The level at which SMU competes in football.

[PK]

RGV, I appreciate the sentiment of what you say, but right now we are begging for season ticket buyers and I not sure a requirement for Mustang Club membership would help the situation. Maybe if we can get this thing turned around and people want to come to the games and have a good seat so badly that they will get in line if necessary to do so we might be able to add the extra requirement. It's a shame more people aren't interested in joining the MC without the additional inducement. I know it is a cliche, but winning will help solve a number of problems.

[RGV Pony]

I don't think we should require season ticket holders to join the MC; I was citing an example. I do however think MC members are capable of bringing people along with them into the mix.

[Charleston Pony]

I've tried to recruit others into the MC, but admittedly I've not been persistent in my efforts. The truth is, not many of my classmates share the enthusiasm I have for our athletics programs. Many rarely attend a game (usually only when I come to town). I know a few who contributed back in the 80's and one went so far as telling me he'd contribute again only when he saw a top 25 program worth supporting. I've had the "chicken vs egg" talk, but he's not buying it. Kind of along the line that Stallion has preached. When the administration shows a TRUE commitment to competing and giving our athletics dept every advantage our competition enjoys, more support might come.

I wonder how TCU's athletic fundraising has gone the past 5 yrs? Have they kept up with their increased costs? Cleary their attendance at football and bball games has been better than ours, but have the increased revenues kept pace with spending? Surely there are some frogs perusing this board who might answer those questions. Where is Deep Purple when you need him?

[EastStang]

I'm a member of the Mustang Club and live 1600 miles away. We have something like 500 alums in the DC area. I was disappointed that the Mustang Club didn't try and do something before or after the Navy basketball game last year (I know it was New Year's Eve, but). Whenever the Ponies go on the road, even if its a cash bar and chips and dip at Joe's Bar and Grill, the Mustang Club ought to schedule something before or after every away game. That way, it allows those of us who are out of town Mustang Club members a chance to connect, find out who in our area are Mustang Club members, and perhaps give the Club a better chance of recruiting us out of towners. With us joining CUSA next year, Marshall and ECU are not too far away. We have alums all over the U.S. We could become a better travelling team if we worked on our out of towners. For example, when we play ECU, why not reserve an AMTRAK train car or a bus and start in DC, add more in Fredericksburg, and Richmond. You'd probably get more SMU alums out. These are some things the Mustang Club can do. Also, when other sports teams like soccer travel, we should be told. Two years ago, I stumbled on to the fact that the Ponies were playing George Mason. Three alums showed up. A card should have been sent to all DC alums (I'll bet GMU would have even split the cost of the mailing). Why do this, because we have a rep for travelling poorly. If we start selling another 500-1000 tickets to far venues, we might start getting NIT and Bowl bids.

[PonySnob]

I think we need to start winning some football games before we get invited to any bowl games.

[Charleston Pony]

Hey, East: when SMU travels to Greenville to play ECU, I will most likely be there. I've just accepted a position in Columbia, S.C., so barring any conflict when that gameday arrives, should have about a 4-5 hour road trip to ECU. I'd love to find more Mustangs to sit with. I assume the Mustang Club will plan a trip from Dallas and we could plan to buy tickets with that group.

[No Cal Pony]

CP and EastStang, count me in too. I am very pleased we will be playing ecu. I also look forward to the game vs. wake too. I live in North Carolina now, both are close. Heck, I'd probably make the trip to memphis and marshall also. I too think the Mustang Club ought to do a bit more for and with us out of towners. I felt the same way living in CA as I do now living here in NC. Heck, there isn't even a chapter of the alumni association. Closest one is Atlanta, which doesn't help. I offered to help start one, and still no reply to my offer.

I think playing some of these schools will aid SMU in the future.

Go Ponies!

[RGV Pony]

I can tell you I was shocked last winter when there was no gathering on So. Padre before the bball game vs. Texas-Pan American. I was sure that plenty of Pony fans would have wanted a reason to go to the island. Maybe there's just lack of initiative.

[PK]

The squeaky wheel gets the grease...usually. E-mail the MC and let them know your thoughts. They may not have the funds to do it, but on the other hand it might make them realize the potential benifits of doing it anyway. We certainly need to do something to get more people involved.

[Cheesesteak]

I intend to drive to SMU football games at ECU and Marshall whenever possible.