Give Me Your Ideas

[mrydel]

Thank you more for your service to our country.

Now....gives us up to date scores from around the country. During time outs, read the scores aloud.

[BUS]

Man I feel better now that Mrydel did not mention the topless thing again.

[ponyscott]

On my way to Moody... Tip Off at 7 p.m. You guys come see me.

David

Hey David that is so great that you came on here and maybe PF may be able to influence some of what is going on at Ford Stadium instead of JUST a sounding board!

Thanks for what you do and we look forward to listening to you throughout the year.

[TheMustangsVoice]

Hi Everyone.....

Whew..... Basketball is harder to announce than I thought. Learned a heck of a lot... especially how to better coordinate all the things coming at me at once.... my producer, line director, officials, bosses, etc. But like when I started with Football, each game is a learning experience.... and I have never been one to accept anything but perfection... and always learning something new or how to improve as each game comes to pass. Each of your inputs is invaluable to me. So thanks again for that.

Now for some answers to your questions.

Score Updates

We are "Told" what updates we are to use, which are mostly C-USA. I do think we are going to be allowed to start including the Top 25 in the updates soon.

Bill Melton

Bill and I have been friends since back in the old Cowboy days. He is a wonderful guy with a wonderful voice. What I hope comes to pass is to establish an on-going relationship with SMU and, as I said starting out, be the "Voice Of SMU" for as many years as they will let me. I have really grown a strong attachment to SMU. Not only because of my long time friends, but I just absolutely love the campus, the students and all of those whom I have met that are now my bosses.

Speakers & Sound System

Before each and every game, our board man "Eddie" goes around the stadium with his remote laptop that is communicating with our new digital board.... and he tweaks it, based upon different areas in the field to find just the right adjustment to reduce the echo as much as possible. As you have already pointed out, there are numerous variables.... and the amount of folks on either side have a tremendous effect on the final outcome. For the Rice game, "Eddie" spent over an hour just doing this. There will never be a perfect solution... but be aware that it is a weekly thing that is done for every game.

Margus Hunt

As part of my on-going educatation, I joined the Mustang Club back in August when I first tried out. My SMU friend and I go to the Mustang Club lunchons every Monday. We average around 250 for each luncheon. Great food..... get to meet a lot of great Alumni and Staff..... enjoy the banter between Gary Cogill and Coach Jones.... but especially enjoy the chalk board where he shows selected game film and diagnoses what is taking place or suppose to take place. It really gives you a keen insight as to how really talented our coaching staff is.

I sit at a certain table close to the front and it is the same bunch of great guys every week. One of them, who is an Alumnus, asked me if I could come up with a nickname for Margus for the next game (prior to Rice). I thought about it..... and since he basically terminated field goals and point afters.... "The Terminator" came into play and I used that at the Rice Game. If you noticed, when Margus made a block and we made a big deal about him being the Terminator.... he came to the sidelines and raised his helmet and hands to the broadcast booth. I really think he likes it. It was also mentioned in today's luncheon about trying to find some Estonian Flaggs.

Jay - The Chick On The Sideline

Jay is really a sweet girl. But you are right..... she does overpower when she is doing a sideline bit. To her defense, on the field it is very disruptive because she is hearing a second delay to what she is saying live and almost has to shut herself off to compensate. That said, I will pass along the comments when we do staff this coming Saturday.

Not A One Shot Deal

Just so you know, I plan on monitoring and responding to questions on a daily basis here in the forums. Your continued input, good or bad, will not be taken lightly by me. I know all too well about "The Pulse Of The People". That is why I reached out to everyone here... to let you know that unlike previous sheriff's that have come to town, this one intends to listen, learn and grow from the experience.

Of course, please understand, that just because I agree with you..... that I am the announcer. I surely will always pass along things suggested or commented on here to my bosses. Whether they implement them, however, I will have no control over.

As always... thanks for your comments.... please continue to critique our entire team and give me your suggestions to continually improve what we all strive to make the best for everyone at SMU.

My thanks to all....

David

[SMU21TCU10]

Could you please tell the chick on the sidelines that she does need to scream into the mic.

I agree with PonySoprano

[Peruna88]

Nice job at the women's game tonight!

One thing that the great Bill Melton did that I always thought was nice touch was to introduce each player when they checked into the game for the first time by number, name and hometown. "Now checking in for the Mustangs, from Rockwall, Texas, #24, Haley Day and from Fort Worth, #42, Sarah Shelton!" Yeah, it's get's a bit complicated when there are 2 or 3, but Bill did great job of that and I have missed it for a long time.

I will definitely say hello Friday as we sit right behind you for the women's games.

Welcome!

[CalallenStang]

After a three pointer:

(Name of Player) has just scored...a THREE! POINT! PLAY!

[George S. Patton]

After a three pointer:

(Name of Player) has just scored...a THREE! POINT! PLAY!

No don't do that. A three-point play is on a made basket and free throw. A 3-point FG is a three-pointer.

David, the best thing you can do is be yourself and create that you are comfortable enough with it. If you force something, it will be noticed. Listen and critique where you are. Hit your punch words and you'll do fine. It seemed like last Saturday you found a rhythm.

I've done that on some my stuff.

Oh, and not only all Big 10 scores, but a weekly standings and statistical leaders board to follow. I mean we are talking about the best conference in America.

[CalallenStang]

After a three pointer:

(Name of Player) has just scored...a THREE! POINT! PLAY!

No don't do that. A three-point play is on a made basket and free throw. A 3-point FG is a three-pointer.

David, the best thing you can do is be yourself and create that you are comfortable enough with it. If you force something, it will be noticed. Listen and critique where you are. Hit your punch words and you'll do fine. It seemed like last Saturday you found a rhythm.

I've done that on some my stuff.

Oh, and not only all Big 10 scores, but a weekly standings and statistical leaders board to follow. I mean we are talking about the best conference in America.

Actually, General, a field goal is a play, therefore a three-point field goal is a three-point play (as is the "original" three-point play - the one you could make before there was a three-point arc).

[George S. Patton]

It's wrong and should not be announced that way. Then why don't we announce that every FG is a 2-point play and every made free throw is a 1-point play.

Just go with, "3-pointer, Paul McCoy" or "Paul McCoy for threeeeeeee" and use the voice inflection where it fits best.

"Paul McCoy has just made a 3-point play" has about as much appeal as watching paint dry. And it's too long.

In announcing basketball, "less is more" I know because I've done it and got some pretty good coaching on it.

[CalallenStang]

In announcing basketball, "less is more"

This is true.

General, I assume you'll be at the games on Friday? If so, listen to the band after each three-pointer.

[jtstang]

We want Chalupas!!!

[ponydawg]

Bring back the burger dogs.

[George S. Patton]

I won't be there because of my schedule, but I've heard the band do it's thing with the drums. Bill Melton stopped doing our games 6-7 years ago? Did the band not get the memo?

I liked Dan Bell's 3-point call. BTW, anyone know how he is doing? I know his health has been poor lately.

[TheMustangsVoice]

During the basketball game, I was constantly getting input from our boss Herman, who I absolutely love this guy. Additionally, the game ref who sits right next to me, David, knew that I was a rookie at basketball and he and I became immediate friends..... and he has given me huge input.

During the consensus of input I received.... I was told to only announce the name of the player only, as opposed to announce "Haley Day For Two". I got that when I attended a Mavericks Game for research last week. They want me to only do the points if it is a three point field goal.... "Haley Day For THREE!". So unless it is for THREE, it will be name only for awhile.

I do love the "Checking In" thing that was mentioned that Bill Melton did, and have written myself a note to incorporate that in the future where feasible as a homage to Bill and his fans.

I use to coach kiddo basketball teams a long time ago, so I'm not completely stupid on the sport. Although I enjoy watching basketball, I normally only watch when it gets to important games or play-offs. And, of course, you cannot hear what is being announced by the PA guy... so it is pretty much worthless as an educational tool. Thus, the attendance of the Mavericks game.

An Owl's Third Down

I forgot to answer about that comment. In attending the Tulsa, Houston and TCU game, their announcers ALL made a huge deal of the opponent's third down.... trying to get the crowd rowdy and loud to affect the play. Some guys were really obnoxious. I modified mine by singling out that it was an "Owl's Third Down"...... rather than the generic offerings those I heard. Of course, we are at a huge disadvantage because of the lack of support and participation that our team has in the stadium. And from all of the rumblings I have heard.... opinions vary. One of my friends at the Mustang Club lunches told me about the last guy, whom he and others told me, everyone hated for some reason..... that SMU was an intelligent crowd and reminding them it was the other team's third down seemed condescending. The first games I simply said 3rd down in a normal level. After talking to some of the coaches, they encouraged me to make a big deal out of it. Did you see the players and the coaches as well that were jumping on the band wagon when I said "Owl's Third Down"? My first commitment is to make the players and coaches happy.... so, it stays. Sorry.

Hoop Hour

I'm going to the SMU Women's Basketball "Hoop Hour" (Happy Hour) 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday the 11th. It's at the Doubletree @ Campbell Center, 8250 N. Central Expressway. The first beverage is free, courtesy of the Doubletree. Would love to meet an many of you that want to come.

Have a question on what I or we do and why? Let me hear you. You will always get an honest answer from me.

Thanks for your continued input.

David