Read on a thread somewhere in all the Liberty and JMU and expansion talk that no one from EKU is here presenting our case. Hey, I tried that over a year ago and was taken to the woodshed by Western KY fans and Liberty fans, mainly saying we aren't ready, we should take care of the "indigent" Eastern Kentucky residents (that was a classic Liberty fan argument). Also, that our President should not have announced our intentions so soon, we were moving too fast, etc, etc.
We are still on tract. President Benson continues to prove he is very serious about his commitment to moving EKU to the next level athletically, academically, and a general improvement of campus life and the asthetics of the university. I won't bore you with all he has done in approximately less than two years. However, it is significant across the board. He just hired a new AD. His expertise is in business/ fund raiser for athletics. His first assignment, hire a new basketball coach. And I just read part of the advertisment/job criteria was "preparing EKU for best possible future in the rapidly changing landscape of collegiate athletics" ( meaning what I am hearing more and more from EKU is we have to change if we are to survive as a university and athletically).. Our President, BOR, new AD are on a totally different plane than what we have been for the last 40 years. They get it! They want more than the medocrity we have stagnated in for years. It is amazing what a change of leadership can accomplish. People want to say we don't have the money. We don't have this or that. I am telling you that you will not see anything but an all out effort to make a lot of changes at EKU and that most likely is a move to FBS if given the opportunity. If does not happen it will not be because EKU has a fly by night administration or are placing all their dreams on a wish and prayer.

Right now there's no major demand that the Belt do anything.

1) We could get to 12, tomorrow, by simply giving UMass an Idaho deal.
2) We're not sure that a CCG is really going to do much for us right now.
3) We're not sure that EKU is any more interested in pulling the trigger than Missouri State or JMU. Its one thing to be excited about the prospect, its another thing entirely to actually be willing to do it.

(04-05-2015 02:44 PM)Tom in Lazybrook Wrote:  Right now there's no major demand that the Belt do anything.

1) We could get to 12, tomorrow, by simply giving UMass an Idaho deal.
2) We're not sure that a CCG is really going to do much for us right now.
3) We're not sure that EKU is any more interested in pulling the trigger than Missouri State or JMU. Its one thing to be excited about the prospect, its another thing entirely to actually be willing to do it.

True all of that (except EKU's "lack of interest"). The ball is definitely in the FBS court.
Make no mistake, EKU is still interested. And should they get an invite, IMO, will take it. There is no talk otherwise, except maybe some faculty ( they are most always against anything athletically it seems).
There is a lot more to this than is out there. I think EKU learned a lesson for announcing so soon their interest when Dr. Benson first arrived at EKU. There are a lot of positive changes in athletics and on campus in general. My biggest worry is that we have such a energetic, positive, motivational, get things done President, that we could lose him to another university before he gets all of his goals accomplished.
My reason for posting was that someone mentioned no EKU fans on here pleading our case. However, you will not see EKU fans on here begging.

(04-05-2015 03:00 PM)LexColonel Wrote:  

(04-05-2015 02:44 PM)Tom in Lazybrook Wrote:  Right now there's no major demand that the Belt do anything.

1) We could get to 12, tomorrow, by simply giving UMass an Idaho deal.
2) We're not sure that a CCG is really going to do much for us right now.
3) We're not sure that EKU is any more interested in pulling the trigger than Missouri State or JMU. Its one thing to be excited about the prospect, its another thing entirely to actually be willing to do it.

True all of that (except EKU's "lack of interest"). The ball is definitely in the FBS court.
Make no mistake, EKU is still interested. And should they get an invite, IMO, will take it. There is no talk otherwise, except maybe some faculty ( they are most always against anything athletically it seems).
There is a lot more to this than is out there. I think EKU learned a lesson for announcing so soon their interest when Dr. Benson first arrived at EKU. There are a lot of positive changes in athletics and on campus in general. My biggest worry is that we have such a energetic, positive, motivational, get things done President, that we could lose him to another university before he gets all of his goals accomplished.
My reason for posting was that someone mentioned no EKU fans on here pleading our case. However, you will not see EKU fans on here begging.

Not begging makes your fan base a little more appealing in this humble fan's opinion.

Posted from my mobile device using the CSNbbs App

(04-05-2015 05:31 PM)Georgia_Power_Company Wrote:  

(04-05-2015 03:00 PM)LexColonel Wrote:  

(04-05-2015 02:44 PM)Tom in Lazybrook Wrote:  Right now there's no major demand that the Belt do anything.

1) We could get to 12, tomorrow, by simply giving UMass an Idaho deal.
2) We're not sure that a CCG is really going to do much for us right now.
3) We're not sure that EKU is any more interested in pulling the trigger than Missouri State or JMU. Its one thing to be excited about the prospect, its another thing entirely to actually be willing to do it.

True all of that (except EKU's "lack of interest"). The ball is definitely in the FBS court.
Make no mistake, EKU is still interested. And should they get an invite, IMO, will take it. There is no talk otherwise, except maybe some faculty ( they are most always against anything athletically it seems).
There is a lot more to this than is out there. I think EKU learned a lesson for announcing so soon their interest when Dr. Benson first arrived at EKU. There are a lot of positive changes in athletics and on campus in general. My biggest worry is that we have such a energetic, positive, motivational, get things done President, that we could lose him to another university before he gets all of his goals accomplished.
My reason for posting was that someone mentioned no EKU fans on here pleading our case. However, you will not see EKU fans on here begging.

Not begging makes your fan base a little more appealing in this humble fan's opinion.

Posted from my mobile device using the CSNbbs App

When given an opportunity...EKU needs to show their interest in moving up by putting fans in the seats especially at playoff games at FCS level. This past year's efforts was pitiful. As a Sun Belt fan...I noticed.

Think outdated facilities have quite a bit to do with attendance. That will change soon. Hearing the stadium is going to be completely rebuilt and Alumni Coliseum could undergo some serious enhancements. New AD seems committed to raising dollars and improving fan experience.

If the SBC is serious about student-athlete welfare and minimizing time out of class, think Eastern gets the call. The league needs divisions and travel partners.

(04-05-2015 09:43 PM)Johnny Colonel Wrote:  Think outdated facilities have quite a bit to do with attendance. That will change soon. Hearing the stadium is going to be completely rebuilt and Alumni Coliseum could undergo some serious enhancements. New AD seems committed to raising dollars and improving fan experience.

If the SBC is serious about student-athlete welfare and minimizing time out of class, think Eastern gets the call. The league needs divisions and travel partners.

If you wish to get serious consideration...attendance must go up considerably. The amount that came out for a home playoff game was embarrassing. Bad as I hate to admit it...right now Liberty is a better candidate.

(04-05-2015 10:09 PM)ARSTATEFAN1986 Wrote:  

(04-05-2015 09:43 PM)Johnny Colonel Wrote:  Think outdated facilities have quite a bit to do with attendance. That will change soon. Hearing the stadium is going to be completely rebuilt and Alumni Coliseum could undergo some serious enhancements. New AD seems committed to raising dollars and improving fan experience.

If the SBC is serious about student-athlete welfare and minimizing time out of class, think Eastern gets the call. The league needs divisions and travel partners.

If you wish to get serious consideration...attendance must go up considerably. The amount that came out for a home playoff game was embarrassing. Bad as I hate to admit it...right now Liberty is a better candidate.

No use denying the last two playoff game's attendance were a black eye. No use side stepping it, but a playoff game on Thanksgiving weekend/vacation is always going to be hard sell. Lot of folks out of town (we were the last two years), college kids first long vacation since beginning of semester and others fans with family in. Add that to the fact that Kentucky and Louisville were playing their big "rivalry" game at the same time, it hurt for sure. Now that's not an excuse, that's the way it is, it will always affect attendance somewhat. Now, I think that if our conference affiliation changes, we gain more interest , then out attendance improves significantly. Our attendance has dwindled over the years as fans have lost interest in the OVC. Maybe it's gone for good, but I don't think so. However, we do have work to do. But a game on Thanksgiving weekend is a hard sell for many. Hey, but if the Sunbelt fans prefer Liberty nothing we can do about that.

I understand the stint on Liberty and why most are so up in arms and so hell bent on keeping them out of the SB but if you look and sports historically they are the best candidate. No other candidate side from JMU can boast having as much success all around and their facilities are all top notch. And they have the money to do just about anything they want.

I say let Liberty in, they don't have to be good in football right away cause we just recently brought a few of those up. Hell they'll have something in common with most of the the Belt teams if it takes them 25 or 30 years to start winning. But I know they will be able to compete. And basketball lets not kid ourselves, it ain't that great a sport. If GS can come in year one and compete with virtually the same team they limped through the SoCon with, it ain't that hot. When the criteria to become a basketball school is two consecutive winning seasons that's sad.

(04-05-2015 11:00 PM)LexColonel Wrote:  

(04-05-2015 10:09 PM)ARSTATEFAN1986 Wrote:  

(04-05-2015 09:43 PM)Johnny Colonel Wrote:  Think outdated facilities have quite a bit to do with attendance. That will change soon. Hearing the stadium is going to be completely rebuilt and Alumni Coliseum could undergo some serious enhancements. New AD seems committed to raising dollars and improving fan experience.

If the SBC is serious about student-athlete welfare and minimizing time out of class, think Eastern gets the call. The league needs divisions and travel partners.

If you wish to get serious consideration...attendance must go up considerably. The amount that came out for a home playoff game was embarrassing. Bad as I hate to admit it...right now Liberty is a better candidate.

No use denying the last two playoff game's attendance were a black eye. No use side stepping it, but a playoff game on Thanksgiving weekend/vacation is always going to be hard sell. Lot of folks out of town (we were the last two years), college kids first long vacation since beginning of semester and others fans with family in. Add that to the fact that Kentucky and Louisville were playing their big "rivalry" game at the same time, it hurt for sure. Now that's not an excuse, that's the way it is, it will always affect attendance somewhat. Now, I think that if our conference affiliation changes, we gain more interest , then out attendance improves significantly. Our attendance has dwindled over the years as fans have lost interest in the OVC. Maybe it's gone for good, but I don't think so. However, we do have work to do. But a game on Thanksgiving weekend is a hard sell for many. Hey, but if the Sunbelt fans prefer Liberty nothing we can do about that.

GS fans know all about those Thanksgiving playoff games but most of our low early attendance were because fans expected to win the first home game. I guess I can look it up but what is your regular season attendance numbers and your historical numbers. Those are the more important indicators as to weather you have and will have fans support. You can also look at your stadium capacity. If your attendance is and was greater for (x) amount of years then that'll tell you something as well.

For GS most people don't know this but our actual stadium capacity was 144?? but we included the grass in our numbers on the official website as 18000 for years. So if you go back and look at historical attendance records about 90% of our games were sellouts. So those are some things to look at when gauging future fan support. One thing that you should not do under any circumstance is take any advice from SB members not named GS, lol.

(04-05-2015 09:43 PM)Johnny Colonel Wrote:  Think outdated facilities have quite a bit to do with attendance. That will change soon. Hearing the stadium is going to be completely rebuilt and Alumni Coliseum could undergo some serious enhancements. New AD seems committed to raising dollars and improving fan experience.

If the SBC is serious about student-athlete welfare and minimizing time out of class, think Eastern gets the call. The league needs divisions and travel partners.

The President replied to me on a tweet asking about when the plans will be announced on RKS. He said it would be after the semister is over and to stay tuned.

From a geography and name standpoint (directional state U) I like EKU the best of any candidate. I've also seen yall post about how the new prez is very pro-athletic growth, which GS fans can attest, makes a world of difference. Not sure if the money is there, and the attendance issues are a bit of a concern, but EKU has my vote if we ever get to that point.

(04-05-2015 02:37 PM)LexColonel Wrote:  Read on a thread somewhere in all the Liberty and JMU and expansion talk that no one from EKU is here presenting our case. Hey, I tried that over a year ago and was taken to the woodshed by Western KY fans and Liberty fans, mainly saying we aren't ready, we should take care of the "indigent" Eastern Kentucky residents (that was a classic Liberty fan argument). Also, that our President should not have announced our intentions so soon, we were moving too fast, etc, etc.
We are still on tract. President Benson continues to prove he is very serious about his commitment to moving EKU to the next level athletically, academically, and a general improvement of campus life and the asthetics of the university. I won't bore you with all he has done in approximately less than two years. However, it is significant across the board. He just hired a new AD. His expertise is in business/ fund raiser for athletics. His first assignment, hire a new basketball coach. And I just read part of the advertisment/job criteria was "preparing EKU for best possible future in the rapidly changing landscape of collegiate athletics" ( meaning what I am hearing more and more from EKU is we have to change if we are to survive as a university and athletically).. Our President, BOR, new AD are on a totally different plane than what we have been for the last 40 years. They get it! They want more than the medocrity we have stagnated in for years. It is amazing what a change of leadership can accomplish. People want to say we don't have the money. We don't have this or that. I am telling you that you will not see anything but an all out effort to make a lot of changes at EKU and that most likely is a move to FBS if given the opportunity. If does not happen it will not be because EKU has a fly by night administration or are placing all their dreams on a wish and prayer.

Good Luck EKU!

As an App State fan, can't knock on anyone for playoff attendance on Thanksgiving Weekend. The two I've been to were barely over 50% capacity. Also, weather in eastern Kentucky during playoff time should be taken into consideration. It has ties to Daniel Boone and began as a Teacher's college, like App State. They have a former football coaching legend in Roy Kidd, we had Kidd Brewer. They are military friendly. They have an area on campus called "horny corner", which sounds like a wonderful place. Dan Patrick of ESPN played basketball there, so having an ESPN connection could be a plus.

I'm in.

yeah, playoff attendance numbers are always insanely low, especially for the thanksgiving weekend round. Also, supposedly, schools tend to underreport their attendance to save money, since part of the ticket sales go to the ncaa.

Students who normally get in free also have to pay like $5 for the FCS playoff games. Not significant to most of us, but students who are accustomed to going for free would probably rather spend that $5 on a pitcher or a box of condoms or something.

(04-06-2015 09:02 AM)APPrising Wrote:  As an App State fan, can't knock on anyone for playoff attendance on Thanksgiving Weekend. The two I've been to were barely over 50% capacity. Also, weather in eastern Kentucky during playoff time should be taken into consideration. It has ties to Daniel Boone and began as a Teacher's college, like App State. They have a former football coaching legend in Roy Kidd, we had Kidd Brewer. They are military friendly. They have an area on campus called "horny corner", which sounds like a wonderful place. Dan Patrick of ESPN played basketball there, so having an ESPN connection could be a plus.

I'm in.

Dan Patrick is no longer affiliated with ESPN. After 2 years at EKU, he transferred to the University of Dayton.

(04-06-2015 10:05 AM)boroeagle2 Wrote:  Students who normally get in free also have to pay like $5 for the FCS playoff games. Not significant to most of us, but students who are accustomed to going for free would probably rather spend that $5 on a pitcher or a box of condoms or something.

I thought it was closer to $10 or $15?

We certainly have work to do, no one is denying that, however now our President and Board of Regents (the chair is a successful businessman and former EKU basketball player) understand what is needed and how to get there. Because we have be in position of poor leadership across the board for years, athletics was left to sink or swim. Meaning the powers that be did nothing to enhance athletics or even encourage game attendance by students, fans or alumni. It was often said Roy Kidd succeeded despite the lack of leadership and support (at the top). And when he retired and nothing changed we saw attendance drop at football games. This combined with poor hires in basketball (until about 14 years ago when Travis Ford and then Neubeauer were hired, we began our slow climb back to respectability) allowed athletics to flounder. Kind of like the attitude of, "if you build it they will come". We had built it.....but older facilities, no updates, no push by the university to enhance anything....however, they did not come. So here we are. But from what I have seen there is new day at EKU. Western KY U, had the same problems and issues, they almost dropped football, until they got a President who wanted more. We see proof of what they have done. Yes, we are late to the game, and there are those in Bowling Green who said Benson can't get it done. They are wrong. He has already made a world of difference and has made many improvements and changes for the better in both athletics and the campus in general. Despite the naysayers, he will do what is needed, have no doubt there.

(04-05-2015 11:23 PM)rbostic218 Wrote:  I understand the stint on Liberty and why most are so up in arms and so hell bent on keeping them out of the SB but if you look and sports historically they are the best candidate. No other candidate side from JMU can boast having as much success all around and their facilities are all top notch. And they have the money to do just about anything they want.

I say let Liberty in, they don't have to be good in football right away cause we just recently brought a few of those up. Hell they'll have something in common with most of the the Belt teams if it takes them 25 or 30 years to start winning. But I know they will be able to compete. And basketball lets not kid ourselves, it ain't that great a sport. If GS can come in year one and compete with virtually the same team they limped through the SoCon with, it ain't that hot. When the criteria to become a basketball school is two consecutive winning seasons that's sad.

Problem I have with Liberty is that Im not sure they can ever be any good in football consistently, moving forward. Especially at the next level. I know they have shown some growth lately and have had some good teams here and there but overall, I just dont see them being able to recruit players at this level to sustain a winning program. EKU on the other hand obviously has a history with being good in football, yet they have a facilities issue. Money can change that but I have no idea what kind of money EKU has, or can raise. JMU has the facilities now, they have the money now, and they have the winning tradition now. JMU wont have an issue recruiting, Liberty will, and EKU is somewhere in the middle of those two as far as recruiting.