Setting the Record Straight

[MrMustang1965]

I have decided that S.M.U. athletics does not need me. And I do not need it. I have better things to do with my life than care about S.M.U. and its athletics program. For too long, I have cared about matters on The Hilltop that are completely out of the control of the few remaining fans of S.M.U. athletics.

Some folks on this forum think that I got upset about something involving athletic director Steve Orsini, someone on his staff or something involving one of the athletic programs. It was no one particular incident or person that made me decide to devote less time to matters involving the Mustangs.

I have read and pondered a lot of things that have been said by other posters since joining this fan board almost 6 years ago. After much thought, I finally decided that S.M.U. athletics is – overall – a product that I am no longer willing to invest my money and time on. If S.M.U. athletics were a material good, it would have gone out of production a long time ago. It’s a product that does not live up to the claims of its manufacturer. It’s only bought by a small handful of consumers who continually complain about its quality. All the advertising and promotion in the world won’t save a product that doesn’t work. And that’s what S.M.U. athletics has become, at least to me.

So many Mustang fans continue to be duped by S.M.U. president Turner and athletic director Steve Orsini with their ‘smoke-and-mirrors’ trick. There is no true ‘commitment’ to athletics at S.M.U. and that’s why I will spend less money and time on it.

I won’t be duped any longer. My eyes have finally been opened. If I attend an S.M.U. sporting event, I will go to it fully understanding that the outcome will, most likely, be a defeat because that’s what has happened so often in the past. If the Mustangs happen to win then it’s a pleasant surprise. Perhaps this is what the S.M.U. student body has understood all along and explains why they so seldom turn out for sporting events.

In closing, I’d like to set the record straight: I have always posted as Mr. Mustang 1965 and always will. Yes, I was a ‘sunshiner’ and a ‘cheerleader’ but I am no longer.

I wish the Mustangs well in all their sporting contests.

[LonghornFan68]

This post makes me and the baby jesus cry.

[Dement-ed]

Don't give up on us, MM65. We need more like you, not fewer like you. Your posts always showed unbridled happiness after an SMU win, and genuine heartache after an SMU loss -- emotions that SHOULD be shown by true SMU fans. I'm not sure what specifically pushed you to your current stance, but we all know that deep down, you're still a PonyFan. Steve-O has made a multitude of changes that might ruffle some feathers but ultimately will make the athletic program more successful. You've been so loyal through rough years -- a lot of rough years -- you deserve a front-row seat for future celebrations of SMU victories.

[jkflamebo]

I greatly respect your post Mustang1965 and agree with you on some points, but overall a true fan of anything on this planet's gotta stick with it. I have not been around since the 60's or 70's for that matter, but you really have to look at the recent positive side. I assume your post is mostly driven by the current horrid basketball season and bowl-less football team and general mediocrity of those two sports, i level with ya. I'm in my second year on the Hilltop, with Doherty coaching bball and willis leading the offense, I expect great things. I know bball is probably going to take more than two years, but I'm pretty sure we haven't had a coach like Doherty in a while so it's more of a long run situation. As for football i truly believe willis is going to do something special next year, i just think there's going to be more hype on hilltop in these few years to come with a player like him. Kinda disheartening to lose a loyal fan as yourself, i dunno i'm just excited about the football possibilites next year. take care

[mavsrage311]

When I first started going to Mavs games in the 90's, I used to be able to sit behind the visiting players, there was no one at the games, it was like SMU is right now. If there were message boards back then, there wouldn't be any more people than there are on this board. I take pride in being able to say I was a Mavs fan when we sucked, as opposed to most Dallas bandwagon fans. I'd like to be able to say the same thing about SMU if and when we become a top 25 team in football and basketball. If you are truly passionate about your team, you understand that losing is just part of the game.

That said, you were a great fan and I wish you all the best, whether you will attend games and support SMU in the future or not

[03Mustang]

When I first started going to Mavs games in the 90's, I used to be able to sit behind the visiting players, there was no one at the games, it was like SMU is right now. If there were message boards back then, there wouldn't be any more people than there are on this board. I take pride in being able to say I was a Mavs fan when we sucked, as opposed to most Dallas bandwagon fans. I'd like to be able to say the same thing about SMU if and when we become a top 25 team in football and basketball. If you are truly passionate about your team, you understand that losing is just part of the game.

I feel EXACTLY the same. I was the guy getting ripped on for wearing a Jamal Mashburn jersey to school in middle school and for always being the one that hated the Bulls/Lakers/Spurs...

Our time will come, hopefully sooner than later. If TCU and Rutgers can turn it around then there is NO reason we can't do the same. A fresh approach (Cuban) turned things around quickly for the Mavs...Orsini may not be a Billionaire but maybe he has some similar tricks up his sleeves. We can only hope and continue to support our Mustangs. I for one (as an alum), will always be an SMU fan, no matter what.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go renew my season tickets....

[NavyCrimson]

Very good post '65. Nice hearing from you again.

Agree with most if not all what you say. Like you, I've scaled back much of my interest until something happens, too - one of many would be the dissolution of the BCS-BS. Until that time, I'm in 1st or 2nd gear.

[mrydel]

Sorry folks but I just do not agree. I do not give up on my job because I do not make the most money. I do not give up on my wife because she is not Angelina Jolie. I do not give up on my children because they are not the sharpest blades in the drawer. Rather, I support them whole heartedly, I love them more every day and I do whatever I am able to do to make them better. But I realize I can not do it all myself and sometimes it just takes hope, understanding and the belief that things will improve. The bottom line is that I made a committment to my job, my wife and my children and my school, and I can not justify walking away from any of them. Unconditional.

Now, that said, I hope MM65 has that feeling for his school (SHSU?). I know that SMU was adopted, but were any of my children adopted they would be equally loved. I know you love your step children as if they were biologically your own. That is how I would look at it. Be mad, be sad, toot your horn and ring your cow bell, but walking away from your team is not not an option.

I donate to teh Mustang Club and I do so because I love my school, period. I do not berate anyone who does not donate because that is their decision. My donation does not make or break the coffers, but it makes me feel good that I am supporting. More importantly, however, in my humble opinion, is the support that is given by attending and cheering for the team we all support. I know for the most part this is choir preaching, but it should be a given that if you are a fan of SMU, you will attend any and all events you are able, and you will support the team at all times. Can you criticize? Sure. And you should when things are going awry. But I just do not see quitting as an option. Sorry.

[jtstang]

At last, the Manifesto. And one that I cannot argue with on a single point. Good luck in the future, MrMustang5150. For those sunshiners out there who think the Athletic Department does no wrong, take note that it has run off one of your own.

[expony18]

At last, the Manifesto. And one that I cannot argue with on a single point. Good luck in the future, MrMustang5150. For those sunshiners out there who think the Athletic Department does no wrong, take note that it has run off one of your own.

atleast we're still div 1

[Corso]

MM65: You're one of us, and always will be. I look forward to seeing you at a future event, and sharing a drink with you. I'll even introduce myself first.

[EastStang]

We all can devote our time and energies to other sports, teams and so forth. Growing up in Washington DC as a Senators fan, I have become accustomed to disappointment. As in the team leaving for DFW and no new team for 34 years after decades of ineptitude. Add in teams like the Wizards, Capitals and now the Nationals, and the addage "First in War, First in Peace and last in the National League comes to mind". And the Redskins have been pretty inept for some time as well. But, I've stuck with them through these bad times in the hope that someday it will get better. Thus, SMU is nothing different. They have done things that are heart breaking and they have done things that are wonderful. The football program is one of those heartbreaks. So, I glean joy from the soccer program, the swimimng program and the golf program where we do have some success. And every fall we start out with a perfect record and for a brief time, I have dreams of a great season to come. That hasn't happened in 20 years. But I am certain that we will find a great season some day and when we we do, the bad times will seem worth it. Okay that's my rant for the day. Hang tough MM1965. Illigitimabus non carborundum est.

[Mexmustang]

Twenty years is simply too long to have waited for success.

My own emotions are "borderline". I would hope that if we ever acheive success, that you will lead about 40,000 new fans as they jump on the bandwagon.

But, then I am still dreaming of the day we beat Texas again.

[expony18]

Twenty years is simply too long to have waited for success.

i guess ur not a red sox fan...

[Mexmustang]

No, believe it or not a Sox and Cub fan...