Passion

[MrMustang1965]

Yes, I'm passionate about SMU football. I have been since I can remember. And I'm not happy about the current state of the program. I remain 'optimistic' that this program will turn around but it does get tougher each day. I read the posts on this board and I talk to people in Dallas (and elsewhere) about what's happened on The Hilltop. It's tough to keep a 'positive mental attitude'. And I'm sure it's even tougher for the team and the coaching staff. But here's my question. So many on this board are currently venting their frustrations over the current state of affairs and that's what a fan board is for. But I wonder: how many of you have walked up to SMU President Gerald Turner or AD Jim Copeland and expressed your feelings to them 'in person'? I had the opportunity to speak with President Turner before the TT game at the tailgate party and I didn't pull any punches about how I felt...especially about his #2 comment in the DMN. Now he might have just thought 'so what?' about what I said...but I at least gave him an earful and I felt better about getting it off my chest. I would like to encourage ALL of you on this board who are dissatisfied with the current situation in ALL athletics at SMU to 'speak your mind' whenever you see Turner or Copeland in public. A little 'public humiliation' can go a long way...Lord knows we've all been on the receiving end of it for a long time...I think it's time we start paying it back in triplicate. When you see Turner or Copeland at a game or at a tailgate party or at a social function or anywhere in public, give 'em a piece of your mind! I've seen this work at other schools...there's no reason why it can't work here, either. We're all passionate about SMU or else we wouldn't be on this board. Speak your mind. And do it publicly...not just on this board.

[PlanoStang]

I guess I had my chance tell President Turner what I felt about things, but that was about a week before Ford Stadium opened.

My brother, and I were scouting out new Ford Stadium views during the pre-season scrimmage, and decided to sit on the shady side for the scrimmage since it was about 102+ degrees out. Not long after we were told to go sit on the east side of Ford in the sun.

We did, and joined a PALTRY FEW who were SUFFERING watching the Stangs workout in the 100+ heat.

We passed President Turner headed indoors not too long after we were making are way to the HEAT STROKE side of the stadium. I told my brother who didn't know that we had just passed the Prez of Smooo.

[localcoach]

you want public humiliation? check the scoreboard after yalls games this year...lol

[PlanoStang]

Doesn't your middle school have a site about the middle school you should playing for yet?

[ponyte]

Localcoach is right about the scoreboard. It is humiliating. I agree with Mr. Mustang as well and I have voiced my concerns to Tuner and Copeland as well. I have also offered my services in whatever capacity that would be appropriate. I will give Copeland and Turner credit, despite the disaster that is currently SMU football, they are out in public and willing to stop and talk/listen to any yokel that comes along. They could hide but they haven't. I had the privilege of playing at SMU when we were paid to win and did. And it is a most cherished privilege. I also have the privilege to have a SMU degree. Despite what many think about real universites, that degree has opened up many doors and allowed me opportunities beyond my wildest expectations. SMU offers so much more than just athletics. That said, athletics adds so much more to the college experience. One should voice their concerns and disappointments and offer what talents and resources, as one is capable. At some point, and that point may be soon, this will turn around. It will be slow but it will happen. We don't have the Pye syndrome anymore and as those zombie like affects wane away, our programs in athletics will vastly improve.

[DennisSimonGuy]

Mr.Mustang,

I am in total agreement with you on this issue. Due to my current situation, things have taken me away from the Lone Star State and cannot reach out and speak to R. Gerald or Fat Jim. Unfortunately, the football program does not list the email addresses of its employees.

Anyway, I believe SMU has to loosen academic guidelines and pour resources into the program or give up and switch to D-3. I cannot stand to see my beloved alma mater get destroyed by second-tier competition.

[Diehard Pony]

I Unfortunately, the football program does not list the email addresses of its employees.

Go to SMUMustangs.com and click on "Staff Directory". All athletic department personnel e-mail addresses may be obtained there.

Gerald Turner's is [email protected]

[MustangTu]

Both Pres. Turn and the AD will listen and in most instances respond to comments. I do suggest that we treat them with courtesy and not call them names as some are prone to do on this board. There size or lack of it has no bearing on the job they were hired to do. We tend to over look the fact that the trustees must like there job performance or they would have been told to move on long ago. Just as the board hired Pye to clean up the mess. He didn't do snything the board did not want done.

[EastStang]

I wrote to R. Gerald after that politically incorrect young republican fiasco about SMU traditions of free speech and academic freedom. I got the most sugarcoated sweet nothing letter you've ever seen. No content, just drivel. That told me all I needed to know about the man.

[stang_fan]

So, all you needed to know to make a judgement on someone is that they have to be very careful about what they say?