Reflections
Posted: Tue Sep 09, 2014 11:10 amFrom JJ to Students/Fans to Administration to Ponyfans
June was not my cup of tea. His interviews and lack of enthusiasm outside the locker room made it difficult for me to be optimistic about our future. His apparent low levels of energy and enthusiasm was insufficient to animate the students and fans. Unfortunate or not, we don't have the luxury, as large state schools with huge enrollments/alumni bases and subsidized by P5 money due, of sleepwalking back to college football competitiveness at the highest levels. There is no entitlement for SMU, simply because of our long tradition.
However, JJ did return us to the national stage on occasion and demonstrated we are not a long term basket case. I don't buy the argument that Administration didn't support him or the program. Our challenges are deeper than that. Yes, we are not in a Power Conference, but we are one step removed in the reinvented AAC, in part thanks to JJ and Administration. It would be hard to argue we deserve more at this stage. Our attendance, winning record and student body engagement remain weak ... while LB is an example of not accepting our fate, but creating a new one.
I thank JJ for this commitment to us and, more importantly, to his teams. I concede his heart and efforts did not appear to be in recruiting, which is the lifeblood of competitiveness. However, the current team is OUR team and deserves much more than we have been giving it.
The student body needs to step up and support their classmates. The alumni needs to show up and get behind "this" team. Administration needs to demonstrate right now that these players deserve and receive unconditional support.
As for Ponyfans, we need to look in the mirror too. Hand wringing at every moment and withholding our devotion to our alma mater or school of choice is counter-productive then, now and in the future. If we believe that recruiting is #1, we share in that responsibility.
To the 2014 Mustangs, we are with you. You wear our/your colors with pride. You are part of a long legacy that deserves your support.
And to JJ, our many thanks for coaching our players and helping reverse what has been a long, painful journey back. May the reasons for your departure be resolved or dissipate over time. You are a Mustang. Godspeed.
June was not my cup of tea. His interviews and lack of enthusiasm outside the locker room made it difficult for me to be optimistic about our future. His apparent low levels of energy and enthusiasm was insufficient to animate the students and fans. Unfortunate or not, we don't have the luxury, as large state schools with huge enrollments/alumni bases and subsidized by P5 money due, of sleepwalking back to college football competitiveness at the highest levels. There is no entitlement for SMU, simply because of our long tradition.
However, JJ did return us to the national stage on occasion and demonstrated we are not a long term basket case. I don't buy the argument that Administration didn't support him or the program. Our challenges are deeper than that. Yes, we are not in a Power Conference, but we are one step removed in the reinvented AAC, in part thanks to JJ and Administration. It would be hard to argue we deserve more at this stage. Our attendance, winning record and student body engagement remain weak ... while LB is an example of not accepting our fate, but creating a new one.
I thank JJ for this commitment to us and, more importantly, to his teams. I concede his heart and efforts did not appear to be in recruiting, which is the lifeblood of competitiveness. However, the current team is OUR team and deserves much more than we have been giving it.
The student body needs to step up and support their classmates. The alumni needs to show up and get behind "this" team. Administration needs to demonstrate right now that these players deserve and receive unconditional support.
As for Ponyfans, we need to look in the mirror too. Hand wringing at every moment and withholding our devotion to our alma mater or school of choice is counter-productive then, now and in the future. If we believe that recruiting is #1, we share in that responsibility.
To the 2014 Mustangs, we are with you. You wear our/your colors with pride. You are part of a long legacy that deserves your support.
And to JJ, our many thanks for coaching our players and helping reverse what has been a long, painful journey back. May the reasons for your departure be resolved or dissipate over time. You are a Mustang. Godspeed.
