UTSA other posts and info

[Pony in SA]

Some other posts referenced UTSA and what they are doing. Besides fact they have already won games on road they probably shouldn't have, set record for new program attendance, etc. the biggest factor in my mind is they have plan they are all buying into and sticking to from AD, to coach, to school administration.

I've pointed out in the past I've been fortunate to be at luncheons and seen first hand their 5 and 10 year plans for the program, and their goals of 3 phases for success. Phase 1 of building new practice facilities and moving up to regional type conference is done, they are starting phase 2 with their indoor practice facility and tougher non-conference games (see OSU this week, then Arizona, etc), and phase 3 is completion of their on campus stadium (which will be 40,000 to 45,000). Our firm has looked at contracts regarding stadium already so that part of plan moving along.

They are working their plan together and Coker is great at selling program. He is visible at Kiwanis, rotary clubs, etc and always in UTSA gear and talking about what they are building. He's realistic and warned people this year record wise tough because of scheduling but playing these true sophomores an juniors for the future. They get everyone to buy in.

By contrast it seems we keep changing some staff (bringing in Hal year 6 even), burn redshirts unnecessarily, and aren't showing signs of improvement. Just seems like we're throwing darts sometimes, unprepared, no long term vision. I'm season ticket holder since 1989, support our guys on the road, write those extra checks when asked to, etc and I really can't tell you what our plan is going forward. How can someone not connected to program get excited if us long time supporters like most on this board are losing interest ?

I realize school like UTSA will have better attendance because simply have 5 times the students, sell more season tickets because only thing in town sports wise besides Spurs, etc but say what you want about UTSA in my opinion much better ran from top to bottom in terms of having a plan they are working, marketing their program, etc. And yes they've beat us on a couple of recruits we were after which doesn't reflect we'll on us, and yes they have several new modern uniforms this year which helps recruit kids.

There is no reason SMU can't be better, but needs coordinated plan that everyone works together. If June still here things have to be coordinated better from AD office on down, if we go different direction our new hire needs to be coach who understands this. Right now we appear Mickey Mouse in what we are trying to do, right or wrong that is perception to many.

[redpony]

+1

[LakeHighlandsPony]

I assume you are talking about me. Fine little program down there. In Year 6 of paying a coach 12 million you should not be locked in recruiting battles with UT San Antonio-Period!

I am sure OU,UT and Alabama do not want to be locked in recruiting battles with SMU either.

[CalallenStang]

I'm no June Jones fan, but had we played a road game against New Mexico, we would have won as well. Let's not act like UTSA is suddenly a powerhouse program. They are a startup program at a joke of a school that has done a good job of getting the community to support them because there isn't any other football in SA.

[Pony in SA]

Never said or meant to imply UTSA is a "powerhouse program." Point was that they at least have their act together and are working a plan. I just don't see that from us, and this is both now and even before Jones. We tried "commitment" years back, then we tried top 25, etc. but for whatever reason not all pieces ever on same page. Even us long time holder ons don't have real idea where this is going and many like me have had skin in this game for years, and have voiced their frustrations to me.

Concern is you eventually will lose long timers like me if some changes aren't made. Again, if we get beat by superior talent but are giving great effort and look prepared in doing so I can live with that. Looking foolish at the end of the first half, and looking unemotional and lethargic 2nd half, is not good for the program -- especially when it is noticed and pointed out and discussed by the tv crew calling the game.

I simply want us to do better, whether that includes June or not in the future. The real money people will make those calls. I will continue my support because I love our school and the kids, but we can do much, much better than we are now.

[redpony]

PSA +1. And the admin doesn't seem to care if it keeps the 'old and long time supporters and fans' or not. I have firmly come to the belief that they (the admin) are totally happy with a completely mediocre
fball program.