From High on the Hilltop, ponyte observations

[ponyte]

If you want to be a part of this program, let Coach Mason know. He has a vision for the team and the program and it includes us, the ordinary SMU community.

Coach Mason pointed out that Jones, Bennett and Caven failed to engage the SMU community. He wants to change that. He has some great ideas to create opportunities for he and his staff to engage us fans more. This guy is approachable and wants our help. If he will take a chance on letting me address his team and not have a clue who I am or what I will say, the heavy hitters are really gone to get his attention.

The coaching staff is coaching. There are a variety of styles but to be sure, old school coaching is in form on this staff.

The players were engaged and intense. No BSing around or playing grab arse. This team could have folded long ago but I didn't see that. And the players I talked to said it was all about getting better. And I believe they are telling it as they believe it. QB passes were crisp. The O-line looked like they were starting to come together. D was solid and flying around.

And last, these guys need us. They need to know we are with them and support them. When I was talking to the team, every eye was on me and all players were intently listening. One could see intensity on their faces. These kids are eager to know they are not alone.

Do what you can. This team's season is far from over. Get involved and show support.

[ponyboy]

So fantastic to hear. So fantastic.

[smusportspage]

Thanks Ponyte!

[Mustangsabu]

A great reminder that support for the program cannot come from checkbooks alone. Thanks PonyTE

[skurtn]

Folks seem to think that support for a team comes about after they "become a good product"; aka they're a winning team.
This notion seems to imply, at least partially, the opposite.

[footballdad]

Thanks Ponyte

[RGV Pony]

Part of the solution. Well done

[DanFreibergerForHeisman]

Thank you thank you thank you, ponyte!

[PSCA]

Thanks for Ponyte, well done. I know the team an especially Mason greatly appreciated it. Mason is doing exactly what he should be, he is the HC. No interim, the HC until someone tells him different i.e (he is not mailing it in). Mason is not a "let me see what I can to be PC or impress people" ... what you see is what you get. Everything he is done or is trying to do, is who he is.

[Rebel10]

Thanks for Ponyte, well done. I know the team an especially Mason greatly appreciated it. Mason is doing exactly what he should be, he is the HC. No interim, the HC until someone tells him different i.e (he is not mailing it in). Mason is not a "let me see what I can to be PC or impress people" ... what you see is what you get. Everything he is done or is trying to do, is who he is.

I know you are buddies with Mason but if this is who he is and he was the recruiting coordinator why is he just now focusing on area schools? But to be honest I would do the same thing he is doing now if I wanted the SMU job. Anyway, thanks Ponyte.

[skurtn]

Good question

[PK]

Thanks for Ponyte, well done. I know the team an especially Mason greatly appreciated it. Mason is doing exactly what he should be, he is the HC. No interim, the HC until someone tells him different i.e (he is not mailing it in). Mason is not a "let me see what I can to be PC or impress people" ... what you see is what you get. Everything he is done or is trying to do, is who he is.

I know you are buddies with Mason but if this is who he is and he was the recruiting coordinator why is he just now focusing on area schools? But to be honest I would do the same thing he is doing now if I wanted the SMU job. Anyway, thanks Ponyte.

Perhaps...just perhaps the previous HC directed his coordinator to only go after the recruits the HC wanted to go after. The ones whose tapes the HC had reviewed and was interested in. JJ was the HC...the boss. You do what the boss tells you to do. I am of course just speculating, but I don't think my scenario is an impossible one.

[Rebel10]

Thanks for Ponyte, well done. I know the team an especially Mason greatly appreciated it. Mason is doing exactly what he should be, he is the HC. No interim, the HC until someone tells him different i.e (he is not mailing it in). Mason is not a "let me see what I can to be PC or impress people" ... what you see is what you get. Everything he is done or is trying to do, is who he is.

I know you are buddies with Mason but if this is who he is and he was the recruiting coordinator why is he just now focusing on area schools? But to be honest I would do the same thing he is doing now if I wanted the SMU job. Anyway, thanks Ponyte.

Perhaps...just perhaps the previous HC directed his coordinator to only go after the recruits the HC wanted to go after. The ones whose tapes the HC had reviewed and was interested in. JJ was the HC...the boss. You do what the boss tells you to do. I am of course just speculating, but I don't think my scenario is an impossible one.

Definitely not impossible. The thing about JJ was that he did not get too involved in recruiting except when absolutely necessary. The coaches pretty much did what they wanted. So I don't think JJ restricted anybody. What they did is who they are.

[footballdad]

On a positive note, June is still gone, and not coincidentally a lot of things are changing for the better, even with an interim coach. Just more proof positive that Jones was a disaster.

Can't wait for the new staff to be announced.

[TidePony]

Thank you Ponyte - these players gleaned a lot from your leadership today.