as it is, my son purchases his own. And don't dog me on the NCAA Cost of Attendance bit. I am extremely thankful for this decision.
Coaches = Solich has been good to my son as have the others. One of coaches commented to me how he has seen my son mature and is so proud of what he has become. At the same time, my son has called/texted over these past 4 years upset with this same position coach for this, that or the other. So they push them. And that is a good thing.
So from a parent's perspective - OU has been good for my son. He has been given the gift of a good education, the opportunity to continue to play football beyond high school, and has been fortunate to serve in a leadership role which will serve him well as he moves into the next part of his life.
Can I drop mike now?

Drop away. Thanks for the insight!

I'll say this about the mass exodus of fans after the 110 (students, non-students alike)....it has been going on for years as many have said. I was there in the late 90's starting with 0-11 Lichtenburg debacle and ending with the 8-3 Grobe masterpiece. I'll say this (of that era and since)....when the game has meaning or we play a good opponent....people stay to watch.

For example....BG & Miami in 1997....both big games (BG was homecoming and Miami was home finale with chance to go 7-0 in the MAC) were highly attended and folks stayed. We pounded BG 24-0 and lost to a good Miami team (Travis Prentice murdered us)....but the fans stayed because the games had meaning and were exciting to watch.

Pitt in 2005....fans stayed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b19XAzTH2Yo

Temple in 2009....for the MAC East title in the final game of year. Only 14k+....on T'giving Friday....but looked to be engaged crowd.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vntT-tJRApw

Temple in 2011...another relatively small but engaged crowd. 17k+..... Was basically for MAC East title on a Wednesday night and it was great atmosphere.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQ4mDAAA9QE

Marshall last couple home games were good crowds and most stayed for the majority.

Here's thing (in my opinion)....Ohio rarely A) plays a really good out of conference opponent at home or B) a really meaningful home game.

It doesn't happen much. And with the "boring" product on the field we've put out there the last few years where we scuffle to score and tend to let bad teams hang around....it's hard for fringe fans to feel the need to hang around and watch that.

And what I think really crushes the ability to build a rabid fan base....it's the inability to build off momentum. Ohio was peaking as a program in 2009...had NFL talent (Price, Brazill, Mitchell)...winning division title...playing for conference title....was able to ride momentum into 2011....get ranked....and then THUD. Lose three straight to end the regular season and kill any momentum/excitement you could sell to the fringe fan base. And since then it's been a steady diet of bleh. Few big games....no playing for division or conference titles. Just mediocre stuff.

The product on the field has declined since 2011. 4-4, 4-4, 4-4, 5-3 in the MAC. And we're well on the way to another 5-3. That's the definition of average.

The promotion of the team internally by the university has declined as well. What happened to internal hype of the program? What happened to the awesome wrap-up videos or pre-game hype videos? I know Evan Shaw spearheaded that and is long gone...but you can't find anyone to do that? The 30-minute shows he produced were huge and provided a buzz around the team/program. Now you're lucky to get a half-assed wrap-up video ONLY if Ohio wins.

The game-day atmosphere surrounding the stadium is about the only thing that has improved since 2011....but once you set foot inside the stadium the buzz seems to die down. And then you see the mass exodus after the 110.

There are so many ways Ohio football can improve...but ultimately the product on the field is the biggest key. We just don't play an exciting brand of football....or meaningful football in Peden Stadium.....so it's hard to sell to fringe fans or get them hooked on Bobcat football.

A start would be better scheduling....it's appalling how bad our schedules have been since Frank has arrived. And I know the MAC is a big reason for that....but man this is ugly.

2016: 120th of 128
2015: 95th of 128
2014: 117th of 128
2013: 114th of 125
2012: 123rd of 124
2011: 111th of 120
2010: 119th of 120
2009: 112th of 120
2008: 105th of 120
2007: 119th of 120
2006: 113th of 119
2005: 76th of 119

The only year we had a "respectable" schedule was 2005 when we had Pitt, VT, Northwestern on the docket. I'm not saying you have to load up on P5 teams every year. It appears the next few years they've tried to rectify that with BC, UVA, UC, Pitt, Purdue and some others on the schedule. I hate the addition of UMass....and Tx State. Would rather play other lower level P5 schools or some better mid-majorish teams like Temple, Memphis, UConn, MTSU, WKU....teams where Ohio should be able to get home-and-homes. I hate the FCS games...but I understand everyone does it.

I'll be interested to see the exodus rate for the Kansas game next year. Yes, they are P5/Big XII team....but they are the worst. THE. WORST.

Same for Akron this year....I'll be interested to see the turnout for that. T'giving week...students pretty much gone. Could be potential MAC East title game. I'll be there with a big group....but anxious to see what kind of Peden Stadium experience that will be.

Last Edited: 10/20/2016 12:14:40 PM by bshot44

BillyTheCat
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RE: Something I've noticed during the first four home games this year

Posted: 10/20/2016 1:40:43 PM

MaMaKitty wrote:

Can you clarify the comment "(OU would not allow him pursue this major)."?

Last Edited: 10/20/2016 1:41:38 PM by BillyTheCat

MaMaKitty
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RE: Something I've noticed during the first four home games this year

Posted: 10/20/2016 3:03:57 PM

Sure - A nursing major requires several hours for clinical work and this would often conflict with practice, games, travel, working out.

GoCats105
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RE: Something I've noticed during the first four home games this year

Posted: 10/20/2016 4:45:32 PM

MaMaKitty wrote:

Sure - A nursing major requires several hours for clinical work and this would often conflict with practice, games, travel, working out.

That's really a shame he couldn't pursue that. Hopefully he will be able to look back into that after he graduates.

Mark Lembright '85
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RE: Something I've noticed during the first four home games this year

Posted: 10/20/2016 8:53:55 PM

bshot44 wrote:

MaMaKitty wrote:

If you pick the mic back up, I'd be curious to know a few things. Do your sons, and the rest of your family, feel like things are better or worse than what they were sold during the recruitment process? I would hope the academic experience is close to what was advertised. I wonder if the player development, team experiences and admiration of the coaching staff in the locker room are living up to the expectations from when they sign their letters of intent.

Well -
The whole recruiting process was somewhat stressful but his high school coach helped us through it and gave us guidance. OU coaches were respectful and showed they really wanted him to come to Athens. He was slow played by a P5 almost up to signing day which was just cruel.
Academic wise - He has done well and Jenny pushes them to get the credits they need to graduate on time. They watch them closely in the first year or two to determine if they have the discipline for the coursework. Tutors (sometimes were upperclassmen players) are offered and my son has taken advantage. He may have chosen a different major while there but time requirements of football practice, workouts and travel and the time requirements of this academic program would not have worked out (OU would not allow him pursue this major).
Player development - Realizing this is not a P5 with an abundance of funds, I still am disappointed there was not a better nutrition program for the boys. At the very least, provide some type of nutritional supplements (protein) after their workouts for replenishment. I'm sure that would be very expensive - as it is, my son purchases his own. And don't dog me on the NCAA Cost of Attendance bit. I am extremely thankful for this decision.
Coaches = Solich has been good to my son as have the others. One of coaches commented to me how he has seen my son mature and is so proud of what he has become. At the same time, my son has called/texted over these past 4 years upset with this same position coach for this, that or the other. So they push them. And that is a good thing.
So from a parent's perspective - OU has been good for my son. He has been given the gift of a good education, the opportunity to continue to play football beyond high school, and has been fortunate to serve in a leadership role which will serve him well as he moves into the next part of his life.
Can I drop mike now?

Very, very well said!! And MamaKitty, I am very glad your son has had a positive experience.

bobcat695
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RE: Something I've noticed during the first four home games this year

Posted: 10/20/2016 9:28:03 PM

MaMaKitty wrote:

Well -
The whole recruiting process was somewhat stressful but his high school coach helped us through it and gave us guidance. OU coaches were respectful and showed they really wanted him to come to Athens. He was slow played by a P5 almost up to signing day which was just cruel.
Academic wise - He has done well and Jenny pushes them to get the credits they need to graduate on time. They watch them closely in the first year or two to determine if they have the discipline for the coursework. Tutors (sometimes were upperclassmen players) are offered and my son has taken advantage. He may have chosen a different major while there but time requirements of football practice, workouts and travel and the time requirements of this academic program would not have worked out (OU would not allow him pursue this major).
Player development - Realizing this is not a P5 with an abundance of funds, I still am disappointed there was not a better nutrition program for the boys. At the very least, provide some type of nutritional supplements (protein) after their workouts for replenishment. I'm sure that would be very expensive - as it is, my son purchases his own. And don't dog me on the NCAA Cost of Attendance bit. I am extremely thankful for this decision.
Coaches = Solich has been good to my son as have the others. One of coaches commented to me how he has seen my son mature and is so proud of what he has become. At the same time, my son has called/texted over these past 4 years upset with this same position coach for this, that or the other. So they push them. And that is a good thing.
So from a parent's perspective - OU has been good for my son. He has been given the gift of a good education, the opportunity to continue to play football beyond high school, and has been fortunate to serve in a leadership role which will serve him well as he moves into the next part of his life.
Can I drop mike now? [/QUOTE]

Thank you. A post like that is something that is rarely articulated to the fans. It is one reason I don't regret the many checks I have written to the Ohio Bobcat Club Over the years.

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

bobcat695
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Member Since: 12/20/2004
Location: Parkersburg, WV
Post Count: 1,345

Status: Offline

RE: Something I've noticed during the first four home games this year

Posted: 10/20/2016 9:38:37 PM

Recovering Journalist wrote:

giacomo wrote:

So basically, OU tradition is one part apathy and one part marching band fandom. We don't always have to be a bad team with bad fans. That sounds like such an unappealing outlook for a football program. I do think better Ohio teams and better opponents are the only way to change it, but I'll never understand why our fans are so disengaged regardless of the game situation.

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

BEG
General User

Member Since: 5/22/2013
Post Count: 40

Status: Offline

RE: Something I've noticed during the first four home games this year

Posted: 10/20/2016 9:40:19 PM

bobcat695 wrote:

Do your sons, and the rest of your family, feel like things are better or worse than what they were sold during the recruitment process?

I would hope the academic experience is close to what was advertised.

I wonder if the player development, team experiences and admiration of the coaching staff in the locker room are living up to the expectations from when they sign their letters of intent.

I was going to answer these questions but then decided not to. What's the point?

All I will say is that my son loves your school, loves being there, loves the friends he has made, and loves the team experience. I will refrain from making any comments about the coaches.

Last Edited: 10/20/2016 9:54:36 PM by BEG

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