UTSA's Program vs. Where We Are Now

[Pony in SA]

I want SMU to succeed, but I think we do need a look in the mirror at where we are and if we have a real plan going forward. I get its hard to compare the 2 programs, playing different teams, and I get our longer, more accomplished history, but right now in basically less than 15 years UTSA:

Will be in Same Conference as us already - moved up conferences a couple of times;
New $40 million plus football practice facility, multiple practice fields, weight center, lockerroom facilities, etc. is amazing - I'm sure you can find pictures and amenities on-line;
Took little time to raise funds to keep coach and matched what he said he wanted;
Game attendance higher than ours;
In less than 48 hours just raised funds so every student who wants to can attend conference championship their ticket is covered;
Playing actually for a conference championship (I know conferences not same level but at least playing for one);
This year destroyed La Tech at La Tech (we needed a miracle), beat Memphis at Memphis (we lost to Memphis), beat Big 10 Illinois on the road also; and,
I don't think in its short history ever had to endure 1 or 0 win seasons

I am a supporter and I am unclear as to the direction we are really going, and if there is genuine plan for success, or if we are just going to keep reinventing things every few years. It seems others can figure things out, many examples besides UTSA, and they have had and work a plan to progress upward. I just want us to do the same.

[78pony]

Good post and so many good points. Out BoT, if they were anything but “ok, whatever you think Gerald” golf clapping, charity ball attending, have my secretary send you a check, what wine is being served at our board meeting tonight types, would have long ago asked these types of questions and maybe some serious questions and analysis would have followed. You have to look at a complete mindset change from top to bottom, and that will not happen under the current administration. There is NO plan. Never has been. RGT only reacts when he feels pushback. We are always reactive (to just get us out of the current spotlight), and never proactive.

[Arkpony]

One truly brilliant move they made was hiring Larry Brown, and they screwed that up.

[Pony in SA]

Years ago there was meeting here at Sonterra Country Club to raise monies for Ford with coach and AD where we were shown drawing and design elements for Ford, how Ford could be expanded up to 45,000 if needed and we moved up conferences (they actually had drawings), and what the 10 year plan was to move up in conferences and grow program. I think I still have some of presentation materials in storage with ticket and program from the first ever game at Ford. Checks were written in part because we at least had a presentation on a path to progress program. I think we need something similar to sell the donors and/or fans.

[Pony in SA]

One truly brilliant move they made was hiring Larry Brown, and they screwed that up.

Yes, just look at Houston. They didn't care to go with a guy who has had multiple NCAA and other problems almost everywhere he has been, and we tried to play ball with the NCAA and it didn't get us any favor.