Reason for SMU optimism .... from a UCF fan

[giacfsp]

This was posted on the UCF board by someone named Knightwalker:

"Remember, they once were one of the premier teams in the country, part of the Southwest Conference before they got hit with the "death penalty". Evern since, they've been trying to get back to the top. Seeing how SO brought UCF so far in a short amount of time, they probably figure he can do the same there. And SMU has a lot more alumni and wealthy boosters than we do."

Interesting.

[giacfsp]

Another, from someone called Hoops McKnight:

"He got us into a conference for all sports, a new facility for every sport, and a chance to compete for championships in them all. Plus, he made academics and getting us from a D-II to a D-I mentality a priority. Frankly, that entire section of our campus ought to be named Orsini Village because of his vision and business acumen.
Thanks Steve, and good luck!!"

Pretty classy commentary from a seemingly objective UCF fan.

[UCF_buddha]

He truly has done great things for our program. I think the reason UCF fans are so "attached" to him, is that our previous AD was so bad, and Steve Orsini was so good, that they have a hard time believing we can find a suitable replacement. I'm confident we will and life will go on.

I have had several chances to meet Mr. Orsini and chat with him. He is great to talk to and very open with the fans. He did a great job turning the atmosphere here at UCF around to a "we can do that" attitude and we have lots of new facilities on the way, improving programs, and an exciting new conference affiliation (with ya'll) as a result. He did amazing things in a short period of time.

I expect with your school's history and resources (2 things that UCF currently lacks, but is building), he will figure out what it takes to build your programs back up to the level you expect.

Best of luck.

A UCF fan.

PS - don't worry - I'm not one to go stick around on other's boards, just wanted to let you know your administration did a great job with this hire. I'll go back to my own board now - I promise.

[Water Pony]

He truly has done great things for our program. I think the reason UCF fans are so "attached" to him, is that our previous AD was so bad, and Steve Orsini was so good, that they have a hard time believing we can find a suitable replacement. I'm confident we will and life will go on.

I have had several chances to meet Mr. Orsini and chat with him. He is great to talk to and very open with the fans. He did a great job turning the atmosphere here at UCF around to a "we can do that" attitude and we have lots of new facilities on the way, improving programs, and an exciting new conference affiliation (with ya'll) as a result. He did amazing things in a short period of time.

I expect with your school's history and resources (2 things that UCF currently lacks, but is building), he will figure out what it takes to build your programs back up to the level you expect.

Best of luck.

A UCF fan.

PS - don't worry - I'm not one to go stick around on other's boards, just wanted to let you know your administration did a great job with this hire. I'll go back to my own board now - I promise.

Thanks, Buddha

Classy post. My first reaction is that despite "our virtues", we still have a long way to go, including stop feeling sorry for ourselves about the Death Penalty. Perhaps Steve will teach us to "for getta bout it"

We appreciate your generous comments. See you on the field. Go Knights! Go PONIES!

[PonyPride]

Great post, UCF-buddha. You're welcome on this board any time.
Best of luck.

[MrMustang1965]

Another, from someone called Hoops McKnight:

"He got us into a conference for all sports, a new facility for every sport, and a chance to compete for championships in them all. Plus, he made academics and getting us from a D-II to a D-I mentality a priority. Frankly, that entire section of our campus ought to be named Orsini Village because of his vision and business acumen.
Thanks Steve, and good luck!!"

Pretty classy commentary from a seemingly objective UCF fan.

UCF was Div. 1-AA, not Div. II. That would be quite a leap...and also not permitted by NCAA regulations.

[SMUPhil]

They were Div II maybe 15 years ago...the point the original poster was making was that Orsini helped them get out of the Div II "mindset" that much of their administration was probably still in, and getting them to start thinking like a Div Ia program. I honestly think much of SMU's faculty/administration thought of our program as Div 1aa or Div II the past 20 years, and we could use a shot in the arm as well.

[MrMustang1965]

I honestly think much of SMU's faculty/administration thought of our program as Div 1aa or Div II the past 20 years, and we could use a shot in the arm as well.

Do you actually think that SMU's faculty/administration gives a sh*t about whether Mustang athletics are Div. 1-A, Div. 1-AA, Div. II or Div. III? Mention 'division' to one of them and they'll think you're talking about mathematics.

[LA_Mustang]

I have spent the past couple of days digging up anything I can find on Mr. Orsini, and it seems we have really made a great hire. First and foremost, he's a damn good salesman. That is exactly what SMU needs.

I have heard from SMU coaches and administrators that we are committed to winning and we will win now so many times with no results that it makes me sick, but for whatever reason, I actually believe this guy???

[mustangnation]

I have spent the past couple of days digging up anything I can find on Mr. Orsini, and it seems we have really made a great hire. First and foremost, he's a damn good salesman. That is exactly what SMU needs.

I have heard from SMU coaches and administrators that we are committed to winning and we will win now so many times with no results that it makes me sick, but for whatever reason, I actually believe this guy???

The thing i like about him is that he has the results to back up his these comments.

[Ponymon]

I also think that Orsini was a FANTASTIC choice. Still, remember, Rome wasn't built in a day. The turnaround is several of these programs may take a couple of years. Getting the BUTTS in the stands will still be especially tough. Just hope he went to the Russ Potts school of hyperactive marketing! Mustang Mania is rejuvenated!