02-25-2005, 04:22 PM
As a fan of the Zips and the entire MAC it nice to see the building of recognition for the conference. I root for every MAC team in bowl games and during March Madness(it has actually won me a couple of office pools since we are always underdogs)
Many of the schools have really stepped up the athletic programs and I would assume are reaping benefits. The fact is.... successful athletic programs benefit the schools as whole - revenues, awareness, perception, etc. The problem is that we are never able to maintain success.
Our ability to compete on the field is better than ever since most of the elite schools are playing with freshman and sophomore HS studs. We are generally playing with more experienced teams that have been together for a while. It is no suprise to me that we occassionally pull off big upsets.
We should also be able to compete much better in recruiting. Most of the top recruits just want the ability to "showcase their talents" for the pros. At big time program that has depth, they never know if/when they are going to see the field. If you are good enough, you can showcase your talents anywhere! We should be able to snag more of these guys and let them play.
What is it going to take to really step it up? Stability with the coaches! The MAC is known as the "cradle of coaches". Everytime one of our teams does well, a big time school snaps up the coach and staff. This throws off everything. You have to rebuild, you lose recruits, and you have to start new systems. Marshall has been successful in football for years because they have been able to keep Pruitt.
Great leadership + great systems = WINS. Look at the New England Patriots.
I bring this up because I am excited about what is going on at U of Akron. Not neccessarily the new facilities(they help) but the leadership behind the program. That starts with the president, to the AD, to the coaches. I am afraid to get euphoric since the odds are they will be gone in a year or two.
If it aint broke! Don't break it! You cannot replace great leadership and systems. Lock em' up, PAY THEM! I am sure each of you has experienced this as a fan of any of the MAC schools.
Here is a snapshot from the WAC........it can be done!
BYU
Coach: Lavell Edwards
1980: 12-1-0 Western Athletic Conference Champions
1981: 11-2-0 Western Athletic Conference Champions
1982: 8-4-0 Western Athletic Conference Champions
1983: 11-1-0 Western Athletic Conference Champions
1984: 13-0-0 National Champions - Western Athletic Conference Champions
Ever heard from them since they lost Lavell?
Boise State is a current example, I love to watch them play! THEY ARE DOING IT IN BOISE IDAHO!
Many of the schools have really stepped up the athletic programs and I would assume are reaping benefits. The fact is.... successful athletic programs benefit the schools as whole - revenues, awareness, perception, etc. The problem is that we are never able to maintain success.
Our ability to compete on the field is better than ever since most of the elite schools are playing with freshman and sophomore HS studs. We are generally playing with more experienced teams that have been together for a while. It is no suprise to me that we occassionally pull off big upsets.
We should also be able to compete much better in recruiting. Most of the top recruits just want the ability to "showcase their talents" for the pros. At big time program that has depth, they never know if/when they are going to see the field. If you are good enough, you can showcase your talents anywhere! We should be able to snag more of these guys and let them play.
What is it going to take to really step it up? Stability with the coaches! The MAC is known as the "cradle of coaches". Everytime one of our teams does well, a big time school snaps up the coach and staff. This throws off everything. You have to rebuild, you lose recruits, and you have to start new systems. Marshall has been successful in football for years because they have been able to keep Pruitt.
Great leadership + great systems = WINS. Look at the New England Patriots.
I bring this up because I am excited about what is going on at U of Akron. Not neccessarily the new facilities(they help) but the leadership behind the program. That starts with the president, to the AD, to the coaches. I am afraid to get euphoric since the odds are they will be gone in a year or two.
If it aint broke! Don't break it! You cannot replace great leadership and systems. Lock em' up, PAY THEM! I am sure each of you has experienced this as a fan of any of the MAC schools.
Here is a snapshot from the WAC........it can be done!
BYU
Coach: Lavell Edwards
1980: 12-1-0 Western Athletic Conference Champions
1981: 11-2-0 Western Athletic Conference Champions
1982: 8-4-0 Western Athletic Conference Champions
1983: 11-1-0 Western Athletic Conference Champions
1984: 13-0-0 National Champions - Western Athletic Conference Champions
Ever heard from them since they lost Lavell?
Boise State is a current example, I love to watch them play! THEY ARE DOING IT IN BOISE IDAHO!