As much as I enjoy ETSU basketball, I don't believe I can ever get excited about playing any teams in the A-Sun. The rivalries are just not there, at least for me. I wish a return to the Southern conference or at least the Big South where regional rivalries would draw more fans, and in some cases an away game wouldn't include a 10-12 hour drive. JMO
Agreed, however I do not think the big south is the answer.
Oh, here we go again. How many times have I read this thread on the ETSU board. Why don't you guys suck it up and face the fact that you ARE in the Asun right now? Maybe you would find something new and worthwhile to talk about.
it doesn't matter what league etsu is in, if the team doesn't play well people aren't going to come watch period. and to 2014, if you don't like whats being talked about on an etsu board not the belmont board, then don't come back and read it, we don't need your bitching.
(01-25-2010 11:12 AM)Bruin2014 Wrote: [ -> ]Oh, here we go again. How many times have I read this thread on the ETSU board. Why don't you guys suck it up and face the fact that you ARE in the Asun right now? Maybe you would find something new and worthwhile to talk about.
Just because you are stuck in the mire doesn't mean you have to be happy about it. The second you accept your fate is the second you seal your fate.
I for one won't go quietly into the night, I`m going kicking, screaming, and tearing at the walls.
(01-25-2010 10:50 AM)squeak Wrote: [ -> ]As much as I enjoy ETSU basketball, I don't believe I can ever get excited about playing any teams in the A-Sun. The rivalries are just not there, at least for me. I wish a return to the Southern conference or at least the Big South where regional rivalries would draw more fans, and in some cases an away game wouldn't include a 10-12 hour drive. JMO
We are having this discussion on the Belmont board. I think Belmont views you all as a rival. What would it take for you all? It seems like rivalries usually are born out of:
- common region or area (same state, but not really same region)
- history of competitive/controversial games (we have the controversial and they have been mostly compeitive despite our series advantage, but short history)
- common traits between the schools (don't have this)
- one team striving to catch the other (this one is odd, Belmont is striving to be a consistent ETSU-type of program...y'all have a nice history...however y'all have mostly been chasing us, so doesn't this fit?)
- the other team has ugly colors, can't spell, and wears hairbands (thank Go(l)d that neither of us have this problem)
Come chat in our thread about it too. Who is your top ASun rival (and you must pick one)?
Alot of our fans feel our rivals should have more than 10 years in the NCAA.
(01-25-2010 04:38 PM)Northside Bruin Wrote: [ -> ] (01-25-2010 10:50 AM)squeak Wrote: [ -> ]As much as I enjoy ETSU basketball, I don't believe I can ever get excited about playing any teams in the A-Sun. The rivalries are just not there, at least for me. I wish a return to the Southern conference or at least the Big South where regional rivalries would draw more fans, and in some cases an away game wouldn't include a 10-12 hour drive. JMO
We are having this discussion on the Belmont board. I think Belmont views you all as a rival. What would it take for you all? It seems like rivalries usually are born out of:
- common region or area (same state, but not really same region)
- history of competitive/controversial games (we have the controversial and they have been mostly compeitive despite our series advantage, but short history)
- common traits between the schools (don't have this)
- one team striving to catch the other (this one is odd, Belmont is striving to be a consistent ETSU-type of program...y'all have a nice history...however y'all have mostly been chasing us, so doesn't this fit?)
- the other team has ugly colors, can't spell, and wears hairbands (thank Go(l)d that neither of us have this problem)
Come chat in our thread about it too. Who is your top ASun rival (and you must pick one)?
You left out the most important part, unadulterated hatred. The best rivalries are built on a long history of bad blood and disdain.
(01-25-2010 04:38 PM)Northside Bruin Wrote: [ -> ] (01-25-2010 10:50 AM)squeak Wrote: [ -> ]As much as I enjoy ETSU basketball, I don't believe I can ever get excited about playing any teams in the A-Sun. The rivalries are just not there, at least for me. I wish a return to the Southern conference or at least the Big South where regional rivalries would draw more fans, and in some cases an away game wouldn't include a 10-12 hour drive. JMO
We are having this discussion on the Belmont board. I think Belmont views you all as a rival. What would it take for you all? It seems like rivalries usually are born out of:
- common region or area (same state, but not really same region)
- history of competitive/controversial games (we have the controversial and they have been mostly compeitive despite our series advantage, but short history)
- common traits between the schools (don't have this)
- one team striving to catch the other (this one is odd, Belmont is striving to be a consistent ETSU-type of program...y'all have a nice history...however y'all have mostly been chasing us, so doesn't this fit?)
- the other team has ugly colors, can't spell, and wears hairbands (thank Go(l)d that neither of us have this problem)
Come chat in our thread about it too. Who is your top ASun rival (and you must pick one)?
First off, never say "y'all."
"Yinz" is the proper term.
It's gotta be Belmont, simply because of the fact that Belmont has been the team that has beaten the Bucs consistently since ETSU joined this league and both teams are in Tennessee.
But remember, to us your question is like asking us "What's your favorite meal at the soup kitchen?"
Wow, our entire fan base sounds like a bunch of stuck up sissies.
I for one get energized, even nervous, for all of our games, especially our conference games. Maybe it's because I'm a relative newcomer, but I do view Belmont (in particular) as a rival. If they stand in our way to our goals, I view them as a rival. Incidentally, some on here have made pejorative remarks about us newer fans. Rest assured, I am as passionate and dedicated as many of those who have been around since the early 90's. The simple passage of time does not make someone any more of a dedicated or loyal follower.
Does this negate the fact that I want to move on to a better conference? Of course not! I refute the notion that wanting more (i.e., a better conference) and accepting the present predicament are mutually exclusive.
Murry Bartow is more of a rival than Belmont
(01-26-2010 09:14 AM)Running_Fool15 Wrote: [ -> ]Wow, our entire fan base sounds like a bunch of stuck up sissies.
See? I'm not the only one who thinks this when reading the ETSU boards.
All i'm saying is that I don't see how some of you can continue to think you are so much better than this conference, when you have yet to dominate it. Now, when none of us poor lowly Asun teams can beat mighty ETSU, then maybe you would have good reason to complain.
Now, don't get me wrong, I would love to have a better conference too. I just think, that until you dominate in the Asun, maybe you should get off your high horse and face reality.
(01-26-2010 10:24 AM)Bruin2014 Wrote: [ -> ] (01-26-2010 09:14 AM)Running_Fool15 Wrote: [ -> ]Wow, our entire fan base sounds like a bunch of stuck up sissies.
See? I'm not the only one who thinks this when reading the ETSU boards.
All i'm saying is that I don't see how some of you can continue to think you are so much better than this conference, when you have yet to dominate it. Now, when none of us poor lowly Asun teams can beat mighty ETSU, then maybe you would have good reason to complain.
Now, don't get me wrong, I would love to have a better conference too. I just think, that until you dominate in the Asun, maybe you should get off your high horse and face reality.
You don't get it.
ETSU WAS much much better then you. Due to the 3 Stoogies we have slowly sunk to your level. Yes now we aren't any better then the lowly A-Sun but it isn't because you have improved, that is just how far the program has sank. It is now to the point we are getting slapped around by you. Yes that is the current reality, we the fans know that. But we don't have to like it or accept well that how it is going to be. I mean really, it is hard to get fired up over being one of the top tier teams in one of the lowest tier conferences. You are a very young program and have never known better, we have.
Ok, well thank you for giving me a reasonable explanation Rod, other than "if you don't like what's being talked about on this board then don't come back and read it." I can at least respect your response, and see where you are coming from.
your response gives way too much credit to etsu and shows an absolute lack of knowledge and respect for belmont. the southern conference was not and is not the big east/sec/acc.
(01-26-2010 10:41 AM)RodShaw2 Wrote: [ -> ] (01-26-2010 10:24 AM)Bruin2014 Wrote: [ -> ] (01-26-2010 09:14 AM)Running_Fool15 Wrote: [ -> ]Wow, our entire fan base sounds like a bunch of stuck up sissies.
See? I'm not the only one who thinks this when reading the ETSU boards.
All i'm saying is that I don't see how some of you can continue to think you are so much better than this conference, when you have yet to dominate it. Now, when none of us poor lowly Asun teams can beat mighty ETSU, then maybe you would have good reason to complain.
Now, don't get me wrong, I would love to have a better conference too. I just think, that until you dominate in the Asun, maybe you should get off your high horse and face reality.
You don't get it.
ETSU WAS much much better then you. Due to the 3 Stoogies we have slowly sunk to your level. Yes now we aren't any better then the lowly A-Sun but it isn't because you have improved, that is just how far the program has sank. It is now to the point we are getting slapped around by you. Yes that is the current reality, we the fans know that. But we don't have to like it or accept well that how it is going to be. I mean really, it is hard to get fired up over being one of the top tier times in one of the lowest tier conferences. You are a very young program and have never known better, we have.
You are right I don't have any respect for Belmont, basically it is Who F are they? I know what they have done but I also know they have only been Div I for like 10 years. No the SoCon isn't the SEC or ACC but it also isn't the first stop for teams moving into Div I for the first time. Teams move into the A-Sun, work to improve and get the hell out and go to other conferences,, like say.. the SoCon? hell even the Big South has been considered a step up from the A-Sun. Last year even though the A-Sun has 11 teams they couldn't field a full 8 team tournament last year because 4 teams were still in the Div I transition period.
ETSU has a history, the SoCon has a history and tradition, the A-Sun doesn't come close to stacking up with it in either regard.
We might be living in the past but you know what? THATS BECAUSE WE HAVE A PAST.
Okay here's the deal 2014, you want Belmont fans to feel as though ETSU is a rival then prove it. Next season when ETSU comes to Nashville at the Curb Center, FILL THE PLACE UP. Make it to where there's a demand for tickets, while in there, have a page full of chants and cheers that while are derogatory towards ETSU, are still within the scope of sportsmanship (ie no cussing, racial slurs, etc...). And better yet, make the four and a half hour drive up to Johnson City for the Belmont/ETSU game. Bring signs, talk smack, do everything you can to get under ETSU's players and fans skins. Force ETSU fans to hate you, not the way we hate Kennesaw, but the way ETSU fans hate Chattanooga/App State. Basically light the fire.
(01-26-2010 10:56 AM)Bruin2014 Wrote: [ -> ]Ok, well thank you for giving me a reasonable explanation Rod, other than "if you don't like what's being talked about on this board then don't come back and read it." I can at least respect your response, and see where you are coming from.
Buccaneer lover....you are spot on. There is no one in the A-Sun that has decent attendance. It must be discouraging for a Division one player to perform in front of only 500 people....A-Sun attendance is embarrassing and the reason that the league is minor league. I can't wait to get out. I pray we can get in somewhere if we start playing football again.
When I started this thread it was not intended to disrespect any other teams in the A-Sun. Like all programs it's an opportunity to prove yourself and move on to a better conference. I merely wanted to point out that regional rivalries give the fans an opportunity to jump in their cars and catch an away game, and in most cases doesn't involve an overnight stay. For instance Belmont is an approx 300 mile drive from JC and Fla Gulf Coast is a 842 . In the Southern conf your longest drive would be to Charleston, SC at approx 390 miles. I just can't see many ETSU fans making the haul down to Florida for a game. I miss the days of driving over to Boone, Chatt and Cullowhee, and being back home that night for work the next day. I'm thinking of the fans. After all we're the ones spending the money.