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Post by usdfbalum on Sept 20, 2010 20:16:46 GMT -6
Attended Coaches Corner again tonight and Coach Meirkort touched on something I feel is very important.
He said "looking at our facilities and our fan support, we should not be able to go into Fargo and get a victory." He went on to emphatically stress we (fans) need to kick it up a notch. I really sensed something in Ed tonight. He knows we are at a competitive disadvantage with facilities and fan support compared to the other three big state schools in the Dakotas and that is bound to catch up with us. As he said about recruiting: " I can only put my arm around recruits and Father Flanagan them so much."
Either we improve our support, or the team will have a difficult time consistently putting up the results we have felt so good about this year.
I hope the people on this board can seriously discuss and come up with ideas to generate more interest and support from Alumni and interested fans.
As much USD v SDSU banter that has gone on the past week as to which team is better is fun but meaningless. One thing is for sure - they have more fans, and more interest in their athletics. Just go to Scheels and look at the gear for sale with University Logo's. There is tons of Jack items and you have to really look for Coyote gear. That is not because Scheels is playing favorites - they just want to move merchandise - completely demand driven.
We can have two success full D1 Athletic programs in South Dakota, but make no mistake - the battle is on, and it is serious. Left unchecked State will take over the Athletics scene - none of us on here want that. The thought of that makes me physically ill (maybe a good companion to my mental illness.)
As much as we all like to coach from the stands, we have no control over the play on the field. We can control: How loud we cheer, if we contribute financially (whether $100 or $100,000,000), if we get our friends to the game with us. We all know Alumni that have never been to a game outside Dakota Days. Get them to a game! The level of competition and athletes that will be in the Dome from here on out will be outstanding. Even the casual fan will notice, but we need to get them there.
How can we build this thing? The Coaches and Athletic department are putting a quality product out there. Time for our fans to become Division 1 as well.
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Post by #1CoyoteFan (Admin) on Sept 20, 2010 20:34:39 GMT -6
I wish Ed would've mentioned this at a different time, because he obviously didn't see that there was a LOT of red up in Minnesota for that game and a ton of fan support. Plus I think a lot of fans are going up to Fargo as well to cheer on USD. Ed was never very good at picking the times he should bring up a topic.
Oh, and if he is going to talk about facilities, maybe he should point a finger at Rich Van Den Hul, who cost him a shot at new field turf like Northern Iowa is after he COMPLETELY botched the deal. Also, the football team has a LOT better facilities than basketball, and I know he has gone to bat for them before, but still. There is a time to complain and Ed doesn't really pick the right time, even though he does have the most people that will ever listen to him right.
Also, do you think he is campaigning for a new job as well with some of his talk? I certainly do.
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Post by bisoninnwmn on Sept 20, 2010 20:43:49 GMT -6
Your coach is going to always say USD is the "little" guy compared to NDSU or the other Dakota schools.
I personally thought it was a joke that USD was moving up to D1; never thought they could fund athletics at this level. NDSU should have moved up in the middle 80s but that is all in the past.
No matter what kind of season the Bison have, most fans expect to have a winning season and playoff berth. It is the attitude in Fargo. I went to NDSU in the late 80s and early 90s and fans, players, coaches all expected to win every game. Heck, I would pick the Bison if they were going against the Steelers.....I expect us to win. Now, the last 2 yrs have been very "trying" to say the least, we have a young team but the expectation to have a great year is still there.
No disrespect to USD but I expect the Bison to win any game they play against USD-SDSU_UND or any team for that matter.......doesn't always happen but that is the attitude of most Bison fans.
I'm sure the game will be a good one come saturday.
GO BISON
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Post by bisoninnwmn on Sept 20, 2010 20:48:36 GMT -6
To be successful it takes $$$$$.
Does USD have a fundraising organization like the Teammakers??
My 4 season tickets on the 30 yd line 3rd row cost me $1600 this year. $25 face value on tickets and $300/ seat to the Teammakers. I would pay more to keep my tickets. For an example, you can get UND season tickets for $40........big difference in price. But to me it says more about tradition, expectation and fan support.
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Post by usdfbalum on Sept 20, 2010 20:49:51 GMT -6
I wish Ed would've mentioned this at a different time, because he obviously didn't see that there was a LOT of red up in Minnesota for that game and a ton of fan support. Plus I think a lot of fans are going up to Fargo as well to cheer on USD. Ed was never very good at picking the times he should bring up a topic. Oh, and if he is going to talk about facilities, maybe he should point a finger at Rich Van Den Hul, who cost him a shot at new field turf like Northern Iowa is after he COMPLETELY botched the deal. Also, the football team has a LOT better facilities than basketball, and I know he has gone to bat for them before, but still. There is a time to complain and Ed doesn't really pick the right time, even though he does have the most people that will ever listen to him right. Also, do you think he is campaigning for a new job as well with some of his talk? I certainly do.[/b] Totally agree that he is. He also mentioned that he and his staff are looked at among the coaching community as having done a great job under the current situation in Vermillion. I think we are stepping it up as fans, but we need to have a real sense of urgency and capitalize on the momentum.
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Post by shamrock on Sept 20, 2010 20:53:24 GMT -6
Ed is actually great with the media and Hes not a complainer at all. hes a funny dude and can turn serious in a hurry. he has personality unlike somebody up north. his interviews are always good. to flip what he said into hes complaining for new facilities is rediculous. HE WOULD COMPLAIN FOR MORE MONEY! he gets paid the same as when he was a D2 coach. He loves the dome clearly hes 32-3 in the place. The kids battle to defend it. How many other coaches/players in usd history have done that? Hes exactly right we as fans need to step it up. But to say hes lobbying for a new job and that hes complaining is rediculous. He has a son whos a soph. in HS and i believe a son thats at usd as well.Ed isnt going anywhere. But we can sit back here and act like we know how to do his job better when literally non of us could. How about we support him and his comments and take fire and change it. We know we can fill the dome. We did it for years in D2 we can do it now and make it a good atmosphere. if they are 32-3 with 7500 not so loud fans think about 10000 loud ones. i Dont know maybe it will help. Go yotes
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Post by shamrock on Sept 20, 2010 20:55:50 GMT -6
by the way guys im not trying to come off as an A hole! and my tone is completely calm and i respect all of your opinions. and one more thing about the possibility of us losing our coaching staff! I think what Ed meant about the way they coach in the situation in Verm could be more about the transition rather then sub par fans.
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Post by usdfbalum on Sept 20, 2010 20:57:07 GMT -6
Your coach is going to always say USD is the "little" guy compared to NDSU or the other Dakota schools. I personally thought it was a joke that USD was moving up to D1; never thought they could fund athletics at this level. NDSU should have moved up in the middle 80s but that is all in the past. No matter what kind of season the Bison have, most fans expect to have a winning season and playoff berth. It is the attitude in Fargo. I went to NDSU in the late 80s and early 90s and fans, players, coaches all expected to win every game. Heck, I would pick the Bison if they were going against the Steelers.....I expect us to win. Now, the last 2 yrs have been very "trying" to say the least, we have a young team but the expectation to have a great year is still there. No disrespect to USD but I expect the Bison to win any game they play against USD-SDSU_UND or any team for that matter.......doesn't always happen but that is the attitude of most Bison fans. I'm sure the game will be a good one come saturday. GO BISON NDSU should be a BCS team with their resources and I fully expect them to be there sooner rather than later. SDSU currently has a considerable lead in fan support on USD right now and the separation between NDSU and SDSU in terms of support is even wider than that. I respect your players' determined attitude and your well rounded competitive athletic programs - but you are beatable on the football field. And it should be embarrassing to you and your fans that our guys are going to go up there and either beat you or make it a very close game. Go Yotes.
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Post by usdfbalum on Sept 20, 2010 21:04:01 GMT -6
Welcome Shamrock.
Great to have you on here.
You would have to be crazy to turn down the type of money he could get from the next step up the Ladder of coaching - would not fault him at all if and when he gets an opportunity he wants. He was a finalist for the Montanna St. job two years ago. Does anyone know what the coach there makes vs what Ed does? He is a good coach and has done a lot for the University. I hope we can continue to make USD into a place that can keep him but when he leaves attract the type of talent we want as a HC.
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Post by Yote 53 on Sept 20, 2010 21:05:27 GMT -6
I completely agree, the football program deserves much better support. Ed's a straight talker, maybe this speech should have filtered through his brain before it left his mouth, but what he said is true. The Coyotes receive the least support of the 4 Dakota schools, historically.
UND is having trouble now. Their board continually talks about the lacking fan support. On the other hand, they are on the verge of an indoor practice facility and there is a lot of talk about renovating and expanding Memorial Stadium and moving back to campus.
NDSU has had trouble filling the seats with poor records the last couple years. They won't have trouble this Saturday as that house will be packed. NDSU brought 30,000 to the Metrodome against Minnesota. As good of a turnout we had, it wasn't in the same stratosphere as NDSU.
SDSU has really scene an explosion in their football following. There are plans to expand CAS and leave USD in the dust by positioning themselves long term for FBS football. Explain any other reason CAS needs to be 25,000 seats. With the 0-4 start they are likely facing, let's see how their football attendance holds up this year.
I thought USD student turnout was great this past weekend. Let's face it, NW Okie was a less than stellar opponent but the attendance was still pretty good. Really though, it should be 10,000+ with SRO every game regardless of opponent.
Like it or not we are in an arms race of sorts. In the next 5 years we need to have or on the verge of starting projects to construct a dedicated basketball/volleyball facility, permanent seating on the west side of the Dome increasing capacity to a minimum of 16,000, and a permanent track facility/soccer venue with an actual grandstand. To get those things we need money and increased fan support.
We can't be satisfied with what we have, we need to expect more.
I am not a rich person but I at least do two things. I show up on Saturdays tailgate and have a good time, I've got a couple of season tix, and I've joined the Pack. Everyone here should do the same and convince friends/alumni they should as well.
Finally, speaking of Scheel's. Yes, the Sioux Falls Scheel's has slightly more SDSU gear, they each have an aisle, however, last time at the Sioux City store there was plenty of Coyote gear and NO SDSU stuff to be found. Take that for whatever it's worth. If you want Scheel's to stock USD gear ask them for it and buy it. They'd stock Southern Utah gear if they sold enough of it, they are there to make a buck.
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Post by shamrock on Sept 20, 2010 21:07:44 GMT -6
Hey thanks for the welcome ive been looking for a usd message board for awhile! im not the greatest with computers. haha. I guess i have to agree, im sure his family would understand that. I do thik Eds base salary is still under 6 figures here but i could be wrong. I also think that Montana state would have to pay better based on size of town and university. But i could be completely wrong.
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Post by shamrock on Sept 20, 2010 21:10:11 GMT -6
yote53 , Well put all around.
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Post by bisoninnwmn on Sept 20, 2010 21:11:03 GMT -6
Your coach is going to always say USD is the "little" guy compared to NDSU or the other Dakota schools. I personally thought it was a joke that USD was moving up to D1; never thought they could fund athletics at this level. NDSU should have moved up in the middle 80s but that is all in the past. No matter what kind of season the Bison have, most fans expect to have a winning season and playoff berth. It is the attitude in Fargo. I went to NDSU in the late 80s and early 90s and fans, players, coaches all expected to win every game. Heck, I would pick the Bison if they were going against the Steelers.....I expect us to win. Now, the last 2 yrs have been very "trying" to say the least, we have a young team but the expectation to have a great year is still there. No disrespect to USD but I expect the Bison to win any game they play against USD-SDSU_UND or any team for that matter.......doesn't always happen but that is the attitude of most Bison fans. I'm sure the game will be a good one come saturday. GO BISON NDSU should be a BCS team with their resources and I fully expect them to be there sooner rather than later. SDSU currently has a considerable lead in fan support on USD right now and the separation between NDSU and SDSU in terms of support is even wider than that. I respect your players' determined attitude and your well rounded competitive athletic programs - but you are beatable on the football field. And it should be embarrassing to you and your fans that our guys are going to go up there and either beat you or make it a very close game. Go Yotes. I fully expect a good game out of both teams. I'm looking forward to your line not being able to hear the QB's calls because of the noise...should be a loud one. Morgan State had 6-7 false starts on sat.
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Post by bisoninnwmn on Sept 20, 2010 21:13:03 GMT -6
Another difference in fan support.....on Bisonville right now there are 60 viewing the FB section....on here.....4......just saying.......
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Post by Yote 53 on Sept 20, 2010 21:16:39 GMT -6
Oh please, don't even brag about how loud the FargoDome is. I played against NDSU in a packed house and it is not that loud. Conversely, I remember a game against Mankato in the Dome where it was so loud when you got in a stance you couldn't hear anything and the Dome floor was vibrating through your fingers.
If the FargoDome is so great how come there are threads all over Bisonville complaining about fans not showing up, about bluehairs sitting on their hands, and even complaining about people standing up and cheering to loud?
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