I too almost ditched SMU

Top Twenty · Post by **Top Twenty** » Wed Jan 25, 2012 1:58 pm

Thank you for the heartfelt, well reasoned post. I believe you're spot on. I, too, was upset and frustrated with the happenings of December. That, coupled with the loss of Klemm's recruits, made me angry and bitter. However, I really do believe that June is committed to the program, and the performance of the team against Pitt was a statement. A strong and encouraging statement. So, here are three things to consider...the negative vibes on this board can and do hurt us, so be mindful...Klemm's recruits were, from the very beginning, unabashed in saying that they were still going to actively look around (so we really don't know who we would have kept even had he stayed)...and don't be surprised, at the end of the day, if our recruiting class turns out much better than you currently expect.

ponyinNC · Post by **ponyinNC** » Wed Jan 25, 2012 1:58 pm

toe the company line or be fired...is that what you are saying?

I was at the Compass Bowl, screaming support for our players, waving an smu flag. I made my wife a fan and many of my friends in Washington and North Carolina are now fans because of my constant talking up of SMU. I have an SMU helmet in my office and a signed ED jersey on the wall. I'm proud of my fandom.

I don't live in Dallas, but still attend at least one home game a year and travel anywhere close to DC/NC for away games. So please do not question my loyalty. I'm not in the CofC, but I have the right to complain when I see things happening that I don't like or understand. If not on pf.com, where do you suggest I speak out about problems I see with this staff and the program?

Pony up!

SMUer · Post by **SMUer** » Wed Jan 25, 2012 2:00 pm

We are easily one of the most self-flagellating fan bases. I'm tired of that culture. "JUNE OWES US NOTHING! WE DESERVE NOTHING! BE GRATEFUL! BE QUIET!" is their battle cry.

Comet · Post by **Comet** » Wed Jan 25, 2012 2:03 pm

I'm incredibly appreciative of June Jones. But a high level of appreciation does not automatically make one impervious to criticism either. He could have handled the ASU situation, and now this recruiting fiasco somewhat better. Either way though, without the man, there is no Big East. He has elevated the recognition of SMU to a level it hasn't seen in decades. Those in the academic sectors of the school are also benefiting from June.

ponyinNC · Post by **ponyinNC** » Wed Jan 25, 2012 2:06 pm

I was a huge JJ fan up until the ASU fiasco. As Obama said last night, he has a deficit of trust that needs to be repaired.

goldenstang · Post by **goldenstang** » Wed Jan 25, 2012 2:15 pm

Seriously we are the Disney movie of college football message boards. Blaming the people on ponyfans for the problems with this program is pretty weak imo.

Mustangs_Maroons · Post by **Mustangs_Maroons** » Wed Jan 25, 2012 2:16 pm

As an alum, I would never ditch SMU. Coaches come and go in any program, but the institution will always be here. As for what has transpired over the last few months, I think it's reasonable to be disappointed and mad with the recent events. This would be a moot point if that fiasco with asu had not happened, so it's not fair to cast any blame towards the fans. It takes time to build a program that can have a sustainable fan base. JJ of all people should know this. We also need support from more than alumni and students because that alone simply won't fill the stadium. Winning brings fans to the blvd. Playing good competition brings fans as well. We need local fan support. We need to put a quality product on the field and have the Dallas fan be able to want to watch a game here.

We need to continue to support the football program but we also deserve a coach that supports and believes in our tradition. If JJ embraces that, then he will have our undivided support. I think what many of us are seeing contradict what we need to see from a coach that embraces our tradition and our school fully. I'm grateful that our football program has been resurrected, but our football program is rich in history, notwithstanding the last 20 years, and we should strive to be among the top 25 teams nationally. It's an exciting time to be part of SMU.

Let's wait and see how the rest of the recruiting season goes (not much longer) and be mindful that one recruiting season does not break a team. This recruiting team will not be up to par with other BE schools, but we are bringing in some good kids and next year will only get better.

Go Mustangs!

Bergermeister · Post by **Bergermeister** » Wed Jan 25, 2012 2:18 pm

ponyinNC wrote: If not on pf.com, where do you suggest I speak out about problems I see with this staff and the program?

Send a personal email to June Jones and/or to Steve Orsini. These email addresses can be found on smumustangs.com. Their office phone numbers are also available. You ought to "speak out" to someone who could facilitate a solution to "problems" regarding the "staff and the program." But if you are just wanting to practice your creative writing, ponyfans.com is good for you.

ponyinNC · Post by **ponyinNC** » Wed Jan 25, 2012 2:38 pm

Bergermeister wrote:
ponyinNC wrote: If not on pf.com, where do you suggest I speak out about problems I see with this staff and the program?

Send a personal email to June Jones and/or to Steve Orsini. These email addresses can be found on smumustangs.com. Their office phone numbers are also available. You ought to "speak out" to someone who could facilitate a solution to "problems" regarding the "staff and the program." But if you are just wanting to practice your creative writing, ponyfans.com is good for you.

If I thought they would actually listen, I would do that. I sent JJ, SO, and RGT an email when we didn't admit those 2 kids so close to the signing date a few years ago, and never got a response. I've met SO a few times, and he is a great AD, but c'mon man...is he really going to listen to John Q. Fan?

I don't need creative writing practice- I write letters to Congress, Treasury, SEC and other Federal Functional Regulators for a living dude. Sometimes I want to speak to my fellow fan and express my opinion and listen to theirs. That is why it is called a MESSAGE BOARD - so I can post and view messages from my fellow ponyfans. Positive or negative.

Again, I am thankful for everything JJ has done for us, but I truly feel that the ASU deal damaged our program. And since we do not live in China, I am free to express that opinion here.

SMUer · Post by **SMUer** » Wed Jan 25, 2012 2:48 pm

If Ponyfans can't be a place were SMU-loving and caring fans voice their victories and displeasure...something else will take its place...it's what fans do. Keep Ponyfans for fans and let SMU coaches teach their players recruits how to deal with media/fans/pressures/etc. If they are going to play big-time football, they are going to have to deal with it one way or another.

Eddie P · Post by **Eddie P** » Wed Jan 25, 2012 2:49 pm

The jedi are in the process of taking control of China. Stay tuned!

Insane_Pony_Posse · Post by **Insane_Pony_Posse** » Wed Jan 25, 2012 2:58 pm

JonesDoe wrote:get away from all the negative energy, much of the source is published on Ponyfans. It is counterproductive and a hindrance to the team and school goals.

Wow what a great post....and sooo true.

Even Pony Pride in the post at the top part of the Football section says:

"The sole purpose of this site is to support SMU,
its athletic department, its coaches and teams"

PonyFans is a real eye-opener on human personality.

Baggage from being raised in a negative environment
and the real ugliness of people is fully exposed.

I am still often surprised at how negative some people
almost always are....it's a pity but also funny to see
people that live with that "disease". Who wants to be
bummed out all the time? And you are correct that
recruits and parents are likely really put off by the constant
flow of negativity on a program that has made so much
progress under June Jones.

But like SMUer says these message boards are what they are
and I thank God that the people living the reality of
making the big bucks....ya know the ones that actually
live the reality...the players and coaches dont base
their decisions on whats said by "message board experts".

So sit back and laugh at people that cant make a living
in football tell people that do how stupid they are!

Thanks again for a great post!

smubrooks · Post by **smubrooks** » Wed Jan 25, 2012 3:13 pm

June deserves an escort to the exit door!

"thanks for what you did. Good luck down the road"

ponyboy · Post by **ponyboy** » Wed Jan 25, 2012 3:20 pm

I have checked the board four times in 2012 because I too am just sick of the constant negativity. Life's too short. This was a great post.

Water Pony · Post by **Water Pony** » Wed Jan 25, 2012 3:27 pm

sbsmith wrote:June will gone this time next year, will you be following him to his next destination?

I disagree. Both JJ and SMU dodged a bullet on the ASU scenario. Although I share some of JJ's 'apparent' frustration, both parties, the school and the coach, are a good match, committed to each other long term now and learned something in the process.

If change or attitude adjustment is needed, I suggest the Student Body step up and not have Pony Fans be the primary voice of fandom. JJ can help with the students, both encouraging their enthusiasm and working the crowd more. Everyone has a role and responsibility, included this web-site.

Pony Up!

I too almost ditched SMU

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